Moving out of state | Expect the unexpected
So you’ve signed that dream home and you’re starting to pack your belongings. Moving day is just around the corner, but you’re not exactly sure what to expect. If you’re making the trek across state lines and into uncharted waters, then it’s best to do thorough research and find out what expenses you may face in addition to how long the move itself is going to take.
Citing the American Moving and Storage Association, U.S. News and World Report said the cost of an out-of-state move is an estimated $5,630, based on an average weight of 7,100 lbs. The general rule of thumb for moving – whether it’s a short distance or not – is to overestimate the entire cost. In fact, it’s simply best practice to anticipate the unexpected.
Moving is a big cost, so plan for it
When you change residences and move to a different state, you’re uprooting your life and making dramatic change. Moving can be expensive, especially for families and across long distances. Budgeting is probably the most important aspect of moving nowadays since there are a handful of pieces that require a full-service move. Here are a few things to consider prior to packing up the moving van:
- Transportation: Will you need a big rig or a smaller van?
- Extra moving costs: Insurance to protect moving your things isn’t a bad idea
- Moving supplies: What type of boxes will you need? How about packing peanuts and other materials?
- Soft costs: Will the move require an overnight hotel stay? Are there tolls on the way? How many times will you be thinking Arby’s?
A full-service mover across state lines will be expensive, but if you and your family are incapable of lifting heavy things, then this is likely the best option. Alternatively, if you’re the do-it-yourself types, then renting some type of large van or trailer will suffice in transporting all of your goods from point A to point B. Third-party services like uShip help movers in this situation by listing their goods on an online marketplace and have transporters and movers bid on the cargo. Since it’s a geographically based platform, movers are in your area of residence, making the pickup much easier and reducing your stress from day one. When moving companies compete for your business, the price goes down and your wallet stays fatter.
Additional costs after the move
Once you’ve arrived at your new abode, it’s time to figure out what other costs may arise. Here are a few to consider once you’ve unpacked a couple of boxes:
- A new driver’s license and registration
- New insurance policies if your company isn’t national
- Utilities
- Deposits
- Gas for the car and other vehicles you use
- Bills for things like prescriptions and other medical necessities
Packing and moving things yourself is a great way to save money upfront. If you’re unsure about moving across state lines, the American Moving and Storage Association’s website has a go-to landing page for individual state moving resources with contact information and names. Per the AMSA, moves from one state to another are covered by federal regulations. However, many states also regulate moves within their borders.
Regardless of how you decide to move, it’s generally best practice to overestimate the costs and consult multiple moving company sources before you hit the road. Third-party online marketplaces like uShip can dramatically help you save, which can make moving that old couch or the 75th box that much easier. Moving out of state doesn’t have to cause a headache, and with the right dose of aspirin, it doesn’t need to cause a body ache either.
