Long-distance Move Hacks

Jennifer Zeile • August 5, 2024
Table of Contents +

All you need to know about moving cross country or to a new state!

Everyone knows moving is a daunting task- but moving to a new state or cross country? The long distance or interstate moves add more challenges. BUT- if you know what to expect and have a few long-distance move hacks up your sleeve; along with finding an amazing interstate moving company- your relocation to your new home state can be a refreshing new start with minimal stress & aggravation.


In this article we’ll share long distance move tips from the pros, a few resources for knowing what to expect, and give you an idea of how the whole process works- because it is totally different than local moving! And sometimes, having a 1 stop shop for your interstate move info is all you really need. 


Read more:

- How To Move Heavy Furniture By Yourself: 8 Easy Ways & Tricks

- How To Pack Plates and Dishes For Moving, Tips For Keep Plates Safe


So where to start? When is more like it. The larger home you have, the earlier you ought to start. 2 months is about what it takes to properly prepare for a long-distance move. 

2 Months before: 

·        Finalize where you are moving to- sign those contracts if it is a lease or purchase.

·        Space Plan your new home – get rid of what won’t fit or needs to be replaced. Don’t transport items out of state that you don’t want or need!

·        Get moving quotes- either full service or rental trucks and labor or friends.

·        Take a weekend to explore your new hometown- you’ll be busy when you first arrive and having a vetted pizza place or local spot to grab takeout will make settling in much more pleasant.

·        Pre-pack important paperwork and valuables into luggage that will be with you during the duration of your out of state move.

1 Month before:

·        Transfer utilities and ensure your accounts, banks, insurance, post office- all have your new address.

·        Make To Do list to stay organized of the little tasks- sticky notes, whatever works for you.

·        Start Packing, if you haven’t yet. Start with out of season items and decorations.

2-3 Weeks before:

·        Meal plan to try and empty out the pantry and freezer as much as possible. Perishable or opened food doesn’t travel well on long-distance moves.

·        Gift plants to friends and family if they won’t fit in your personal vehicle for the move.

·        Get an extra refill on all your family’s prescriptions.

·        Return any borrowed items found during packing like Library books or your neighbors’ hedge trimmer.

1 Week before:

·        Drain mower and lawn equipment of all fuel.

·        Confirm your travel arrangements, movers/ truck reservation and all the details!

·        Pack your travel suitcases; including that important paperwork, jewelry, prescriptions, chargers, clothes and anything else you’ll need in route and as you unpack.

·        ensure everything is labeled- going, fragile, no going, load last, and what room it is to go in at your new home.

1 day before:

·        Unplug refrigerator, defrost freezer, and dispose of any remaining perishables unless you’re taking them in a cooler with you.

·        Make sure everything that fits in a box IS in a box

·        start cleaning- there will be more to do once your belongings are gone but a head start today will help.

Move day!

·        Be on site then entire time and pay close attention during the walk through (before and after) with your movers.

·        Check every single window and door to ensure they are locked, turn off all lights & breakers.


Pace yourself- moving out of state is not a sprint, it’s a marathon! By planning ahead and slowly chipping away at the To Do list- your interstate move can be relatively stress free. 


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