What is the first thing you do when you move state to state?

What is the first thing you do when you move out of state

Get Your Free Moving Estimate

Moving state-to-state can feel overwhelming with so many tasks to handle from organizing your belongings to adjusting to a new environment. The first step is crucial to set the tone for a smooth relocation. Whether it’s creating a detailed plan or tackling important paperwork, knowing where to start makes all the difference. Here’s what you should do first when moving state-to-state to ensure a stress-free transition.

1. Secure a Licensed, Top-Rated Full-Service State-to-State Moving Company

The first and smartest thing to do when planning a state-to-state move is to hire a full-service moving company that specializes in state-to-state relocations. Why? Because your movers will set the timeline, handle the heavy lifting, and coordinate the logistics from start to finish.

A professional team offers:

  • Door-to-door service – from packing and loading to delivery and unpacking.

  • Licensed state-to-state expertise – compliance with FMCSA regulations and state laws.

  • Custom quotes – tailored to your home size, distance, and service needs.

  • Peace of mind – insured transport and experienced crews to protect your belongings.

Pro tip: Start gathering quotes at least 8 weeks before your move to secure the best rates and moving dates. Search for movers with 5-star reviews, verified credentials, and proven state-to-state experience.

2. Organize Your Relocation Timeline

Once your moving company is booked, use their schedule as your framework. A trusted mover will help you build a week-by-week checklist so you know exactly when to:

  • Notify your landlord or sell your home.

  • Begin decluttering and packing non-essentials.

3. Prepare Your Home for the Movers

Full-service movers handle the packing, loading, and transport, but you can make the process smoother by:

  • Setting aside essentials (clothes, toiletries, important documents) to travel with you.

  • Creating an inventory of valuables for insurance purposes.

  • Clearing pathways for safe loading and unloading.

Get Best State-to-State Moving Quotes (Free)

Loading Best Moving Companies...

Why Not DIY?

Options like truck rentals, portable containers, or partial services may seem cost-effective, but they leave you managing logistics, heavy lifting, and transport risks alone. A full-service state-to-state mover turns a stressful, complicated process into a coordinated, streamlined experience especially important when moving hundreds or thousands of miles away.

What Items Are Not Worth Moving?

When preparing for a state-to-state move, not everything in your current home is worth taking with you. Moving things you no longer need can increase costs and clutter in your new space. Here are the main categories to consider leaving behind:

  1. Old or Worn-Out Furniture

    • Heavy, outdated, or damaged furniture often costs more to move than to replace.

  2. Large Appliances

    • If your new home already has appliances or your current ones are old, it’s usually cheaper to buy new.

  3. Hazardous Materials

    • Movers can’t transport flammable, explosive, or toxic items (paint, propane tanks, cleaning chemicals).

  4. Outgrown or Unused Clothing

    • Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year, especially if they don’t suit the climate of your new state.

  5. Cheap or Easily Replaceable Items

    • Basic home goods, like plastic storage bins or budget cookware, can be purchased at your destination.

  6. Broken or Unused Electronics

    • Moving outdated or non-working devices isn’t worth the effort or cost.

Final Thoughts

When you’re moving from state to state, the first thing you should do is hire a licensed, full-service moving company. They’ll handle the packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking so you can focus on the important details of starting fresh in your new home. By trusting experts from the very beginning, you save time, reduce stress, and ensure your belongings arrive safely. It’s the smartest and most reliable way to make a state-to-state move.

Ready to save?
Compare quotes from the best-rated full-service state-to-state movers now using the above companies’ quotes and lock in your lowest price of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)