You should never leave packing and moving to the last minute, especially if you're heading to a new state. Starting about eight weeks before your estimated move date gives you the time you need to stay organized, make arrangements, save money, and prevent stress. Follow this timeline for an easier interstate move.

How to Prepare for Moving to Another State

Week 8 & 7

About eight weeks before your move, you should buy supplies including boxes, tape, and markers. Choose one spot in your home for move-related materials like your new home’s lease and all the boxes. You should start researching moving companies at this point.

Start sorting your belongings to identify items you don’t use often. If you haven’t used an object or clothing piece for over a year, don’t move with it. If your new home is smaller than your current one, be aggressive about decluttering.

Week 6 & 5

Gather belongings you know you don't want to keep. Either donate the ones in good condition or hold a yard sale. This gives you enough time to find new homes for all of your unwanted possessions.

Also, start getting records and paperwork from medical providers, schools, and employers. Keep these together in a folder so you don’t lose them.

Week 4 & 3

Start packing seldom-used belongings such as holiday decorations and store the packed boxes in the room you cleared. As you do this, label them clearly and keep a list of their contents.

Meanwhile, start using up the perishable food you can’t bring with you. Notify any landlords, insurance companies, the post office, and utility companies of your upcoming change of address. Most address changes can be made online.

Week 2 & 1

This is the time to get serious about packing and moving your belongings. Save the essentials you use every day for last, packing them in a separate box you'll keep with you instead of handing to your movers.

Also, start deep cleaning your property during the final week. It helps to go room by room, completely emptying each one and then staying out of it as much as possible until the moving day. This ensures that any new owners or your landlord won’t find any damage or dirt when they do a walkthrough of the home. Before leaving, check each room to ensure you didn’t leave belongings behind.

For professional help packing and moving, choose the Economy Movers of Green Bay, WI. Founded in 1982 and serving Brown County, this moving company handles local moves and also provides options for interstate and international relocations. They specialize in moving pianos and even offer storage. Get a printer-friendly moving checklist on their website or call (800) 541-0033 to schedule your move.