Moving interstate is a huge venture that requires even more careful planning than a local move. While it might seem like a daunting process, with proper preparation your interstate move can go from stressful to a smooth process that you may even enjoy. From working with professionals to strategic travel options: this article gives you the essential tips and tricks to help prepare for your big move across state lines.

Start Planning Earlier Than You Think 

Interstate moves require more preparation time than your average residential move and the earlier you start, the more likely you are to have the move you hope for. Typically, for moving interstate you should start to plan around 8-12 weeks before your moving date. This gives you plenty of opportunity to book your interstate removalists of choice as well as any other services you may require.  You’ll also need time for organising necessary paperwork and documentation for your new state, setting up utility transfers and connections, planning your travel arrangements, and setting up your life in your new home before you get there. Great planning is the key to any successful interstate move, so the more in-depth your plan is the better your chances are of maintaining organization and reducing stress. 

Research Interstate Removal Companies Thoroughly

A great removals team is like the equivalent of a fantastic bra, they’ll both give you the support you need. Interstate removalists are there to make your moving journey as easy as possible so it’s good to know what to look for in a company. Your movers should have proven experience in interstate relocations and should be AFRA (Australian Furniture Removals Association) accredited. These companies should have excellent reviews specifically for interstate moves, offer a range of comprehensive insurance options for long-distance transport, and provide clear communication about delivery timeframes and tracking.

Expert tip: Get at least three quotes and ask specific questions about their interstate moving experience, including if they work off of a fixed price quote or hourly rate charge. You want a fixed-price quote for your interstate move to avoid unforeseen charges. 

Financial Planning for Interstate Moves

Interstate moves can be quite a costly process, so creating a clear budget is necessary to avoid financial strain down the line. Your budget should account for removal company costs, travel expenses for you and your family, temporary accommodation if needed, insurance costs, and connection fees for utilities in your new state. Always set aside emergency funds for unexpected expenses, particularly with interstate moves, and consider potential storage costs in case of delays to your moving schedule.

Declutter Before You Pack 

Interstate moves are typically charged partly by inventory size, making this the perfect opportunity to seriously declutter. When assessing your belongings, consider when you last used each item and whether it’s worth the cost of transporting it across state lines. For items that you no longer love or need, consider selling or donating them to give them the chance at a new life. This is also a great opportunity to involve your children as they can sort through their old toys and belongings to see what they want to give to help others. Remember, every item you don’t need to move interstate saves you both money and effort.

Pack Strategically for Long-Distance Transport

Packing for interstate moves requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure that belongings receive minimal damage throughout the long transport. Start with high-quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes and packing paper specifically designed for moving. Make sure to use extra padding to double wrap any fragile items and seal all liquids in plastic bags to prevent leaks during the long journey. When labelling, include both origin and destination rooms, and create a detailed inventory list, including photos of valuable items. Don’t forget to pack an “interstate essentials” box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival.

Alternatively, your removals team should also be able to go that extra mile and offer additional services like packing which can be particularly helpful for interstate moves. 

Plan Your Travel Wisely

Just like moving your belongings, you’ll need to coordinate your personal interstate journey. Most of the time your two main options are driving or flying. If driving, map out your route and plan accommodation stops along the way. Try to time your arrival to coincide with your belongings, but have a backup plan if your items are delayed. If delays are likely to incur then your best option is to speak with your interstate removalists regarding the possibility of interim storage.

Set Up Your New Life in Advance

Feeling comfortable in your new home will inevitably take time but sorting the basics before you arrive can help you settle in quicker. Take proactive steps to establish your new life by researching and arranging schools or childcare, transferring or setting up new banking arrangements and updating your utility providers in both your old home and your new one. Before moving you can even start looking for new healthcare providers and research your new local services and amenities. If you’re looking to build a community in your new area, consider joining local community groups to start building connections with your neighbours – this will help you settle in quicker to your new home.

Prepare for a Different Climate

If you’re moving to a state with a different climate, you’ll need to plan accordingly. Research typical weather patterns in your new area and consider what clothing and household items you’ll need first-hand. For states that experience a rainy season, it’s important to ensure that you are prepared for sporadic changes of weather conditions. Finally, think about how your furniture and belongings will fare in the new climate, for example, items like plants are most likely better off left with family and friends in the state you’re currently in than enduring that transport.

Stay Organized and Flexible

Interstate moves often come with unexpected challenges, so staying organized is crucial. Maintain a detailed moving checklist and keep important contact numbers readily available. Always keep essential documents with you during the move rather than packing them with your belongings and try to maintain a schedule as much as possible. However, whilst sticking to your schedule is great, having flexibility is even better for a successful interstate move. 

Top tip: When creating a plan allow a window of a few extra days for major moments in the move such as packing and the physical move, this way you won’t be put out if hurdles arrive and delays incur. 

Summary

Moving interstate is a significant undertaking that requires extensive planning and preparation, but with proper organization and foresight, it can be a much more manageable experience. Start early, research thoroughly, and stay organized throughout the process. Remember that professional interstate removal companies have extensive experience with these types of moves and can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your journey.

By following these tips and maintaining a positive attitude, you can make your interstate move a successful transition to your new home and life in a different state. Remember, while the process might seem overwhelming at first, thousands of people successfully complete interstate moves each year, and with these helpful tips, you can too.

Moving into your new home is undoubtedly an exciting experience but with all that excitement can occasionally come money concerns. Whilst some costs are inevitable (unfortunately, they can’t give you the house for free) there are a few tricks that can help alleviate some of that unwanted financial burden. From pre-move purging to a backloading bonus, here are some of the best ways to reduce costs in your next house move. 

1. The Great Pre-Move Purge

You wouldn’t pay lots of money for a T-shirt you were never going to wear or for a car when you don’t yet drive, so, why would you pay for movers to take belongings that you’re never going to use again? Whilst, you may feel like you don’t have the time to declutter all the old belongings you no longer use, it is the perfect way to save money when moving. Those mysterious garage boxes and dusty closets are all hiding potential savings.

To help eliminate unwanted items, create three piles: sell, donate and chuck. Every box that doesn’t make the move represents money saved on moving costs. Better yet, those items in the sell pile can transform into extra cash for the moving fund, it’s a win-win situation!  

2. Invest in Quality Movers

Now, something that might surprise you is that sometimes spending a bit more upfront can save you a fortune later down the line. Although, it may feel slightly counterintuitive to spend more money in order to save money, when it comes to hiring removalists investing in a good quality company will prevent greater unforeseen costs and disappointment from arising. Choosing reliable removalists minimizes the risk of damage to your belongings with professional services like wrapping and packing providing an extra layer of protection to your most precious items. Additionally, any certified removals company should also offer a range of insurance options, so that in the case of an accident your belongings are covered. 

Qualities such as these will not only help give you peace of mind that your belongings are genuinely being cared for but they will save you the cost of replacing any items that are broken or damaged, which could be far greater than the cost of any removalist itself.  

3. The Art of Box Hunting 

High-quality packing supplies aren’t exactly cheap which means finding a good alternative can save you some extra pennies when it comes to packing your goods. Tapping into your network of friends and colleagues should help to churn up enough boxes to cover your whole house, which means you won’t have to buy a single one. Here’s the crucial part though – you have to be picky. If a box is worn down and looks like it’s had its day then stay far away. On the other hand, did your work just have a huge delivery of fragile goods? Then stock up. Being picky with boxes may take a little longer but will also ensure your favourite glassware set stays intact in the moving transition without multiple rolls of tape wrapped around it to hold it together. 

4. Timing is Everything: The Off-Season Moving Hack

Here’s an insider tip that could save you big bucks – spring and summer are the moving industry’s equivalent of peak-hour traffic. Everyone’s moving, prices are sky-high, and availability is tight. Therefore, if you can swing an autumn or winter move, try to book your removalists within this period and save yourself a heap of money. During slow periods moving companies often offer reduced rates and competitive prices that peak months won’t do. 

[Photo courtesy of Mister Mister/pexels.com]

In the same respect, you should also be doing all that you can to reduce obstacles for your removalists that could slow them down, particularly for local moves that are charged by the hour. Make sure to disassemble any furniture, pack all boxes ready to go and make sure there is a clear path for your removalists to travel from the truck to the door. If your moving team has to carry your belongings further than necessary or take apart bed frames, these are all additional costs for you. So, get your bargain-hunting mindset on, and make sure to work in off-peak periods.  

5. Share the Journey

Planning an interstate move? Here’s a savvy money-saver tip – opt for a consolidated run rather than a VIP private service. This backloading service is basically just carpooling for your furniture and will save you a tonne of money! However, sharing truck space with other movers requires a relatively small inventory, so if you have a particularly large amount of stuff to be transported across states, then a consolidated run may not be an option for you. Backloading also means that you will need to be a bit flexible with dates, so allow for plenty of time to prepare. With that being said, the money savings that you will make are worth every day of patience and with a reputable moving company, your belongings are just as safe as they would be in a truck of their own. 

In Conclusion 

Remember, saving money is as simple as just getting the cheapest moving quote and crossing your fingers that it’ll all be fine because that’ll probably cost you more in the long run. When hunting for removalist quotes, look for value for money, not just price to save you in the grand scheme of moving. Whilst moving house can be an expensive ordeal, knowing the small ways to help reduce cost can make all the difference. So, if you’re soon to be moving make sure to choose off-peak periods, store up spare boxes and invest where it counts for a cost-effective and stress-free move.