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Moving across town is a relatively simple matter. You just grab a few friends, pack up the car and enjoy a celebratory dinner in your new home. Things get a lot more complicated, however, when the move is across the country instead of across town. If you are planning an interstate move, you need to plan carefully and create a timeline you can work with from start to finish. Here’s your Moving Checklist and Timeline

Here’s your Timeline and Checklist

It is important to have a comprehensive checklist and a realistic timeline for your OSM (out-of-state move), whether that move is to the next state over or from coast to coast. Knowing what you need to do and when is the best way to get ready, and preparing now can make a world of difference when moving day finally arrives. Whether you use our consultant to help you develop a comprehensive timeline and easy to use checklist or tackle the job your own, now is the time to get ready for your out-of-state move.

Nine Weeks Out

With nine weeks to go, it may seem like the big move is a long way off, but it will be here before you know it. Here are some essential things you need to do nine weeks out from moving day.

Confirm your new address and contact the local utility companies. Find out what you need to do to turn on phone service, cable, water, electricity and other essentials.

Start researching long-distance moving companies. Get quotes and compare the costs carefully.

Plan a yard sale to get rid of the things you do not want to take with you.

Clear out the clutter around your home. Throw away anything that cannot be used or sold.

Others have Read: Moving Tips – Finding The Best Moving Company

 

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Eight Weeks Out

With two months to go, now is the time to consolidate your plans and start getting your ducks in a row. Make sure these tasks are completed with eight weeks to spare.

• Clean out your basement and make arrangements to have paints, solvents and other potentially hazardous materials hauled away.
• Clean out your closets and place out-of-season clothing in boxes. Label each box and set it aside for your upcoming interstate move.

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Seven Weeks Out

Moving day is getting closer, and it is time to clear out the clutter and get ready.

• Hold your big yard sale. Take the proceeds to the bank and make arrangements with local charities to get rid of any unsold items
• Contact the school your child will be attending in your new location. Make sure you have all the documentation needed for registration.
• Review the finalists for your long distance move based on the quotes you got earlier. Contact the companies to get further details.

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People also ask: What do I need to know when moving out of state?

Six Weeks Out

With only six weeks to go, it is time to start getting serious. Make sure these essentials are taken care of six weeks out.

• Have your carpets professionally cleaned so they are spic and span for the new owners
• Check the condition of your furniture and have it professionally cleaned and refreshed if necessary. Repair any torn fabric prior to the move.
• Order boxes, packing tape, markers and other essential supplies for the move.
• Create a room-by-room inventory of the items to be moved and give the list to the moving companies on your finalist list.
• Get a detailed quote from each finalist moving company, based on the item list you provided.

Five Weeks Out

Time is getting short, and it is time to start finalizing your plans. Here are the essential tasks for five weeks before moving day.

• Make sure the company you are considering has the proper licenses and proof of insurance.
• Decide which company will be handling the move and request a final contract.
• Review the moving contract carefully and make sure you understand the terms and conditions before you sign.

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Four Weeks Out

With just a month to go, now is the time to start making your final plans. Be sure these items are completed four weeks out from the big day.

• Go through your home in search of seldom-used items that can be packed ahead of time. Mark each box as you fill it and set it aside.
• Complete a change of address form at your local Post Office.
• Look for additional items that can be donated, thrown away or left behind. Make arrangements for the pickup, disposal or donation of those items.
• Notify your bank, credit card companies, brokerage houses and service providers of the upcoming move and your new address.

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Three Weeks Out

Time is really getting short. Be sure the following essential tasks are completed at the three week mark.

• Contact your utility companies to arrange for the service transfer after the move.
• Verify that everything is on track with the moving company and confirm the exact date of the move.
• Pack as you go by boxing up items you will not need until after the move. Be sure to carefully label each box.

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Two Weeks Out

With just two weeks to go, the pressure is starting to get intense. Do not let it get to you, and make sure the following tasks are completed.

• Start packing all but the bare essentials. The more you pack now the less you will have to do on moving day.
• Contact the agent handling the closing to confirm the time of the real estate transfer.
• Set aside a box for your essential paperwork, like bank statements, brokerage records, insurance documents and bill payment receipts.
• Make any required special arrangements for your pets, including pet sitters, pet-friendly moving vans and the like.

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Moving Week

The week of the big move is finally here, and it is time to get going. With just a week to go, here are the essential tasks you need to focus on.

• Organize all your medical and dental records and pack them with your other essential documents. Pack any veterinarian records as well.
• Pick up an extra supply of all your prescription medications, as well as medications for your pets. Pack those medications and take them with you instead of putting them on the moving truck.
• Start emptying out your freezer. Enjoy delicious impromptu meals based on whatever you have on hand.

 

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Three Days Before the Move

Moving day is almost here, and it is time to make your final plans. With less than half a week to go, be sure these moving day essentials are ready to go.

• Complete any last-minute packing and make sure all your boxes are properly labeled.
• Pack a set of glasses, dishes and silverware so you can have a great first dinner in your new home. Take these items with you on moving day.
• Transfer your prescriptions to a local pharmacy at your new location.
• Discontinue any remaining home deliveries for newspapers, etc.
• Check the refrigerator and freezer and use up everything you can. Offer extra food to your friends and neighbors or donate it to the local food bank.

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Moving Day

The day you thought would never arrive is finally here. It is time to pack your carry-on bag and get ready for your big interstate drive. Before the moving truck arrives, be sure these last-minute essentials are taken care of.

• Pack a suitcase with essentials you will need during your journey – things like toiletries, towels and extra clothes.
• Drain your lawn and garden equipment, including lawn mowers, snow blowers and week whackers.
• Label everything that will not be making the move, including appliances and fixtures.
• Pack extra cash, credit cards and your checkbook.
• Defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
• Work with the moving company when they arrive and direct their work.

Completing an interstate move can be stressful and a little bit unsettling, but the right preparation can make a world of difference. The preparations you make now can transform a hectic move into a calm cross-country excursion.

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