Finally, you’ve bought that dream house of yours. Now, the SOLD sign will be pegged to the ground and paperwork will be ready and signed. You start to think about how much it will cost you to move your personal belongings interstate? Don't stress!

Here are tips to help you mentally prepare for that interstate move.

Relax

Moving will be one of the most stressful parts of your life, and no matter how much you prepare for it, You have to accept the fact that occasionally things go wrong. Plan ahead, get some good night’s sleep, always remember to be patient, and take deep breaths when making tough decisions. Other tips on how to relax include:

● Listen to soothing music while on the road.
● Ask someone to give you a back rub or get a body massage.
● Drink warm milk and herbal tea.

Prepare in advance

As the saying goes, “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Plan carefully, think and make a list of the essentials you must bring. Last-minute packing will cause stress and can lead you to overlook the important things you need. Some ways to prepare in advance include:

● Write down your to-do list in advance.
● Include time estimates on your list, whether it’s a ten-minute or one-hour job.
● Use a calendar planner app.

Get help from friends and family

Ask insights from your loved ones that had prior experience with an interstate move. Ask your friends for help with packing and boxing. Having some help with lifting heavy belongings and furniture can surely make your move easier. Plan a weekend move when your friends and family don’t have work so you have additional manpower.

Don't forget to show appreciation for their support – some free pizza and beer will do!

Get packing boxes

Cardboard boxes will be your best bet. They are cheap, durable, strong, lightweight, and also recyclable. They can be stored flat for easy storage and can be reused for other purposes. It provides a stable cushion, keeping your belongings safe for the long-distance move.

You can get durable packing boxes from your home improvement chains, or if you have hired a moving service company like Allied Van Lines, they can supply you boxes specifically suited for interstate moves.

Label boxes and make a list

Label all your boxes. You can organize boxes per room to make unboxing and unloading easier. It’ll be inconvenient to open each box because you have no idea where you packed your pet food, bathroom supplies, or even toiletries.

Make a list of all the boxes and what's inside it. When you itemize the contents of your boxes, you know precisely where to look and this will save you precious time and energy.

Also, when packing up, place nonessentials at the bottom of the boxes and the important ones on top. This will allow easy access to something you need more quickly without going through everything inside the box.

When unloading, you can check your list to know where that heavy furniture will go and prioritize which room to unpack first.

Moving kit

Prepare a moving kit for easy access to your essentials without having to open large and heavy boxes. Here are some essentials you should consider packing in your kit:

● Wallet
● Phone charger
● Basic toiletries
● Underwear and extra clothes
● Eyeglasses
● First aid kit
● Snacks
● Medications

Place your moving kit in your car or in a separate box that will allow for easy retrieval.

Calculate moving costs

Whether you hire a household moving company or move on your own, there are a lot of factors to consider when calculating moving costs. Here are some of them:

● Distance
● Weight
● Number of belongings to be moved
● Packing and unpacking
● Special items

If you hire a moving company, you can ask them for quotes to know precisely how much the move will cost.

Hire a household moving company

If you have some extra money, you should consider hiring one. It will save you a lot of time, work, and mental stress. Here are some tips:
● Search the web for reputable moving companies, get free quotes from different movers, and look for the lowest offers.
● Read and understand their insurance policies, and check if you have enough coverage for all of your property.
● Check online reviews before choosing the company.
● Hire a moving company with years of experience and delivers high-quality interstate relocation services to their customers.
● Make sure the company is licensed to operate in the states you are traveling as there are fly-by-night companies out there to watch out.

Closing thoughts

Proper planning and preparation will go a long way in your upcoming journey. Consider these tips to avoid unnecessary stress and expenses and to have a safe and smooth interstate move.