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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Old or Worn-Out Furniture
Heavy, outdated, or damaged furniture often costs more to move than to replace.
Large Appliances
If your new home already has appliances or your current ones are old, it’s usually cheaper to buy new.
Hazardous Materials
Movers can’t transport flammable, explosive, or toxic items (paint, propane tanks, cleaning chemicals).
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.
Cheap or Easily Replaceable Items
Basic home goods, like plastic storage bins or budget cookware, can be purchased at your destination.
Broken or Unused Electronics
Moving outdated or non-working devices isn’t worth the effort or cost.
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.
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Begin by decluttering and deciding which items are essential. Start packing non-essential items first, labeling boxes clearly to keep your move organized.
While not always the first action, researching and booking a reputable full-service moving company early in the process is highly recommended to ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
Some full-service movers offer unpacking, furniture assembly, and even utility coordination as part of their services.
While DIY moving might seem cheaper, full-service movers can save time, prevent damage, and reduce stress especially for state-to-state moves.
