Out-of-state move checklist and tips
Moving is almost always a process that requires ample planning, but moving to a different state has its own unique challenges. Moving to another state means everything is different — from a new home and school to new doctors and pet groomers. And that’s not to mention the task of boxing up your entire life and transporting it to your destination. To ease the transition, here’s an out-of-state moving checklist you can use to stay organized.
8 weeks before your move
Your out-of-state move checklist starts with thorough planning. Here’s what to do 8 weeks before you move:
1. Set your moving budget.
Planning a moving budget in advance can help reduce stress and save money by accounting for expenses such as packing supplies, travel costs, and essentials for your new home.
2. Research your new city.
When moving to a new city, research the lifestyle, nightlife and entertainment opportunities to help you see what your future life will look like. [1]
3. Plan when you’re moving.
Plan the best time to move based on your needs and budget.
In both fall and spring you may experience mild weather, moderate prices and lower demand. [2]
4. Research moving companies.
Vet and secure a moving company that’s experienced in state-to-state moves.
5. Plan your transportation.
If you or others need to drive, plan to rent a car; and if any family members are flying, purchase plane tickets to your new destination. Book tickets for pets, if necessary.
6. Sell, donate or give away unwanted items.
Whittle down items you don’t need by selling or donating them. Your neighbors may also have a use for something you don’t need. If you’re selling your home, the buyers might be interested in some items.
7. Research schools.
If you have kids, research the new schools they’ll be attending and find out what you need to do to get them enrolled.
8. Find packing supplies.
Find free boxes from local stores or purchase boxes and other packing supplies from a local moving-equipment store.
9. Notify your insurance providers.
Call your insurance company to manage both your car insurance and homeowners insurance. Keep in mind there may be different insurance rules in the state you’re moving to, and you may need to change coverage limits for elements such as auto liability.
4 weeks before your move
Your out-of-state move checklist continues with these tasks scheduled 4 weeks before you leave:
1. Start packing.
It’s a tedious process, but it’s cheaper to do it yourself. This is a good time to create a home inventory of your belongings for insurance purposes.
2. Look into moving insurance.
Contact your homeowners insurance provider to learn whether your move is covered in your policy. Consider purchasing moving insurance to protect your belongings while they’re in transit.
3. Transfer school records.
Have school records transferred to the new school. Notify your kids’ current school of your departure and the new school of your arrival.
4. Obtain medical records.
Get your family medical records and your pets’ vet records and pack them in a secure place. Consider ordering multiple copies.
5. Forward your mail.
Change your address with the postal service and forward your mail beginning on the date you move.
6. Transfer utilities.
Have utilities and in-home services start on the date you move.
3 weeks before you move
The move is getting close. Here’s what to do with 3 weeks left:
1. Update your address.
Inform your job, bank, bills and government agencies of your new address as soon as possible to prevent potential fraud or late fees.
2. Order medication.
Speak with your doctor about any prescriptions you need and consult your pet’s veterinarian about medications your pet may need during the move.
2 weeks before you move
With just a couple weeks left before you leave, add these tasks to your out-of-state move checklist:
1. Contact your moving company
Confirm your plans with the moving company. Also confirm the date, time, meeting place and cost.
2. Start packing essential items.
Make a travel bag for your kids that has all of their essentials and a bag for yourself that includes toiletries, a change of clothes, medications and important documents.
Prepare your pet.
Make arrangements for your pet to move comfortably.
Day of the move
It’s a big day. Here’s what to do before you head to your new home:
1. Do a final walk-through.
Do a final check of your home to make sure you haven’t left anything behind. Pack up the remaining toiletries, medication, towels and clothes.
2. Leave your keys with your real estate agent.
Leave the keys and garage door openers behind with your landlord or real estate agent.
3. Check in with the movers
Double-check the delivery address and times with your moving company.
4. Deep clean.
Whether moving in or moving out, deep clean in a furniture-free space. Creating a cleaning checklist is one of the best ways to feel accomplishment during tedious moving tasks. [3]
With this out-of-state move checklist, you ease the stress of relocation while making sure you don’t overlook the important details.
Additional considerations when moving to another state
1. Create a moving file.
Filing all the documents you need is a great way to stay organized and determine what you need to update.
2. Locate local doctors and pharmacies.
Research physicians and any specialty doctors that you’ll need in your new area and make necessary appointments.
3. Research moving companies.
If you decide to hire a moving company, make sure it’s a reliable and trustworthy one. Before the move, be sure to confirm the moving date and arrival.
4. Schedule and transfer utilities.
5. Forward your mail.
Have this done ahead of time to ease your mind when the moving date arrives.
6. Register to vote.
As soon as you move, update your voter registration through in-person voter, mail-in or online registration. [4]
Sources
[1] “How to Move to Another State” Quinn Johnson, Extra Space Storage, extraspace.com/moving/guides/tips/how-to-move-out-of-state/ (accessed September 2025).
[2] “When Is the Best Time to Move?” Marian White, Moving.com, moving.com/tips/when-is-the-best-time-to-move/ (accessed September 2025).
[3] “Move-Out Cleaning Checklist for Getting Your Deposit Back,” Alex Keight, PODS, pods.com/blog/move-out-cleaning-checklist (accessed September 2025).
[4] “A Checklist for Moving Out of State – Moving to Another State,” Marian White, Moving.com, moving.com/tips/your-checklist-for-moving-to-another-state/ (accessed September 2025).