The Only Long-Distance Moving Checklist You'll Need

Life moves at us fast, and being a new homeowner brings its fair share of adventures, joys, and reservations. But when you purchase a home in a different state, the excitement of starting a new chapter of life in unfamiliar territory comes with uncertainty. The good news is that people have traveled these roads before, and there's a moving checklist for the long-distance relocation process that can take some of the worry off your mind.

You should start with a moving-out-of-state checklist, whether you’re moving to another area for a job, making an investment opportunity in another city, or venturing out on a whim. This handy guide differs in many ways from a moving checklist for short-distance moves, and the items on it can save you from big hassles down the road. Here are eight tips for moving long-distance—whether to a nearby state or across the country. Start your journey confidently, and check off the following items as you go! 

1. Research and Enroll in Schools

Moving long-distance to an unfamiliar area can have a big impact on kids, and sticking to their regular routines can provide a sense of comfort. While attending a new school can be intimidating, you can help make the transition smoother by having a plan before moving. Research schools near your new home and complete as much of the enrollment process as possible ahead of time. Sending school transcripts and copies of birth certificates and other documents before you pack them for your move can save you time digging through boxes in a hurry later.

Related: Check out our Moving Tips for Parents

2. Research and Book Movers

If you plan on using professional movers for your relocation,  this step should be crossed off early from your moving-across-the-country checklist. The movers you select will be caring for nearly all your belongings, and you'll want to research companies to find a highly trusted company with good reviews. Long-distance moves take almost as much planning for movers as they do for you, so booking them early and allowing them time to develop logistics can make the process easier for both parties.

Pro tip: Consider hiring full-service movers who pack and move your things to save you the hassle.

3. Budget for the Move

Arriving at your new home will take more than gas money and moving company fees. You need to factor in costs like packing materials, travel meals, overnight hotel stays, airfare, automobile shipping, and other possible expenses that may not be immediately obvious. While carefully planning your move, consider the real and fringe costs associated with each step so your budget won't take unexpected hits.

4. Set a Date for Utilities to be Turned On

Few things are more disappointing than traveling to a different state to find that your new home is without electricity or water. To avoid roughing it in your new home when you arrive, make sure your moving checklist includes scheduling your utility activation date well in advance. Some utility companies don't offer same-day activation, and scheduling someone to visit your home to make additional, necessary adjustments can sometimes take weeks.

5. Forward Mail and Update Information

An effective moving-out-of-state checklist depends on communicating with many state and local agencies, several of which need time to provide or transfer services to your new home. Submit a change of address form to USPS in advance to ensure you start receiving your mail around the time you move into your new home. It may also be a good idea to update your address with any online retailers, especially if you have subscriptions to products. Also, contact the DMV in your new state to get a new driver's license, as some don't offer a grace period to allow you to drive with your old license legally. Finally, be sure to register your vehicles in your new state, although getting new plates may take some time.

6. Prep Your Pets

If you bring pets with you on your long-distance relocation, they deserve their section on your moving-out checklist. They may need vaccinations, calming aids, or full refills of any medications from their veterinarian before they leave. It would help if you also create a plan for how they're transported, which depends on whether they're traveling by plane or in the back of your car. Make sure to buy a suitably sized pet carrier and get them comfortable with it before you leave. Pack any supplies they'll need on their journey, like food and toys. If you're driving with pets, plan out stops to give them room to relax and exercise if necessary.

7. Gather Important Documents

Don't pack away documents or forms you might need for your trip—gather them together in an envelope or folder that you can easily access if you need them. This includes your moving company receipt, flight tickets, hotel reservations, insurance documents, temporary driver's licenses, and vehicle registrations. If you pack these items and they don't arrive when you do, or you can't find them among your things when you need them, it can cause problems.

8. Purchase Home Warranty Coverage and Homeowners Insurance

After traveling to a different state or across the country, the last thing you want is to research local repair people to fix or replace systems or appliances in your new home. Being unfamiliar with your new locale can make this process more difficult and time-consuming when you have other tasks to do. Rest easy knowing that your budget — likely affected by the move — is protected when covered appliances and home systems breakdowns occur. Get a quote today to discover how home warranty coverage can simplify life in a new home.

Related: More tips for new homeowners.

FAQs for Moving Long Distance

What are the essentials when moving?

If there were one essential to focus on during a long-distance move, it would be planning. Many moving tasks depend on how far you're traveling, the number of things you take, and how many tasks you'd like to delegate to professional movers. Luckily, proper and thorough planning can simplify these undertakings — and reduce the likelihood that you forget to do something important.

How do I prepare for a move?

Checklists can help keep you organized and on track when preparing to move, and this moving-out-of-state checklist is just one you might find helpful. You might use a moving-out checklist to ensure your previous home is ready for new tenants. If you've previously rented and this is your first home, you may need an apartment moving checklist and a moving-out cleaning checklist to help you get your security deposit back. And, as previously mentioned, if you have pets, they may need an entire checklist. These itemized lists can help you worry less about forgetting an essential item or task and give you more time to focus on settling into your new home.

How do you know what to keep when moving?

A good motto when decluttering your home before a move is donating or throwing away anything you haven't used in the last year. This doesn't apply to treasured keepsakes, mementos, or heirlooms but can help prevent unused clothes, toys, gadgets, and other items from taking up space in your moving vehicle and your new home.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.