Making a trek across the country, or simply from state to state, is a major undertaking. Whether you’re planning to move for personal reasons, work relocation, or any number of other possible situations, you need to plan ahead as much as possible.
Our top team of Milwaukee interstate movers, Coakley Brothers, has put together a list of Dos and Don’ts to help you make the most of your long-distance move.
Check out our professional, out-of-state mover tips for what to do and what to avoid when taking the plunge and making an interstate move.
Do Your Homework
When you’re going through the seemingly endless process of narrowing down your choices for the best moving company, make sure you’ve studied up on the interstate moving service you pick.
Check their certifications, professionalism standards and affiliations, and, of course, customer reviews.
Do they have any community service partnerships or missions in place? Although you may feel as though their charitable work may not affect you directly, it says a lot about a company that is invested in their community—and in people. It is a sign of compassion and solid leadership.
Online reviews from trusted, reputable sites, as well as firsthand accounts from people you actually know who have used a particular company, speak volumes.
Get the skinny on their experiences from start to finish in order to be able to make the most informed decision. You’ll definitely be happy you did when moving day (or week!) rolls around and you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your due diligence.
DON’T Procrastinate When it Comes to Decluttering
Whether you’re making an out-of-state residential move, commercial move, or both, you would be well-advised to get a jumpstart on the decluttering process. Simplifying and streamlining the amount of goods/belongings you will be transporting now will save you unnecessary headaches later—not to mention saving you money on your move.
Less to move equals a lighter bill in the end. Start as soon as possible on tossing and/or donating what you do not plan on taking, and packing and setting aside what you will be taking with you to your next destination.
You’ll also need a good idea of how much you have to move when formulating an estimate, planning the number of trucks/vans, movers, and more.
It’s extremely helpful to have an idea of the workload for the company to formulate the best plan as well, particularly when moving across state lines.
Remember to save any receipts or other documentation from goods that you donate to a charitable organization—these can be used as tax deductions later on. You’ll be glad you did, in addition to the wonderful feeling that comes with doing a good deed for someone in need!
DO Expect the Unexpected
As with most events in life, things do not always go as planned. Throw moving to a new state into the equation, and your chances for unexpected situations or hiccups to occur will only increase.
- The key to surviving these snafus successfully and while maintaining your sanity is to be flexible and to trust in your moving professionals. This is the job that they have been trained to do, and they’re being paid to make your move a top priority. Relax, reboot, and trust in the process.
Clearly communicate your expectations, and be sure to communicate all aspects of the move at least one or two weeks prior to moving day.
Don’t feel like any question or concern is too small or frivolous—it could make all the difference in overcoming an unforeseen obstacle.
DO Be Flexible with Moving Dates (If Possible)
Summer is undoubtedly the busiest season in the moving industry, so when possible, try to move at a slower time in order to guarantee the moving service you choose will be available and not incredibly busy or stretched on resources.
Being flexible with your dates can also possibly mean cheaper rates or deals, saving you some money.
Plan your move as far in advance as possible for the best results and availability options.
If you’re moving due to work, check to see if your employer (or future employer) offers relocation assistance. They may possibly offer to pay for a portion or even all of your moving expenses.
DO Plan Your New Space
If possible, planning out where your furniture and other belongings will go (specifically) in your new home will help the move go more smoothly.
Physically labeling not only what is contained in your boxes, but also labeling where certain boxes and items are going (room names/floor names) will also make the move more seamless.
Even sending a diagram or list ahead of time with destinations for your goods is a great idea, and will help your moving team plan and work more efficiently. The result? A faster and more productive move for all involved. Waiting until the last minute or being unsure about where to place things will only lead to frustration and lagging time.
Remember, you can always move things to a new spot later on down the road. This is another aspect of planning your move when decluttering and organizing ahead of time will be to your advantage, because you can more clearly envision your belongings in your new space.
DO Be Aware of All Services Your Moving Professionals Offer
Did you know that if you’re in the Milwaukee area, Coakley Brothers is a full-service moving company that offers interstate and national residential moving services?
This top-notch, out-of-state moving service also offers warehouse storage, commercial moving, and business relocation, as well as senior moving services. That’s right—if you or your loved one are senior citizens making a move to a new destination, Coakley Brothers’ caring team will coordinate every aspect of the move to ensure it is a stress-free success.
Don’t be afraid to communicate all of your needs when working with one of our customer representatives—we are in the business of making our customers feel like family, and put your needs as a top priority.
We will make every aspect of your move, from packing to storing or hauling, feel like it was custom-made just for you and your loved ones.
Call, email, or fill out our online, free estimate form to get started planning your interstate move with Coakley Brothers today—we will take care of you!