In 2017, only 11% of the American population moved. 

With that low of a number, it’s safe to say that you probably aren’t sure how to make sure that your move goes smoothly and efficiently. 

Thinking of moving out of state? Here are some ways to make a big move a lot easier and save you money at the same time.

1. Make a Budget

The first thing you should do is make a budget. 

This will help you make sure that you don’t go overspend with your moving costs. You will need to account for things like a moving company, shipping, hotels, gas, and insurance. 

Before you pick up your family and move, you want to make sure that you will be able to afford to get to your next destination. 

2. Decide What You’re Going to Move

You should also figure out what you’re going to move. 

This may be a good chance to go through all of your belongings and start figuring out what you can part with. Do you really need to move a couch that has been through everything, or would it be easier to just buy a new one when you got to your place?

If you’re hiring a professional moving company, you may also decide to save some money and move some of the stuff yourself. Just make sure that you organize what you’re going to take before the movers arrive. 

3. Research Different Movers

Before you hire a professional moving company, you should do some research and decide which option you want to go with. You can hire a professional mover, rent a truck, or even get a shipping container. 

Professional Movers

If you sign up for a full service with a moving company, they will load, ship, and pack and unpack. You will only need to make sure that everything is packed and tell them where you want the furniture in the new house.

You can go online and get a service quote for some of the companies, but you will need an in-person consultation to really get an accurate quote. 

Normally, the price will depend on how much weight you are moving, not the distance that it is moving. 

It can be expensive, but it will allow you time to focus on other stuff during the move. 

Truck Rental Companies

If you don’t want to hire a professional moving company, you could always rent a truck and do the move yourself. 

You have to make sure that you are okay with driving a big truck and not having a rearview mirror. It may be harder to change lanes as well. 

However, if you’re okay with driving the truck, they come in all kinds of sizes depending on how much stuff you need to move. The downside is that you will have to pack and transport all of it yourself.

However, depending on how far you can go, it can be a fun road trip as well. 

Shipping Container Companies

Instead of driving it yourself, you could also ship all of your stuff. They will put your items in a storage container, and then take it to your new home.

You will be responsible for packing and putting it in the container on your own. However, if you want them to put stuff in the container, you may need to pay more. Then you can lock it with your lock as well to make sure your stuff is secured.

If this option interests you, you can click here to learn more.

4. Find a New Home

Before you move, you should also have some housing arrangements lined up before you get there.

Sometimes it doesn’t work out that way, but it can be helpful to know where all of your stuff is going to end up.

You can find a realtor in the area you’re moving to, to help you find somewhere to live. 

5. Make Sure You Have All Your Records and Valuables

If you do hire a moving company, you may want to separate your important documents and valuables and pack them on your own. 

This way it will be easier if you need access to these documents in an emergency. You also want to make sure they don’t get misplaced and shoved in a box without your knowledge. 

6. Get Insurance

Accidents happen all the time, so you want to make sure that you will be reimbursed for your belongings if something does happen.

Maybe an accident happens on the highway, or the moving or shipping company loses your belongings. 

If you have insurance to cover them, then you will at least be reimbursed. 

Before you hire a moving company, you should also make sure that they have moving insurance options listed on their website. 

7. Save Your Moving Receipts

You should save all your moving receipts. If your company is paying to move you, you will want to make sure that you have these receipts so that you can be reimbursed.

Even if your company isn’t paying for them to move you, you can still save them and use them as a tax deduction for that year. 

If you end up donating anything before you move, you should also keep those receipts as well because the donations are tax-deductible as well. 

8. Stay Organized

The most helpful tip to help your move go smoothly is to make sure that you stay organized.

If you stay organized, it will make the unpacking a lot easier. 

One tip to stay organized is to buy colored duct tape and make a legend of all the colors. You can assign each color to a different room to make it easier for the movers and you to know which box belongs in which room. 

Get More Tips to Help With Moving Out

Moving out of state can be a really stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be.

If you follow these few tips, we guarantee that you will have a great move.

If you liked these points, make sure that you check out our blog for other posts.