The Ultimate Moving Interstate Checklist: 10 Helpful Tips For A Smooth Interstate Move

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woman with luggage moving interstate

Making any move is a draining process that requires a whole heap of planning and hard work. Even if you’re only moving around the corner.

Moving interstate presents a whole new set of challenges and obstacles that you need to be ready for. 

But it doesn’t have to be a sorry state of affairs, we’ve put together the ultimate moving interstate checklist to put you in a positive state of mind.

What To Do Before Moving Interstate

Proper preparation really can prevent poor performance when it comes to moving interstate. That’s why we recommend you start checking off these things 2-3 months in advance of your move.

That way, by the time your move is only a couple weeks away, you’re more than ready, and can focus on moving day.

1. Get Organised

Like we mentioned, preparation is key for a big interstate move.

We always recommend the very first thing you can do is create a moving document folder and put in it all your important information, such as utility bills, addresses, contracts, rental agreements, and if you have children preparing your child’s interstate move with things such as school records – all that necessary and legal stuff. Tick it off your checklist.  

Additionally, don’t forget to prepare your beloved pet for the interstate move. Ensure they have updated identification tags, vaccinations, and any necessary health certificates.

You’ll also want to organise helping hands as soon as possible before people make other plans. So let your friends and family (well at least the helpful ones) know when you’re moving interstate so you’re not short of hands on the big day.

Performing an audit of everything you own is a great way to not only keep track of everything you need to take interstate, but it’s a chance to be brutal and decide what stuff won’t make the cut. Start planning how you’ll get rid of these things, whether it be giving to friends or family, selling on Gumtree for some extra cash, or donating to a charity store.

Now you know what’s making the move and what isn’t, it’s easier to start budgeting accurately. Moving can get expensive quite quickly, especially when you’re moving interstate, so budgeting is a great way to ensure the cost of the move doesn’t sneak up on you.

2. Find The Right Interstate Moving Company For You

Finding the right moving company for an interstate move can be quite tricky.

A lot of removalists only do local moves or charge insane amounts for interstate moves, so don’t rush into picking one. 

We recommend asking moving companies as many questions as possible so you can be sure they are the right team for your move.

At Gentle Giant & Relocations, we can take care of your interstate move from start to finish. With over 30 years of experience, we’re very aware of the challenges that come with moving interstate. That’s why we strive to make moving to a new state an exciting and stress-free experience for our customers. 

We offer great rates, and a free, no-obligation quote, so call us today and we can chat about making your interstate move as smooth and safe as possible.

3. Plan How You’re Getting Yourself Interstate

Well done! You’ve sorted out a removalist to get all your belongings interstate, but how are you and your family going to make the move? 

If you’re going by plane, you’ll need to organise plane tickets. But don’t book the flight too early, you’ll want to make sure you’re at your old house to supervise the removalists before you leave.

If you’re taking the car/s with you make sure they are serviced before the big road trip. 

4. Study Up On Your New State

If you haven’t already, get a head start on what life will be like in your new state. A new state means new people, new laws, new shops, new schools, you name it.

If you have kids, the most important one will be finding a new school to enrol your kids in. We’ve put together school enrolment information for each state below, so just click on the state you’re moving to and follow the steps:

5. Start Packing

We know you’re probably dreading it, but now it’s time to start packing. 

It doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom though, learn how to pack like a pro with our top 50 packing tips.

What To Do During Your Interstate Move

Moving interstate is very similar to a regular move when it comes to moving day (besides the whole moving really far away part). Make sure to check these off on or just before moving day.

1. Use Our Moving Day Checklist

That’s why we recommend all our interstate movers use our 20 point moving day checklist. This is a lifesaver come moving day and will keep you calm on what is typically a very stressful day.

2. Prepare For The Road Trip

Whether you’re taking flight or hitting the road, make sure you’re fully organised for the journey a day or two before the move.

If you’re catching a plane, you’ll need to organise transport to the airport. Having a friend or family member drop you off is the easiest, but if that’s not an option there’s always Uber or public transport.

And if you’re hitting the road, make an adventure of it! Especially if you have kids. Organise some road snacks and activities, and even some places to sightsee along the way.

3. Double Check & Triple Check Everything

Before you leave, double-check, triple-check, and even quadruple-check your house and your checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten to pack anything or do something you were supposed to.

Everyone gets the feeling on a moving day that they’ve forgotten something. That’s why having a comprehensive checklist is so useful, it can provide you with peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of.

What To Do After Moving Interstate

Congratulations, you’ve officially made the move interstate! 

But what to do now?

1. Follow Our Guide On What To Do After Moving In

Like any move, there’s a lot to do once you’ve moved into your new home. 

Luckily, we’ve already thought about that, and have a list of the 13 most important things to do after moving in.

2. Take a Well Deserved Rest

Moving interstate can certainly take its toll on your body both physically and mentally, so it’s about time you take a well-earned break. 

Kick your feet up, relax, and rejuvenate before taking your new state by storm!

Make Moving Interstate Easier With A Reliable Removalist

Ready to make a move interstate?

Gentle Giant Removals & Relocations has experienced relocation personnel who provide the full range of removal services for interstate moves. Contact our expert removalists today for a free, no-obligation quote or call us today.

Not making an interstate move? Our Central Coast removalists and Newcastle removalists are experts at intrastate moves as well.