How to Move Out of State: Tips for Stress Free Moving

Out-of-state and long-distance moves come with unique challenges and expenses. Good timing is crucial, and costs add up quickly. However, it can also be an exciting process. Being well prepared will help balance the stressful with the hopeful and curb the chaos.

Learn how to move out of state with our guide to budgeting, housing, rentals, packing and travel.

How to prepare to move out state: moving checklist

Tackle this checklist for long distance moves from beginning to end, and you’ll be on your way.

Create a budget for your move

Before you make any decisions, get an idea of what you can swing financially. If you’re moving for a job, check if your employer covers relocation expenses. You’ll most likely need to factor some of the following into your budget:

• An early trip to scout housing options.
• Packing materials including boxes, tape, bubble wrap, etc.
• Moving services Rates of full-service movers, shipping companies, moving van rentals and trailer/container rentals in your area.
• Gas, food and hotels while traveling.
• Lost income during moving days.
• Temporary and/or long-term housing. If you don’t have long-term housing lined up, you may need to stay in a hotel or motel until you do. If you’re moving into a rental right away, be prepared to pay first month’s rent, last month’s rent and a security deposit up front.
• Storage unit: $100 to $300 a month. If you’re staying with friends, family or another short-term situation while you house hunt, you’ll need a place to store your things.
• Closing and opening utility accounts.

Decide where you and your stuff will stay

Try to visit your new city before the move so you can tour places to live and get the feel for the neighborhoods. If you don’t have time for a trip, you may be able to arrange a virtual tour.

Of course, staying with friends or family is a convenient and affordable option, but don’t forget to line up a storage unit for your things. Keep in mind that storage facilities tend to rent units by the month rather than weeks or days.

Pick your moving dates and method

Decide on a date you want to arrive and figure out how long it will take to get there. Moving services are one of the largest expenses long-distance moves, so get as many quotes as you can.

Full-service moving companies

These movers will help you pack, drive the truck to your location, then help you unload. Online, you can find many companies for moving out of state, such as Mayflower, International Van Lines, Allied Van Lines and United Van Lines. Expect to pay around $4,000 to $9,000.

Shipping companies

Shippers like U-Pack, Pods and uShip will move your things, but you must pack them up yourself. Costs range from $1,500 to $4,000.

Truck, trailer and container rentals

While far more affordable, these options require you to pack, transport and unpack yourself. Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,000 for a week-long rental.

Make plans for your car

Some moving companies will transport your vehicle with the rest of your things, so if you have the budget for it, you can hop on a plane and skip the drive completely. There are also plenty auto-specific moving companies if your mover won’t do it. If you’re renting a truck and driving it yourself, you can usually haul your car behind it for an extra fee.

Start packing immediately

You never realize how much stuff you have until you start putting it in boxes. To avoid rushed packing as moving day nears, begin as soon as you can. Start with the non-essentials, sorting out what you want to donate or sell as you go. Think about what you may need as soon as you arrive and leave those things for last.

Pro tip: Label the outside of each box so you know what's inside ("Jackets," "Fragile China," "Bedroom Lamps") to make unpacking smoother.

Plan out your travel time

If you’re traveling long distances with a rented truck or trailer, this one is important. Plan out exactly how far you’ll drive each day and where you’ll stop to sleep. You don’t want to drive around a strange city, looking for places to park a big truck, so consider overnight parking at rest stops, big box retailers, parks and visitor centers (check beforehand to confirm local regulations).You can also map out Cracker Barrel locations on your route, as they also allow overnight parking and have the added bonus of a hearty meal menu. Make sure to keep a separate travel bag with you in the main vehicle, so you aren’t caught without day-to-day essentials. Food may also be tricky to find on the road with a large vehicle, so it’s advisable to bring some with you from home, or stock up at grocery chains, gas stations or truck stops if you have no other options.

The ultimate out-of-state moving checklist

Throughout the moving process, it’s helpful to have reference points that track your progress. This checklist for moving out of state details what you should be doing and when, from eight weeks out to moving day.

Tips for an out-of-state move

1. Don’t buy when you can rent or borrow

If you’re able to borrow a truck or van from a friend or family member, borrow away. Rather than buying boxes, stop by your local supermarket or department store to see if they’ve got any. You can even send a company-wide email at work to ask if anyone’s recently moved — they could have the supplies you’re looking for.

2. Share the heavy lifting

While hiring movers is often a great way to reduce day-of anxiety, if your moving date is flexible enough to accommodate people willing to help you move, consider taking them up on the offer. Moving during off-peak seasons when possible may also help to reduce the cost of movers and give you more time to plan your move. You can also hire people just to help you pack and unload those items that may give you more trouble.

3. Purge as you pack

Moving is much easier and lighter when there are fewer boxes to pack (and unpack) and furniture to move. Look at this as the perfect opportunity to get rid of old clothes and furniture, outdated appliances and electronics, and items collecting dust in the basement. Throw a yard sale!

4. Use an app to stay organized

Check your app store for helpful ways to take inventory of your things, find local movers, calculate moving costs and more. And once you get settled, look for DIY interior decorating apps that help you envision ways to decorate your new home, and task-specific apps that connect you with contractors, cleaners and other skilled pros in your new hometown.

5. Set up mail and utilities

Don’t forget to change your mailing address on usps.com and turn on your utilities. You wouldn’t want to arrive at your new place, ready to get started, only to realize you don’t have electricity or running water. Talk to your rental company or local utility companies ahead of time to set up power, water, garbage, sewer and internet.

6. Find out ahead of time which items movers won’t take

To don’t want to be caught off guard on moving day when your movers tell you that cannot transport certain “hazardous” items. Fuel and gasoline, firearms and ammunition, propane tanks, fire extinguishers and paints are popular items that most movers say no to. Check with your moving company to be sure.

7. Use your empty suitcases to move heavy items

Throwing empty suitcases into the moving van can be a wasted opportunity. Most suitcases have wheels, making them the perfect dolly for transporting heavy items.

8. Use clothes and towels to protect your breakables

Balled up socks can be great filler in boxes packed with fragile items. Use sheets, towels and wash clothes to give dishes and other items the extra padding you need to avoid shifting.

9. Pack one room at a time

It’s much easier to tackle one large task when you break it up into manageable pieces. Focus on completely packing one room before moving on to the next. It will help you see your progress more clearly and give you a nice sense of accomplishment along the way.

FAQs about long distance moves

How much should you budget to move out of state?

Travel and moving-related expenses average around $2,200 to $5,700, depending on distance and the weight of what you’re moving. The total cost of long-distance moves, including things like new housing and lost wages, will vary widely based on where you live and what you do.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state?

Make your move on the cheap by downsizing your belongings as much as you can so they fit in a trailer or other storage container. Hauling your things with your own vehicle will be the cheapest option, and the smaller the container the better. Also, avoid paying double rent or mortgage by timing your move right and being quick about it.

Can I get a loan to move out of state?

Many people apply for a small moving loan to cover expenses, especially for long-distance moves. Having a little extra cash at your disposal can help you prepare for the unexpected while reducing anxiety around an already stressful event. If you are considering this option, apply for a moving loan from OneMain Financial to help with the costly expenses of moving out of state.

Get the most mileage out of your move

Making a big long-distance move work for you and your budget takes preparation, but it’s ultimately a great way to start your new chapter off on the right foot. Thoughtfully and honestly evaluating what you need to make your move a success looks different for everyone, but with proper planning you make moving less stressful and get on your way.

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1. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/movers-and-packers-cost/
2,3. https://www.mymove.com/moving/costs-and-finances/low-income-moving-assistance/

This article has been updated from a previous posting on May 26, 2021. Andrea Hoyt contributed.