Changing homes is an investment of time and money, but moving to a different state adds another layer of complexity. While moving 15 or 20 miles away can take a few days, a long-distance move can take months of preparation and work leading up to moving day.
Do you need help relocating to another state? Here's everything you need to know about moving from one state to another, from budgeting to scheduling and everything else in advance.
Make a Moving Budget
A move from one state to another costs money, so you need a budget to track expenses, prioritize spending, and find ways to save. Moving expenses may also be deducted on your federal taxes, so they are worth tracking.
The size of the budget needed to move to another state depends on:
The distance of the move
Your household size
The volume of your possessions
How you will travel to your new home
Start with a checklist for everything you'll need, including packing supplies, professional movers, car shipping, and travel costs, with rough estimates. To help you in that process, we created a handy list of issues to consider when estimating your moving costs. Make sure your moving costs are in a range you're comfortable spending and separate the necessary from the "nice-to-have" moving expenses.
For instance, using a professional moving company is more expensive than a DIY move, but it can pay off in a less stressful experience and safer handling of your property.
For a DIY move, keep in mind that you will need to budget for packing materials and equipment, such as appliance dollies. You will also need to estimate the size of the truck you will rent and budget for gas.
Many people forget hidden moving expenses, such as airfare, hotels or other accommodations, babysitting, and pet boarding during the move. If you need specialty services to ship or move plants, pets, antiques, or other unusual items, investigate your options early.
Research Professional Movers
If you ask the question, "How do you move to a new state?" many will tell you that hiring professional movers is the best way. Start researching professional interstate movers and their services to see what works best for you. From there, you can get moving quotes and compare rates, services, and reviews.
To avoid moving scams, confirm the moving company is legitimate and properly licensed. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) maintains a searchable database of registered moving brokers and carriers. It also provides resources to help you understand your rights, avoid scam moving companies, and prepare for your move.
Under federal law, interstate movers must include full-value content protection (similar to insurance) in their initial quotes. However, that protection covers only $0.60 per pound per item. So, a 10 lbs. television has $6 in protection, even if it is worth $800. Since many household items are worth more than $0.60 per pound, people commonly pay for full-value protection.
Make Travel Plans
Depending on how far you're moving, you may fly or have a long drive to your destination. If you plan to drive, get your car serviced and book accommodations for overnight stays. If your home won't be ready for move-in when you arrive, book a short-term home rental early to avoid last-minute price surges.
If you plan to fly to your new home, book plane tickets as far in advance as possible to save money. Also, if you are flying and need your car shipped to your new location, professional car shipping companies will get your car to your new home safely and efficiently, but you will need to book early to align with your moving dates.
Plan for Pets
Another challenge that comes when you move from one state to another is the need for pet care. If you plan to travel with dogs, cats, small animals, or exotic pets, they need to be factored in. How will you transport your pets to your new home? There are restrictions on flying with cats and dogs, so you may need to drive them or hire a moving company that offers pet relocation services. Some small pets and exotic animals can be shipped overnight to your destination with specialty pet shipping providers.
You will need up-to-date vaccinations and paperwork for most pet service providers. If you expect the move to be stressful for your pet, talk to your vet about calming medications to help. You should also refill your pet's medications before the move. Also, consider identifying a veterinarian near your new home so you are ready to go upon arrival.
Declutter Your Home
When you move from one state to another, a significant portion of the cost depends on the volume of your belongings, so it's best to declutter before taking inventory and getting a quote. Since decluttering can be overwhelming, start small by decluttering one desk or cabinet at a time and categorizing everything into keep, sell, donate, or toss boxes. Finish one area and move on to the next, adding to the boxes as you go.
Take your donations to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army. If you don't want the hassle of selling on your own, take those items to a consignment shop. For high-value items you want to sell, contact local antique marketplaces or luxury consignment shops online.
Many areas limit the amount of trash you can put out each week, so if you have a large volume of materials to dispose of, consider getting bulk stickers or renting a dumpster. Keep in mind that some items, such as electronics and paint, are not permitted in normal trash and recycling. Check with your trash collection agency in advance about how to handle these items.
Gather Packing Materials
If you're packing yourself instead of hiring a professional moving and packing service, you will need several moving supplies. Gather boxes of varying sizes and packing materials like foam peanuts, bubble wrap, newspapers, packing paper, box tape, and a permanent marker. You will likely also need equipment such as a handcart or an appliance dolly, hand tools for disassembling furniture, and a utility knife.
To get a head start on gathering packing materials, check out our ultimate moving supplies checklist.
Inventory Your Home and Start Packing
Now that you have lightened your load, take an inventory of your household items. Organize all your possessions and document them, including taking photos or videos. Images and videos can be important to prove your items' condition if they're damaged during the move. Keep these records in a digital document or spreadsheet for quick reference.
Once everything is inventoried, start packing your nonessential items. First pack rarely used kitchen appliances, collectibles, artwork, books, and home décor. For many, doing a little bit at a time makes the process easier and less overwhelming.
Label each box as you go and be specific in your descriptions, since you'll likely have multiple boxes for each room. For example, the label "kitchen: small appliances" provides more information than just "kitchen." Also, label the boxes based on the room in which they belong in your new home, not your current one.
Start early and pack strategically. You don't want to rush and leave your possessions vulnerable to damage or disorganized upon arrival.
Pack Your Personal Records
While you can entrust your possessions to a moving company, some items should travel with you. Gather key sensitive records, including medical records, school transcripts, veterinary records, birth certificates, insurance paperwork, tax records, and any other personal documents, and store them in a case or file folder for the move.
Set Up Utilities and Other Services
You will need to set a disconnection date for your current utilities and services and set them up at your new home. You also need to submit your change-of-address form to the United States Postal Service (USPS) and the state DMV.
Other important documents or information to update include insurance, car titles, credit cards, and voter registration. You should also notify your doctor, dentist, and other healthcare providers of the move and start looking for options in your new state.
If you have children, notify their current and new schools of the move. Each school will have a process for transferring records and completing enrollment, so take care of this in advance to ensure your kids enjoy a seamless transition into their new school.
Don't forget to cancel gym memberships or social club memberships before your move. You may not have time to keep up with them as you prepare to move, so do this as early as possible and get back on track in your new state.
Confirm Details with Your Moving Company
As the move date approaches, check in with your moving company to confirm the timing and details. It's also a good time to confirm your other bookings, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, pet boarding, or any other services you need during your interstate move.
With dates finalized, make sure you have everything ready for the actual moving day. Organize your possessions to make them easier to load onto the truck. This preparation will pay off while you're loading, unloading, and unpacking.
Get Ready for Moving Day
Your moving day will go more smoothly if you put time and effort into planning. If you hired professional movers, sign the paperwork and offer a tip to the moving team, if the company allows it. A $40 flat rate is appropriate per mover for the day, but feel free to tip more if you feel your team went above and beyond for you.
If you're loading the truck yourself, plan an efficient method to get everything out of your house and organized on the truck. For example, load furniture, heavier boxes, and nonessential items first, so you have easy access to your essentials when you arrive.
Once your current home is empty, perform any last-minute cleaning and take a final walkthrough. Check all the nooks and crannies, cabinets, and closets to ensure you've left nothing behind, then close the doors and windows and lock up. Give the key to your real estate agent, new homeowners, or landlord, and you're off!
Interstate Moving Timeline: What to Do and When
Timeline Stage | Key Actions | Why It Matters |
6–8 weeks before move | Choose and sign with movers, declutter, gather supplies | Summer moves book up fast, reduce moving cost |
3–4 weeks before | Pack non-essentials, notify schools and service providers | Limit last-minute work; understand steps needed |
1–2 weeks before | Confirm details with mover, pack most items, finalize travel arrangement | Limit surprises and ensure everything is ready |
Moving week | Pack essentials and other items | Must clear out residence |
After arrival | Confirm utilities, schools, and other services | Ensure key elements of life are in order |
Cost of Professional Help to Move to a Different State
Some moving companies offer only long-distance moving services. Others can help with both long-distance and local moves. Either is fine if they meet your needs.
The average local move cost $1,720 in 2025. Moving a one-bedroom apartment can cost as little as $400, while moving a five-bedroom home may cost $3,000.
Long-distance moves cost more since your belongings must travel farther. Moving a one-bedroom or studio apartment may cost $1,400 to $3,000 if the distance is less than 1,000 miles. Expect to pay $2,000 or more for a 2,500-mile move.
Moving a five-bedroom house less than 1,000 miles away will likely cost more than $4,000, but jump to more than $9,000 for a cross-country move. Use a moving calculator to determine your moving costs.
Remember that auto transport companies can also help you ship a car to another state during your relocation. A shipping cost calculator can help you determine the price.
What Affects the Cost of Moving to a Different State
Cost Factor | How It Impacts Cost | What You Can Control |
Distance between states | Top cost driver of moving fees | Limited control once new location decided |
Volume/weight of belongings | More possessions require more packing supplies, larger truck, and additional labor | Declutter, donate and sell unwanted possession |
Moving method (DIY vs container vs full-service) | Cost from low to high: DIY, container, and full-service | DIY saves money, but adds stress and demands on your time |
Time of year (peak vs off-season) | Summer is busiest moving period | Book summer moves as early as possible |
Packing and additional services | DIY packing saves money, but pro movers pack efficiently and effectively | If DIY packing, use correct supplies and don’t overload boxes |
How We Can Help You Move Out of State
Following these tips for moving across state lines can help make moving to a different state seamless. Be sure to create a to-do list and take the other steps mentioned earlier, such as decluttering to save money and reduce your stress.
If you can afford to hire a professional mover, doing so will make your out-of-state move faster and less stressful, and help ensure your possessions arrive undamaged.
At Nexus Auto Transport, we can help you transport your vehicle when moving to another state. We'll get your vehicle to its destination safely and efficiently. Get a free quote today!
FAQs
What legal and administrative updates should I prioritize after moving to a new state?
Among the key updates to make when moving to a new state are:
Driver’s license and motor vehicle registration (often must be updated within 30 to 60 days by law)
Auto and home insurance
USPS Change of Address
Voter registration
Banking, investment, and retirement accounts
IRS (Form 8822) and the Social Security Administration
Which important documents should I keep with me instead of packing in the moving truck?
The key documents to keep with you during the move will vary based on your circumstances, but consider gathering government-issued identification, medical records, school transcripts, veterinary records, birth certificates, insurance paperwork, tax records, and other personal documents. Store them in a secure case or file folder for the move.
How far in advance should I start planning an interstate move to avoid delays?
Starting your plans six months in advance is ideal, though job relocations often do not allow that much time, so the secret is to get started as soon as possible. If you have less than six months, follow the same logical plan, but compress the time available for each step.
What challenges can arise when moving across state lines that people don’t expect?
Among the surprises that occur to people during interstate moves are:
Mover fees are estimates, so have additional money available.
Delivery dates are estimates. Be prepared for hotel stays at your destination.
Paying income taxes in two states for that year, depending on the states
Cost of living differences between locations
Should I ship my car or drive it when moving to a different state?
Whether to ship or drive your car to a different state depends on your circumstances. It may be impractical to drive multiple vehicles to another state, or you may want to limit the wear and tear of a long trip. Both situations call for hiring an auto transport provider. It is easy to obtain a quote, so determine the cost to transport your car and use it in your decision-making.
