An out-of-state move can be thrilling and terrifying. Having recently relocated my family to New Jersey, I’ve learned some valuable lessons about what works and what doesn’t. To focus on the thrill instead of the stress, here are five tips that will help you navigate an out-of-state move with confidence.
Tip 1: Create a Moving Timeline
Unlike local moves, moving across the United States requires more lead time and coordination with multiple parties.
Three months before our cross-country move to New Jersey, I created a detailed timeline working backward from moving day. This became our family’s roadmap through the chaos. For out-of-state moves, I recommend:
- 3 months out: Research long-distance moving companies, request quotes, and begin a housing search in your new location
- 2 months out: Secure your new home, register children for schools (which often requires in-person visits), and begin address change notifications
- 1 month out: Finalize your moving company contract, create an inventory of your belongings, and begin packing
- 2 weeks out: Transfer medical records, arrange utility connections in both locations and confirm all moving process logistics
This structured timeline prevented last-minute emergencies and gave us clarity during an otherwise overwhelming moving experience.
Tip 2: Research and Budget
Long-distance moving will present expenses that are unique compared to local moves. When planning our family’s relocation to New Jersey, we discovered costs we hadn’t initially considered.
Research the cost-of-living difference between your current location and destination. We were surprised by the housing costs in Bergen County compared to our previous home. Then, create a spreadsheet tracking:
- Transportation costs (fuel, flights, hotels for family during transition)
- Moving company quotes (which vary for long-distance moves)
- Temporary housing if needed
- First month’s living expenses in your new location
- Emergency fund for unexpected costs
We found that getting quotes from multiple long-distance moving companies saved us nearly $1,200 (keep reading to learn who we used). Remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look for value and services included rather than just the bottom line.
Tip 3: Declutter Before Your Move
The less you bring, the less you pay to move across state lines. This is the case no matter where you move, but long-distance moves amplify the cost of hauling unneeded possessions. Before moving your belongings to New Jersey, we ruthlessly decluttered our home, which provided several benefits:
- Lower moving costs (we saved approximately 15% on our moving company quote)
- Easier packing, loading, and organization process
- Fresh start in our new home without unnecessary items
- Extra cash from selling unwanted stuff
- Reduced stress during unpacking and settling in
We donated usable items, sold valuable pieces online, and discarded what couldn’t be reused. The lightened load made our cross-country move significantly more manageable and allowed us to be more intentional about what we brought to our new home.
Tip 4: Fall in Love with Your New Home
Before moving to New Jersey, I immersed myself in information about my future home. This preparation made a tremendous difference in our adjustment and created excitement rather than anxiety about the change.
We decided that living in New Jersey meant moving to Bergen County. We wanted to be close to New York but near the edge of the metropolitan area where we could get out of the city pretty quick. Our oldest daughter has always set her sights on Princeton University, which is also not terribly far away.
We planned weekend trips to explore our new area before the move. This allowed our children to visualize their new life and gave us practical knowledge of the region. We discovered local parks, restaurants, and community centers that quickly became favorites after our relocation.
You’ll have a much better move if you arrive at your new home knowing what to expect and why you’re excited to move there.
Tip 5: Invest in a Long-Distance Moving Company
After weighing DIY options against professional services, hiring a full-service moving company for our long-distance moving was the better choice for us. The expertise of experienced movers eliminated countless headaches, and their local knowledge got us quickly to our new home.
A white glove moving service includes packing, loading, unloading, and transportation, backed by insurance and accountability. With years of experience handling distance moves, professional movers navigate challenges that would overwhelm most families.
Our experience with Zip To Zip Moving Company transformed what could have been a stressful transition into a stress-free process. Their team provided specialized crating for our antique furniture and flexible storage solutions when our closing date changed unexpectedly. Their approach to the moving process allowed our family to focus on saying proper goodbyes and preparing for our new beginning in New Jersey.
I hope these tips help you enjoy the new adventure that awaits you. Good luck with your cross-country move and follow my tips so you don’t need luck at all!
Leave a Reply