September 2, 2022 Posted in Moving Tips

Ultimate Moving Out List That Will Make Your Relocation Smooth

If you are ready to move, the first thing you should know is that a lot goes into the process of relocating. It can be daunting to think about everything you need to do. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. This comprehensive moving-out list will help make your relocation a smooth and hassle-free experience. So read on, and get started!

A girl creating a moving list California-Seattle Express Logo
Memorize this to-do list for moving out of state and cross the items as you finish them

The First Thing on Your Moving Out List Should Be the Budget

The most important aspect of any move is calculating the relocation budget. If you don’t take the time to properly assess how much money you need to complete your move, you will likely find yourself in a financial bind come relocation day. In order to avoid this relocation mistake, creating a budget is a must.

The first step in creating a budget for your move is to get an estimate of relocation costs. The best way to do this is to contact a professional cross-country moving company and request a quote. Factor in the cost of additional services if you require them, as well as the money needed if some unexpected costs arise.

Aside from relocation costs, you should also count on the cost of your trip to the new home, as well as living expenses once you get there.

Once you have a general idea of what your expenses are, you can begin creating a budget and planning the move. Note that the amount of money you have at your disposal can dictate how your move will look. The relocation budget will show whether you can hire long-distance movers or move by yourself, which packing materials you will use, or even where you will live once you move.

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Finding a Suitable Home Should Be on Every List for Moving Out

There are a few things you should consider when relocating to a new state and looking for a suitable home. Here is a checklist of what to look for in a new place:

Location

No matter the reasons for the move, the first thing you should consider is the location of your potential new home. You’ll want to make sure it’s in a safe neighborhood and close to public transportation if you’ll be relying on it. You should also consider the distance to your workplace and schools (if you’re relocating with kids).

Size

Another important factor to consider is the size of the home. If you’re not relocating to a new city alone, you’ll want to ensure it’s large enough to accommodate you and any other occupants. If you plan to move with pets, you’ll need to take their needs into consideration as well.

Features

When considering a new home, you should also think about the features it offers. Does it have the amenities you’re looking for? Is it pet-friendly? Does it have enough storage space? These are crucial factors to think about when deciding where to live.

Price

Of course, you’ll also need to consider the price of the home. You’ll want to ensure it’s within your budget and that you’re comfortable with the monthly payments. Use websites such as Realtor when house hunting, or Numbeo, if you want to research the average rent in a chosen city.

Don’t Forget to Notify Your Landlord About the Move or Find a Realtor

It’s essential to give your landlord plenty of notice before you move out. Most leases require 30 days’ notice, but it’s always best to check your specific lease agreement. If you don’t give proper notice, you may be charged a fee or lose your security deposit.

If you’re a homeowner, on the other hand, you’ll need a realtor that can help you sell your old home. A realtor can help you determine the right asking price for your home. They can also help you market your home and show it to potential buyers. And finally, they can negotiate on your behalf with any potential buyers. Of course, you can try to sell a house without an agent – but it is simpler and less stressful to leave the job to the professionals.

Realtor showing a house on sale before cross-country moving
Leave marketing your home to the professional while you focus on the relocation tasks

Create a Home Inventory List

A home inventory checklist is a document that itemizes all of the possessions in your home. This can be a handy tool when you’re relocating.

Creating a checklist for home inventory is a relatively simple process: just walk through your home and write down everything you see. Be sure to include items in closets, cabinets, and other storage areas; you may be surprised at how much stuff you have once you start looking! Additionally, include things that are not in your home currently – clothes on dry cleaning, valuables in security boxes, and so on.

Once you have completed it, you can use it for a few different purposes. It can become a packing checklist. This can help you remember everything when packing up your home for a move.

You can also use it as a way to keep track of your belongings. This can be helpful if something gets lost or damaged in the move. Having a checklist of what you own will give you a better chance of being reimbursed by your long-distance moving company in case something goes missing. Finally, it can help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of before the move.

You’ll Also Need a List of All Packing-Related Relocation Tasks

Packing is a huge part of any move. While it may seem like a straightforward process, there’s actually a lot that goes into packing up your life and getting it from one place to another. By making a list of all the packing-related tasks, you can avoid any last-minute scrambling and ensure that everything makes it to your new home safe and sound.

So, what exactly should you be sure to include on your packing to-do list? Here are a few ideas that can help you pack and move efficiently:

Declutter your current residence

It’s important to start decluttering as soon as possible. This move is likely going to be a big one, and the last thing you want to do is deal with a bunch of extra stuff that you don’t need. Go through your belongings and get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year or two (excluding sentimental items and belongings of high monetary value). This includes clothes, furniture, knick-knacks, and so on. Not only will decluttering make your move more manageable, but it will also help you save on relocation costs.

Sell or donate the extra stuff

Selling your unwanted items is a great way to make some extra money for your move. You can have a garage sale or sell things online. Donating your unwanted items is also a great option. You can donate to charity or even gift items to a friend or family member who could use them.

Gather packing supplies

It’s up to you to choose which supplies you need. However, some of the most common supplies on a moving-out list of things to buy are boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper, foam peanuts, furniture blankets, tape, and markers.

Make a packing plan

There are a few things you need to consider when making your packing plan: the amount of time you have, the type of your move, the weather at your destination, and the items you need to pack. Once you are familiar with all these factors, organize the move. Use a room-by-room system, starting from rooms you utilize the least.

Additionally, so your belongings can arrive at their new destination safe and damage-free, you’ll need to learn some packing-related relocation tips. Start with the video below:

Find Reputable Long-Distance Movers

When choosing a relocation company, get referrals from friends or family who have moved recently and check the online reviews of companies that operate near you. Then, research the companies you’re considering thoroughly in order to avoid relocation scams.

The most important thing to remember when searching for long-distance moving services is to use the company’s USDOT number to check the company’s license and insurance status. Also, make sure you check the team’s ratings on BBB. Finally, get quotes from several different companies so that you can compare prices and services. That way, you’ll find movers from Seattle to California (or movers from California to Seattle) that completely fit your needs and possibilities.

Make Sure You Use All the Necessary Services

There are a lot of different services that one reliable relocation company can offer – ensure to choose the one that can meet all your needs. Consider getting:

  • Packing services if you don’t have time, knowledge, or energy to deal with packing,
  • Car shipping if you’re not used to or don’t want to indulge in long road trips,
  • Storage services if you need a space to place your belongings until you settle in.

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Start Looking for a New Job

Unless you are relocating for work, you can begin looking for a job even before the move. This allows you to get familiar with the job market and even get the job before relocating. Start by doing some research on the local job market and get connected with people who live and work in your new city. Of course, don’t forget to utilize job search engines and online resources – use keywords related to your skill set and desired industry to narrow down your search. Of course, when you find a job that fits, make sure to apply for it.

Woman looking for a job before cross-country moving
By starting the search early, you're increasing your chances of finding the job that fits

Notify People About the Move and Schedule Utility Change

An interstate relocation is always a hassle, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for yourself and your family – so make sure those are not things you forget to do.

One of those is letting your utility companies know about the move in advance. This way, you can schedule a time for them to turn off your service at your old home and turn it on at your new home. This will help to avoid any lapse in service and make the transition smoother.

In addition, be sure to inform all your friends and family about a change of address, and don’t forget to update the USPS.

Think about who else needs to be informed about the move – and don’t forget important institutions. You must provide an update to your bank, loan and insurance providers, and IRS. When organizing important documents, check all agencies and facilities you’re doing business with and give them an update.

Man informing others about his long-distance moving
Think about all of those who need to know about your move - and make sure you inform them

Prepare Your Home for the Movers

Making sure your home is ready for the movers is one of the most common relocation day tips – and for a good reason. You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute to try and get everything in order. If you plan on hiring cross-country movers, here are a few things you can do to help make sure the move goes smoothly:

  • Clear out any cluttered areas of your home, so the movers have a clear path to walk through,
  • Make sure all appliances are unplugged and ready to go,
  • If you have kids or pets, make arrangements for them to be out of the way on the relocation day (ask a friend or hire a sitter to watch over them),
  • Withdraw cash in case of emergencies, as well as tipping movers (if you plan to).

Don’t Forget to Pack up a Bag of Essentials

There are a few things you shouldn’t forget to pack separately when relocating. Toiletries, change of clothes, electronics, medicines, food, and so on are all part of the moving-out list of essentials. Those are the items you’ll need for the trip itself as well as for surviving the first few days in a new place – while the rest of your belongings are still with the professionals.

Relax and Enjoy the Move After Checking All Tasks Out of the List

The best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by your move is to plan ahead and make a list of everything that needs to be done. This will help you stay organized and on track while packing and preparing for the big day. Once you’ve got everything packed up and ready to go, take a deep breath and relax. The most important thing is to get through the process, so don’t let the stress of relocating get to you. Remember, it’s just the beginning of a new and exciting adventure!

Milly Andrews

Milly is a Portland prodigy of packing and relocating! She has been on the move her whole life, and she's got the moving boxes and stories to prove it. With her vast experience in the art of relocation, she's like a human GPS, always finding the most efficient way to navigate the moving process.

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