Making a move to an apartment can be difficult – even if it’s a move right down the street. There can be a seemingly endless coordination of details – from the transfer of utilities to the packing and moving of boxes. But when moving to an apartment in another state, the issues are compounded by distance. The organization of the necessary details can be extremely challenging over state lines. But organization is key; if you are detailed, task-minded, and committed to research, you can streamline your move significantly.
Research, Research, Research
Chances are that you’ve already chosen the state to which you are moving based on a job opportunity or something similar. Now it’s time to learn all that you can about your new home. Modern day movers are afforded a tool that most of us didn’t have when we were moving to an apartment – the Internet. The Internet has shrunk our world, vanishing state lines and putting all the resources of towns and cities across the nation at our fingertips. Collect as much information as you can about the neighborhood where you’re moving to an apartment. This will give you a lay of the land that you are soon to call home so that you know where your local stores, restaurants, hospitals, and schools are in relation to your new apartment.
Packing, Moving, And Storing
Apartment moving in another state requires hiring professional movers who will travel across state lines or – if you have a limited number of things – renting a truck that you can drive yourself; although if you have a car that you must get to your new home you must also consider that.
Get at least three estimates from moving companies or truck rental companies – comparing prices, services provided, and timing required. Have everything packed securely awaiting the move.
Of course, moving to an apartment may sometimes require downsizing. Should you require a storage facility for things that will not fit in your new home, contract with a facility nearby your new apartment and arrange to have the movers take those – carefully marked and separated – belongings straight to storage.
Have Your Apartment Ready
The best gift that you can give yourself is to have things lined up and ready for you upon your arrival; preliminary work before the move can help set the stage for a smooth move.
- Ask your medical and dental professionals for recommendations in your new state and have all records transferred.
- If moving with children, transfer school records.
- Arrange for shut off of utilities in your current apartment and schedule all new utilities to be operating prior to moving to an apartment.
- Confirm that all necessary work will be completed in the apartment prior to move-in including repairs, painting, changing of the locks, etc.
- Make arrangements to forward your mail and alert family, friends, insurance agents, cell phone accounts, and creditors to your change of address.
- Arrange for renter’s insurance in your new apartment.
- Open up bank accounts in your new state and transfer funds.
- Learn what you need to do in order to obtain your new driver’s license upon your arrival and register your vehicle in your new state.
The Actual Move
Moving to an apartment in another state may require quite a bit of traveling. Once your current home has been completely packed, the movers have collected your things, and you’ve appropriately cleaned and closed your current home, it’s time to hit the road. It is imperative that NO important papers go with your movers; bring birth certificates, marriage certificates, insurance paperwork, etc. with you on your trip so that you are never without them – along with cash, credit cards, etc.
Also, be sure to pack enough clothes, toiletries, and food items to be comfortable while you wait for the movers to arrive.
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