Moving out of the state is a huge and challenging project. In addition to the fact that you practically have to leave everything which is familiar to you behind and start over, there is also the practical part of the move. If you do not strategize well for the move, the stress that you have to deal with throughout the entire process becomes magnified. Here is a guide on how to plan your out of state move, and the importance of great preparation beforehand.

Getting a moving company

An out of state move is a process which will take at least a day to accomplish. It also comes with its unique challenges such as border regulations, which you may not be able to deal with even if you had a vehicle with the capacity to handle all your belongings. It is, therefore, a smart idea to hire a competent interstate moving company to help you handle the transition in a stress-free way. Ask friends for recommendations, and then search online for companies which have a good reputation and positive customer reviews. Before you make tome for a face to face interview:

• Check to see if the company has all the required licenses and registration.
• Make sure that the company has insurance coverage so that in case of any accidents or incidents, your valuables will be compensated.
• Check their availability in the dates that you would wish to make a move.

When a company checks out on these requirements, you can arrange a one on one meeting.

Schedule an in-home estimate

An in-home estimate is the best way for the company to figure out how much furniture and household items they will be expected to haul across the state, and the fragility of each one of the pieces. Most genuine and competent moving companies provide this estimate free. When preparing for an estimate:

• Take inventory of your furniture
• Label the items which you will be taking with you clearly
• If possible, separate what you will not be taking with you

When the company comes in for the estimate, allow them to look into all of the rooms to see what they will have to carry and what will be left. There are some factors that will affect the final estimate, when they give it to you, ask them to explain the estimate.

Determining service requirements

It is also important to make sure that you understand all other service requirements which could be part of your moving cost. Some of these service requirements include:

• Packing and unpacking assistance
• Short-term storage
• Crating
• Piano, antique and fragile appliances moving
• Furniture disassembly and re-assembly.

Ask the movers whether they charge extra for these items, or it comes included in the cost. In case these items are not listed on the website, ask a representative of the company about them. Finally, take your time when planning and executing the move because better planning will mean better results and fewer complications or losses in the move.