Professional Movers Will Help You Navigate the "New Normal"

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

Deciding Where You are Going to Move

The first step of relocating is to decide where you are going to move. Whether you are moving back to your home state or embarking on an adventure to a new region of the country, it is important to decide where you are going. Do your research to learn more about the local culture of where you are moving along with information about crime statistics, school ratings, quality of life, etc. Dig deep and learn as much as you can about your new city before you commit to the move.

Cost of Living

An important point to consider is how much it will cost you to move to your dream location as opposed to staying where you are now. The cost of living in your new home state can be higher or lower, depending on the region and average salaries in that area. If you move to a booming metropolitan city, you are likely to pay more for housing and every day necessities than you would pay living in a small town in rural America. Working remotely in an industry that pays well could serve your financial future well if you move to a state that enjoys a lower cost of living.

Packing for Your Interstate Move

Professional movers can help you get your belongings to your new interstate home all safe and sound. Moving companies are equipped with a variety of services that ensure your move is as stress-free as possible. They can handle packing all your belongings, focus on expertly packing only your valuables, offer advice on how you can pack yourself, and transport your personal possessions.

While packing for your interstate move, take time to donate items you no longer want or need and throw out broken and soiled items so you do not need to transport them with you to your new home. Moving provides the perfect opportunity to get rid of clutter.

Moving Budget

Create a moving budget early so you know exactly how much money you can spend on your move. There is nothing worse than arriving to your new home with less money in your pocket than you planned. Most professional movers can work with any moving budget large or small and will provide transparent pricing so there are no surprises along the way. Here are some expenses you should plan for while budgeting for your interstate move:

• Hotel lodging and meals
• Airfare
• Utilities set up fees and deposits
• Mortgage or rent down payments and fees
• Packing and unpacking fees associated with your move
• Logistics fees to transport your belongings to your new home
• Fuel and vehicle maintenance (if you are planning to drive to your new interstate home)
• Storage fees

Dotting the "i's" and Crossing the "T's"

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, there are a lot of details associated with moving, and it is worth your while to get a jump start wherever possible. To make your move as stress-free as possible, make a checklist of all your moving related administrative tasks and try to check off as many as you can before embarking on your journey. Here are some recommendations to help you get started:

• Set up utilities and pay deposits
• Notify the Post Office of your move date and new address
• Contact friends, family, and business associates and notify them of your move
• Update your insurance carriers of your move
• Obtain new driver's license and vehicle registrations
• Make a list of stores, service stations, and other businesses located near your new home
• If you have kids, contact their new schools to learn about the registration process
• Find a new doctor, dentist, and specialists in your new home state

Covid-19 has opened a door of opportunity to both employers and employees when it comes to where and how the work of your business gets done. If you have been provided with the unique opportunity to work remotely, the sky is the limit when it comes to where you can live and do your work. If you are thinking about seizing the opportunity and embarking on an interstate move, A-1 Freeman Moving Group can help! Our consultants are ready to help you create a budget and our professional movers will transport all of your possessions safely. Contact us today so we can get started!