Fast-paced and never boring, New York City is constantly changing. Shops and restaurants come and go, buildings are demoed and rebuilt, and people move in and out in the blink of an eye. Every year we help hundreds of people relocating to Manhattan from out of state, while also moving out dozens more who have grown weary of NYC’s busyness and expense. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating starting the next chapter of your life in New York or you’re about to leave the City, here’s a helpful guide to moving out of state:
Find an Interstate Moving Company
Moving between states can come with a lot of extra things to-do, such as switching insurance policies, finding housing in an unfamiliar location, and transitioning jobs. There’s also the hassle of moving every possession you own. If you can afford to hire a professional moving company, it can make your transition much easier. There are a few things you should look for when shopping around for the right mover:
Licensing and Insurance
All companies who move household belongings over state lines are required to be licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You should check to make sure a company is appropriately licensed and carries the required levels of insurance before hiring.
Reviews
Check out what others are saying about a company’s services on sites like Yelp and Google+. Is the company known for being efficient, courteous, and fairly-priced? These are important qualities to look for when selecting the mover who will be handling your belongings.
Imperial Moving & Storage is happy to say we are licensed (US DOT #1422485) and insured to perform both local in-state moves and interstate moving services. We’re also proud of what our customers are saying about us. Did you know we were voted one of NYC’s best moving companies by TimeOut?
Schedule an In-Home Estimate
No matter who you choose to handle your long distance move, you should always schedule an in-home estimate with your moving professional. Interstate moving rates are based on the weight of your shipment, so allowing your mover to see first-hand what you’re moving enables them to prep the most accurate moving quote possible.
Figure Out Moving Insurance
One of the most commonly asked questions related to out of state moves is whether customers need to purchase additional moving insurance. Your moving contract should give you the option of selecting full value protection as a part of your complete moving package. Though this level of insurance coverage is more expensive, it covers your belongings in case there’s a mishap during your move as broken or damaged items will be fully restored or replaced. Alternatively, you may opt out of full value protection and receive the minimum level of coverage at $.60/pound.
Make an Inventory List
Before moving day arrives, take time to make an inventory of your belongings. Number your boxes and make a list of boxes and their contents. Also, write down a list of all the furniture and appliances the movers will be handling. This inventory will make it easier to confirm that all your belongings arrive at their destination.
Get Started Packing/Labeling
Get started packing as soon as possible! At least a month in advance you can start packing up items that you won’t need like out of season clothing, books, serving dishes, holiday decorations, extra linens, and more. Use smaller boxes for heavier items and larger boxes for lighter items like pillow and duvets. As you seal your boxes, don’t forget to add a label to each one describing the box’s contents.
Change Address
File a change of address form through the post office in advance of your move to ensure your mail is properly forwarded. Now is also the time to notify all relevant parties that your address will be changing, such as your financial institutions (bank, credit card, insurance), member organizations (gym, professional associations, country club), and service providers (doctor, lawyer, accountant).
Cancel and Set-up New Utilities
Cancel your gas, electric, water, cable/internet, and any other utility services you currently have. Make sure to set up utilities at your new home before the moving truck arrives, so you have working lights and water.
Moving to a new state may be a time intensive process, but hiring an experienced interstate mover will free you up to tackle the rest of your moving checklist. With a bit of organization, you can maintain your sanity and be prepared for moving day!
