Relocating and starting a new life is an overwhelming process. You may be worried about all the packing you must handle and the paperwork you need to sort out and map out the ideal way to leave your current state and move to a new one.
For instance, according to a storage and moving blog called Pods, in the last 15 years, as many as 40,000 Texans have moved to California each year. This may be due to the desire for a better quality of life or better job opportunities. California boasts a robust economy with a gross state product of $3.36 trillion!
If you’re in the same boat and want to move to a state like California, you have a long road ahead. Packing up your entire life from one state to move to another is a big move. To make sure you’re able to execute it correctly, here’s what you need to know:
1. Have a Game Plan
Treat your relocation like a project. You need to factor in all the tasks you need to do, possible pitfalls you may encounter along the way, and what resources you need to lean on to make your journey easier. For instance, chart down how you want to tackle packing. It includes what items must go in first, what belongings are fragile and require special care, and what moving company you plan to book.
Moving across states takes a lot of work. You may struggle to cross state lines without the right equipment, expertise, or help without incurring a heavy financial loss. If you’re planning to relocate to Los Angeles from Dallas, the trip is about 22 hours long, and along the way, you may have to make numerous stops. In such circumstances, it’s best to contact long distance moving companies in Dallas with the skills and experience to safely transport your goods without causing you a dime extra than needed.
2. Rely on the Art of Decluttering
As you pack up, make sure you also declutter. It is not unusual to collect things over time, resulting in massive clutter around your home. You may also be inadvertently hoarding useless items that need to be discarded. Start by decluttering items like clothing. California is a lot hotter and drier than Texas. Hence the clothing you take with you must be suitable for the west coast. Likewise, clothing you’ve outgrown, worn down, or no longer use must go. If your clothing is in good shape, you can donate them, but if they’re far too old and frayed, discard them instead.
Furthermore, if you have children, declutter their toys and clothing. Additionally, if you have two or more similar appliances, get rid of the ones you don’t often use to have more room to store other belongings. You don’t have to take everything with you. Stick to the essentials, so you have enough space to buy new things once you arrive at your new location.
3. Ensure All Essential Items Stay With You
Essential items like medicines, toothbrushes, and spare glasses must always be with you. These items don’t go into your regular packing; you’ll need to prepare a bag for them separately. If you have a pet with you, like a cat or a dog, you’ll need to ensure you keep a bag of treats, food, and toys separately for them. You’ll also need to keep items like pee pads, so your pet can easily relieve themselves within their crate without causing a mess.
Cars and cramped spaces can cause pets to become anxious. They may also resist getting into the crate during the big move, which can pile more stress on you. Hence it would be best to train them beforehand.
Additionally, if you are traveling with a toddler, you must also ensure you have all their essential items. These include their food, toys, diapers, medicines, and, if required, an electronic device to keep them occupied during the long trip. Make sure your paperwork will legally allow you to move between states. Likewise, get your prescriptions refilled before moving to save you from the hassle of trying to find your medicines last minute.
4. Double Check Everything
A few days before you hit the road, make sure you double-check if you have packed everything. Last-minute checks are essential. You never know what task you may have left out. Start by ensuring that all your boxes are labeled, go through every room to ensure they’re empty, and always keep a digital list of all your belongings and where they’re packed. You should also ensure utilities like your gas, water, and electricity are scheduled to be discontinued a day before you leave; you can call the utility company to confirm, or if they issued you an email, read through it again.
Take some time out to check in with your bank to ensure you don’t have any outstanding loans or payments that you need to make. If you take your fridge with you, ensure the appliance is defrosted, cleaned, and switched off at least a day before moving. If you’re looking for an easy way to get rid of leftover ingredients, you can always throw a small farewell party for yourself and invite your neighbors for one last celebration with them. It’s best to unwind on your last days of moving, but it helps to give your house one last check to ensure you’re leaving nothing important behind.
Final Thoughts
Moving is an exhausting process, but it doesn’t have to be; with little planning on your part, you can ensure that you can relocate with minimal hassle. The more attentive you are about minor details like the items you need to pack and what arrangements you must make beforehand, the less stressed you’ll be when moving day finally arrives. Don’t leave anything for the last minute; not only will you struggle to manage, but there’s also a high chance your relocating process may become a big disaster.
Apart from packing, your children and family need you too. This move may be overwhelming for them too. Hence, take time to acknowledge their needs and prepare them for the big move. Being proactive from the first day saves you a massive headache on the last day. Happy Moving!