Moving out of state (Full Version)

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zmanfan38 -> Moving out of state (5/18/2008 11:54:59 PM)

We're considering a long distance move, but we've only moved locally and could use some advice.

Gee, I don't even know what questions to ask.[sm=unsure.gif]

If you've had a long distance move and can think of anything we should know or might not think of, I'd love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance!



monamie -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 8:02:43 AM)

Don't move anything empty. Utilize every last inch of available space. I usually pack things like blankets, linens, towels, etc. in my washer and dryer and even fridge. Don't take the clothes out of your dresser drawers.

If you have books, pack them in smaller boxes. They're very heavy.



jodavi -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 8:11:52 AM)

We did that 3 years ago. We moved from CA to the midwest. Get yourself a notebook because there's a lot of things to remember. Are you driving longdistance or are you flying? Do you have pets?
The movers. We used ABF (upack.com) because it's the cheapest unless you're driving with your stuff. ABF leaves a trailer with you for a couple of days and you pack. Find someone who's good in utilizing spaces because that's how they charge. They drive your stuff and make arrangement when they can leave the trailer on your destination. I remember them providing a checklist as well on when to turn off your utilities and other things that you might need.
Vehicles. We took the plane because hubby had to be back at his job at a certain day. We have 2 cars. He drove 1 cross country and flew back to pick us up. The second car...we had it auto transport.
Pets- We have a cat and he flew with us. We checked with the Vet and he gave our kitty something that made him really just relaxed through the entire flight.
I know I have some more. Moving long distance can be very stressful but make it exciting. We've done a lot of moves locally in CA and we thought moving out of state will be the same but it wasn't.
And I'd like to suggest after all the move. Get the book After the boxes are unpacked. It helped me a great deal. We moved in a city where I did not know anyone. Hubby's family is an hour away. 'had to learn and find new things on my own. Here's the website http://www.justmoved.org/
This helped me a lot and I was blessed that the church that we're attending now offered this study and met a group of ladies who also just moved in the state.



peculiar_lady2 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 10:14:03 AM)

wow...I will try to remember all the tips I have picked up from moving across the county many times (and overseas once). OK....here are my tips (some may have been said already)...

  • (as someone said) utilize every bit of space...pack things inside of other things...and pack it where it makes sense. For instance, in the microwave, put plastic dishes and lids, or something from the kitchen...not socks or clothes or something that makes no sense. Organizing things will help in unpacking.

  • rolling clothing items (instead of folding them) fits more in the space you are packing

  • label each box with the room it came from, if it is changing then the room it will go to, and have on the top or side of each box the basic things in that box (just in case you start looking for that item and don't have time to look through five boxes from that room's stuff)

  • if you will be packing on your own...try to get uniform boxes to use...random boxes are much harder to stack properly. I personally like Banana boxes...because they are sturdy and can stack anything in them up to about six feet high without them being unstable. They are also not too large for a person to pick up and move, and they have handles. (Plus they are free!!!)

  • if you are using a packing service, make sure you get details about what they want you to do beforehand to prepare. Also, the day they will be there have enough people on hand to lead the packers in what you want and don't want...some can be very pushy and having just one or two people there to handle them is not enough.

  • de-clutter and throw away unnecessary items before you leave.

  • have a box of "tools" in easy reach for when you get there...include in this box... tape, scissors, utility knife, screwdrivers, razor blade, light bulbs, flashlight, measuring tape, pencil and pad of paper, trash bags, sticky notes (to put on the doors of rooms if you will have others helping you unpack the rooms so you don't have to keep saying which room is what), markers/pens, toilet paper (several rolls!!!), paper towels, and some basic cleaning items (sanitary wipes or cleaner, etc), and anything else you think you will need to use to unpack or put together furniture items while you are unpacking them.

  • when packing plates, I utilize the numerous wash cloths we have an overabundance of and put one between each plate...saves on wrapping paper. (Oh and about using newspaper to wrap things, remember that the ink will get all over things, so unless you want to wash everything when you get there, I wouldn't use it)

  • start early...it's amazing how much you think you have and how much you actually end up having.



    • garsyt -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 11:51:42 AM)

    quote:

    start early...it's amazing how much you think you have and how much you actually end up having.


    And a long with this - don't plan a move in 9 days! It's not healthy! I did this ONCE with a newborn in tow! I'll never do it again!

    Start very early, packing at least two or three boxes everyday for at least a month or two. I have friends that are moving from Indiana to Utah at the end of this month, and even though it's just the two of them (no kids) they've been packing 3-5 boxes a day, for about a month now and are just now getting down to things that they use on a routine basis. They have 2 weeks before they are on their way! They'll make it I'm sure, but not without some serious work on their parts over the next few days!

    Blessings,

    Garsy



    jodavi -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 12:00:45 PM)

    Are you moving because of work? We did and we're able to file our moving expenses as well as the auto transport.



    ajidil -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 1:04:22 PM)

    I've done more international moves than anything else. One thing we HAD to do was to have a list of the contents of each box, for customs. While you wouldn't need this, I would still suggest it. You're not going to get everything unpacked right away, and it might be good to look at those papers and find out which box has that specific thing in it. Along with that, number your boxes.

    I would also say, don't start packing your clothes and the things on the walls and such. Start with things in storage (most of them should be gone through and purged anyway), in drawers and in the attic. If you can pack all that up before you start on the stuff the makes your home LOOK like home, you'll be better off emotionally (especially if you have kids).

    Totally agree with start soon and do a bit at a time. The rolling things... I can never seem to get any more into a box or suitcase or anything by rolling it rather than folding it, so I never bother. To each his own.

    Make sure you have things you'll need right away WITH you. Sleeping bags, a few sets of clothes, toiletries, etc. This includes important documents and all of your contact information for other people.

    Back up your computer before you go and, in you're computer is being shipped and you're flying, take the backup disks with you. Separate your backups from your computer.

    Have you already been to your new place to find a home?



    Wild-Rose -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 1:34:16 PM)

    Print out a map of your new city. Start now to memorize the main roads north and south and the main roads east and west. Then when you get there you won't feel so lost. When you ask "Where is the public library?" Someone will tell you "Well, there's one on the corner of This and That" and you'll say "Yes! I know where that is!".



    zmanfan38 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 2:08:15 PM)

    Thank you all so much for these great tips!


    I'm much more awake than I was as midnight last night[;)], so let me give some more details.


    We are thinking of moving from East Tennessee to Missouri where I have a lot of family. We don't have jobs or a house out there, but we're doing research online about those things and will recruit my family to help us look soon.


    We are home owners (still owe on the house) and we have a 3 year old little girl (that's her in my avatar). We don't have any pets.


    I looked at a couple of moving companies and got major sticker shock...thousands of dollars.[sm=eek.gif] We own 2 cars and I wonder if it would be cheaper to have them moved and fly to MO, or would it be less hassle to sell one of them?

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: jodavi


    The movers. We used ABF (upack.com) because it's the cheapest unless you're driving with your stuff. ABF leaves a trailer with you for a couple of days and you pack.
    http://www.justmoved.org/


    ^I just checked out ABF's website and their quote is $1400...that's much better.[sm=thumbsup.gif]


    That's all I can think of to add right now. If you all can think of other details that would help, let me know.


    Thanks so much! I hope you keep the great advice coming!



    Roberta_ -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 2:25:19 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: peculiar_lady2

  • start early...it's amazing how much you think you have and how much you actually end up having.


    • Ain't that the truth!!



    WhiteRoseBlessings -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 2:26:46 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: jodavi

    We did that 3 years ago. We moved from CA to the midwest. Get yourself a notebook because there's a lot of things to remember. Are you driving longdistance or are you flying? Do you have pets?
    The movers. We used ABF (upack.com) because it's the cheapest unless you're driving with your stuff. ABF leaves a trailer with you for a couple of days and you pack. Find someone who's good in utilizing spaces because that's how they charge. They drive your stuff and make arrangement when they can leave the trailer on your destination. I remember them providing a checklist as well on when to turn off your utilities and other things that you might need.
    Vehicles. We took the plane because hubby had to be back at his job at a certain day. We have 2 cars. He drove 1 cross country and flew back to pick us up. The second car...we had it auto transport.
    Pets- We have a cat and he flew with us. We checked with the Vet and he gave our kitty something that made him really just relaxed through the entire flight.
    I know I have some more. Moving long distance can be very stressful but make it exciting. We've done a lot of moves locally in CA and we thought moving out of state will be the same but it wasn't.
    And I'd like to suggest after all the move. Get the book After the boxes are unpacked. It helped me a great deal. We moved in a city where I did not know anyone. Hubby's family is an hour away. 'had to learn and find new things on my own. Here's the website http://www.justmoved.org/
    This helped me a lot and I was blessed that the church that we're attending now offered this study and met a group of ladies who also just moved in the state.
    What an awesome post! I've bookmarked it for future reference.



    amybreit -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 2:50:36 PM)

    Most of my tips have already been mentioned.

    One thing if you do go with a moving company and maybe if you do it yourself, but have friends helping you load. Put all of the things you DON'T want put on the truck in one place (preferably a closet or bathroom with a locking door!) This prevents things getting put on the truck that you need on your trip! I've even went so far as to put packing tape in a big X over the door with a note to NOT take anything in this bathroom!!! And I still had a mover try to get in there![8D] Of course, I've known them to pack garbage & soiled baby clothes out of the washer too.[:'(]



    BBfan -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 10:16:35 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: amybreit

    Most of my tips have already been mentioned.

    One thing if you do go with a moving company and maybe if you do it yourself, but have friends helping you load. Put all of the things you DON'T want put on the truck in one place (preferably a closet or bathroom with a locking door!) This prevents things getting put on the truck that you need on your trip! I've even went so far as to put packing tape in a big X over the door with a note to NOT take anything in this bathroom!!! And I still had a mover try to get in there![8D] Of course, I've known them to pack garbage & soiled baby clothes out of the washer too.[:'(]
    Yep...I've opened a box to find the kitchen garbage can packed with the garbage still in it!!!![:'(][:'(][:'(]



    WhiteRoseBlessings -> RE: Moving out of state (5/19/2008 11:16:27 PM)

    Christi, I've always made my own inventory sheet (that lists the box number I've assigned and the general contents). Then as the movers are loading or unloading the truck, I go through my inventory sheet as well as their's.

    I've also done my own packing . . . it's cheaper . . . plus I trust me. [:D]



    2shaye -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 5:50:48 PM)

    My brother and sil moved from Los Angeles to Northern Ca with 2 year old triplets - by themselves!

    SIL forgot to unload and pack the final load in the dishwasher.

    SIL forgot to unload the wet laundry from the washing machine.

    DB forgot to check the bathtub and left the unpacked tub toys and soaps/shampoos.

    Plus, they underestimated how much stuff they had and had to leave a few things with a neighbor that didn't fit!



    Roberta_ -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 6:01:09 PM)

    I can see how that would happen even without triplets!



    set_apart -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 6:01:33 PM)

    I'm an experienced cross country mover! If you have any specific questions, I'll see if I can help.

    One of the best things to do is label boxes as you pack. They get a big number 1, 2, or 3. Number 1's go with you no matter what. 2's are important, 3's can be left behind if you run out of room on the truck. It is sometimes hard to know how much will fit.

    Don't try to pack and clean at the same time. Don't sort and pack at the same time. Absolutely everything should be in boxes except your suitcase with clothing, sleeping bags, and paper plates at least a day before your move.

    Here is my procedure for moving:

    Sort your stuff: things to keep, give away (or garage sell) and things to throw away. Don't pack until you sort.
    Pack: After sorting, go through each room and put absolutely everything in boxes. EVERYTHING. The only exception is things you NEED (enough clothing to last until you get where you are going, food, ONE or two scrunchies - not the whole bag of scruncies). You should pack everything you would not take on a trip the length of the time you will be traveling. Put everything in one designated (otherwise empty) room or the garage.
    Load: The day before you move, sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. All beds and other things should be prepared for travel and in the garage. Get a lot of donuts and people to help load your truck. You should be packing NO boxes on this day. You should not be doing laundry. You should not be cleaning your fridge. You just pack and go.

    Leave!



    Roberta_ -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 6:06:20 PM)

    I've done lots and lots of moves.... I think somewhere close to 40 in my 43 years on earth. I've always found it easier to sort and pack at the same time. Then again, I could just be strange that way. lol!



    zmanfan38 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 10:51:53 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: peculiar_lady2


  • rolling clothing items (instead of folding them) fits more in the space you are packing

  • label each box with the room it came from...

  • ...try to get uniform boxes to use.

  • de-clutter and throw away unnecessary items before you leave.

  • have a box of "tools"

  • when packing plates, I utilize the numerous wash cloths we have an overabundance of and put one between each plate

  • start early...it's amazing how much you think you have and how much you actually end up having.

    • These are awesome! We're going by my husbands old job tomorrow and asking them to save boxes for us (they are very sturdy boxes...nice and big too).

    I'm one of those minimalist types, but I've been taking a mental inventory here lately and there is still a lot I intend to sell and give away before we do the move, especially since I'm pretty sure we won't have a house there as big as the one we have now.

    I looooooooove the washcloths between the plates idea![sm=thumbsup.gif]

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: garsyt


    And a long with this - don't plan a move in 9 days! It's not healthy! I did this ONCE with a newborn in tow! I'll never do it again!


    Blessings,

    Garsy

    Mercy...I can not imagine.[:o]

    Hope your friends' move goes well. Are they all packed yet?

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: ajidil

    If you can pack all that up before you start on the stuff the makes your home LOOK like home, you'll be better off emotionally (especially if you have kids).



    Have you already been to your new place to find a home?


    That part has worried me a bit. Our daughter just turned 3 years old last month, and I'm worried about it being scary to her. I know kids move all the time and are fine and I know she'll be fine. I like your idea of saving the "homey" stuff for last.

    We haven't been out there yet. Not sure we will go before the move. I'm going to recruit my family to help us look for a home and jobs. Is it crazy to buy a house if you've never seen it? Should we rent at first? Hmmm.

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: Wild-Rose

    Print out a map of your new city. Start now to memorize the main roads north and south and the main roads east and west. Then when you get there you won't feel so lost. When you ask "Where is the public library?" Someone will tell you "Well, there's one on the corner of This and That" and you'll say "Yes! I know where that is!".


    You know, I've been kind of memorizing some streets on Google maps already...that's a great idea. With so much of my family living there, I'm sure we'll have unlimited tour guides, so that should help a bunch.[:D]


    I haven't been able to get to all of your posts and I'm gonna have to go for now. I'll get to more tomorrow, but thank you all for your input!




    Oh, I have a question before I go.


    In what order do you do your buying a new house/selling your current house? How do people make that work out? Is it a good idea to rent at the new location at first?



    Kerrlaw -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 11:03:41 PM)

    YOU'RE MOVING!!!

    And why wasn't I told of this.[sm=icon_smile_sad.gif]



    zmanfan38 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 11:09:24 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: monamie

    Don't move anything empty.

    I love this. Put stuff in stuff.[;)][:D]

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: jodavi

    Are you driving longdistance or are you flying?


    We've been giving this a lot of thought. Looks like the ABF movers are the cheapest, but it's still almost $1500. I looked into U-Haul and that looks more our speed. We're thinking of getting a 24 or 26 foot truck and one of those car trailer thingys. Hubby is a truck driver, so he'll drive the U-Haul with our small Ford car on the trailer behind. GB and I will drive in my SUV. It's around $380 for four days use of the truck...that's much better.

    Edited to add: this post was supposed to be a part of my previous post, but I just now found it lingering at the bottom of my screen.[sm=blush.gif]



    zmanfan38 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 11:14:22 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: Kerrlaw1

    YOU'RE MOVING!!!

    And why wasn't I told of this.[sm=icon_smile_sad.gif]

    Hey, Kerr, we might be moving.[:D]

    It's not a for sure thing yet. We're in the research phase of it right now, but it's looking more and more like we're gonna go for it.

    We'll have to chat about it more next month before the concert.

    My dad's side of the family lives out there...everybody except one aunt (in Nashville) and one uncle and aunt (in Florida). Hubby and I have joked about moving out there for about 9 years now and over the years it's become less joke and more serious. Now we're really considering going out there.

    I'm sure we'll be in every year or so to visit hubby's mom and dad and we'll just have to have a big 'ol get together at Tony's. Of course, I'll always be around in the threads.



    Ps103 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 11:38:02 PM)

    quote:

    We are thinking of moving from East Tennessee


    But...but..but....

    Why would anyone *leave* here? Make your family move here.



    zmanfan38 -> RE: Moving out of state (5/22/2008 11:48:32 PM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: Ps103

    quote:

    We are thinking of moving from East Tennessee


    But...but..but....

    Why would anyone *leave* here? Make your family move here.

    lol! You don't ask much, do ya?[;)][:D]

    I'll tell you one thing were looking forward to (if we do move to MO) is snow. GB and I were talking about snow this afternoon and she said "I wanna go somewhere and build a snow man.". I thought hmmmm.



    singLOUD -> RE: Moving out of state (5/24/2008 1:49:46 AM)

    quote:

    ORIGINAL: Ps103

    quote:

    We are thinking of moving from East Tennessee


    But...but..but....

    Why would anyone *leave* here? Make your family move here.


    I agree! Except for my long-past home in North AL, East TN is the place I would most like to live someday.

    Having said that, I'd like to offer one suggestion for packing. If you have a lot of books (some people do), do not pack them in really large boxes, unless you are paying someone to move you, and then it is their problem.[:D]

    You need small-medium boxes for books, but the boxes need to be tough and durable. My suggestion is to go to your local bookstore and ask them to save you some boxes from the ones they get product in every day. At my store, we throw away 20-50 boxes every day, except of course at the end of the semester, when all the LSU students show up asking for them.

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzz



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