Moving out of state is one of life’s biggest transitions—whether it’s for a dream job, a fresh start, or a change of scenery. The idea of packing up your life and relocating to a new place can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right planning, a professional mover, and a solid strategy, your long-distance move can be smoother than you imagine.
This guide is designed to walk you through every step, from choosing a reliable moving company to settling into your new community. We’ll cover budgeting, packing, vehicle transport, and even the little things—like finding the nearest coffee shop—that make a big difference. Whether you’re moving solo or with family, these expert tips will help you stay organized and reduce stress.
First Thing to Do: Research a Reputable Interstate Moving Company
Let’s be honest—moving across state lines is a massive undertaking. What feels manageable for a local move (hello, bribing friends with pizza) quickly becomes unrealistic when you’re facing hundreds of miles, logistics, and the sheer volume of your life packed into boxes. That’s why your first priority should be finding a professional moving company you can trust—one that knows how to navigate permits, interstate regulations, and the unexpected hiccups that come with long-distance moves.
At Pick and Pack Moving, we’ve helped countless families and professionals make this transition smoothly. Our team handles everything from packing services to secure storage solutions, so you don’t have to stress over broken dishes or last-minute surprises. The right movers don’t just transport your stuff—they give you peace of mind, so you can focus on what’s ahead.
Make a Moving-Out-of-State Budget
Let’s talk numbers—because nobody wants surprise expenses derailing their big move. A solid budget isn’t just helpful; it’s your best defense against last-minute price surges, unexpected costs, and that sinking feeling when your rental truck ends up costing way more than you planned.
Whether you’re hiring professional movers, DIY-ing with a portable storage container, or somewhere in between, every piece of your move has a price tag. Packing materials, storage units, and auto transport—it all adds up fast. To help you plan smarter, here’s a checklist of the average costs you’ll likely run into, so there are no nasty financial shocks down the road:
| Budgeting Task | Why It Matters | Pro Tip |
| Get moving quotes | Avoid last-minute sticker shock from movers or truck rentals. | Compare at least 3 companies for the best deal. |
| Price packing supplies | Boxes, tape, and bubble wrap add up fast—especially for large homes. | Ask movers if they include materials in their quote. |
| Factor in storage costs | If there’s a gap between moving out and moving in, you’ll need a storage unit. | Look for climate-controlled options for sensitive items. |
| Plan for vehicle transport | Driving cross-country? Factor in gas, hotels, and wear-and-tear. Shipping? Get quotes early. | Auto transport companies book up fast in peak season. |
| Set aside emergency funds | Unexpected costs always pop up—think extra fees, last-minute hotel stays, or delays. | Aim for 10-15% extra as a buffer. |
| Research utility setup fees | New homes often require deposits for electricity, internet, and water. | Call providers ahead to avoid service gaps. |
| Account for travel expenses | Flights, hotels, or even just extra meals on the road can blow your budget. | Pack snacks and book refundable options if plans change. |
| Don’t forget cleaning costs | Many landlords charge fees if the old place isn’t spotless. | DIY or hire a cleaner? Compare prices. |
Rule of thumb: Always set aside 10-15% extra for unexpected costs, like last-minute price surges or emergency lodging. Need professional help with budgeting? Give us a call or request a consultation with our experts.
Create a Detailed Packing Plan
Packing is the part of moving that makes everyone want to procrastinate. But with a solid plan (and maybe some good music), you can tackle it without the last-minute chaos. Here’s how to pack like a pro, even if you’ve never done this before:
Step 1: Declutter First (Trust Us, You’ll Thank Yourself Later)
Before you touch a single box, ask yourself: Do I really need this? Be ruthless—donate, sell, or toss anything that hasn’t earned its keep in the last year. Fewer boxes = cheaper move + easier unpacking.
Step 2: Pack Smart, Not Fast
- Room-by-room wins the race. Start with spaces you use least (guest room, attic) and leave everyday essentials for last.
- Label like your future self depends on it. “Kitchen – Plates” is good. “Miscellaneous” is a curse.
- Keep a “first night” box with phone chargers, toiletries, pajamas, and coffee—because nobody wants to dig through 20 boxes at midnight.
Step 3: Protect What Matters
- Wrap fragile items like you’re shipping a priceless artifact. Bubble wrap, towels, or even socks work.
- Heavy items (books, tools) go in small boxes—your back will thank you later.
- Sentimental stuff gets VIP treatment. Pack photo albums and heirlooms separately, and keep them with you if possible.
Bonus: When to Call in the Pros
If the thought of packing makes you want to hide under a blanket, professional packing services exist for a reason. We'll handle everything (yes, even that weirdly shaped lamp) with the right supplies so that you can focus on the fun parts of your new adventure.
What to Do With Your Car? Plan for Vehicle Transportation
Here’s the million-dollar question as you plan your move: Do you road-trip your car or ship it? Both options have their perks, but one’s probably going to make your life a whole lot easier.
Option 1: Ship It (The "Let Someone Else Handle It" Approach)
- Pros: No cross-country drive fatigue, no extra miles on your car, and no surprise gas/hotel expenses.
- Cons: You’ll need to plan ahead (good transport companies book up fast).
- Best for: Anyone moving more than a few states away, or who’d rather spend move-in week not recovering from 20 hours on the road.
Option 2: Drive It (The "I Guess This Is an Adventure" Plan)
- Pros: You keep control of your car’s arrival time (in theory), and you get to make fun pit stops.
- Cons: Wear and tear on your vehicle, potential breakdowns, and the reality that "fun road trip!" often turns into "why are we still in Nebraska?" by hour 8.
- Best for: Short-distance moves, or die-hard road-trippers with extra time to burn.
The Bottom Line? Shipping your car is usually the smarter play. Bonus: Pick and Pack Moving offers door-to-door service—so your car shows up exactly where you need it, no cross-country headaches required.
The "Don't Forget" List: Small Tasks That Make a Big Difference
Moving isn’t just about boxes and trucks—it’s about setting up your new life. These often-overlooked tasks will save you from future headaches (and those "oh no" moments after you’ve already moved).
1. Become a Local—Before You Arrive
- Google your new neighborhood like you’re planning a spy mission
- Find:
- The closest coffee spot (priorities!)
- Public transit routes
- Where to vote in upcoming elections
- The best school options (if you’ve got kids)
2. Line Up Your Lifelines
- Pre-book appointments with:
- A new doctor/dentist
- A vet (remember rabies shot deadlines for pets!)
- A trusted mechanic
3. Handle the Boring (But Critical) Stuff
- Utilities: Call providers 2 weeks early—you don’t want to spend your first night in the dark
- Mail: Set up USPS forwarding plus update:
- Banks
- Subscription boxes
- Amazon (because nobody remembers until the package goes to the old place)
Pro Tip: Create a "new home essentials" list for your first grocery run—toilet paper and shower curtains always get forgotten!
The Paperwork Survival Guide: Don’t Let Admin Ruin Your Move
Let’s face it—nothing kills moving excitement faster than a mountain of paperwork. But losing important documents? That’s a real nightmare. Here’s how to stay organized without the stress:
1. Create a "Must-Save" Document Kit (Keep this with you—not in the moving truck!)
- Legal must-haves:
- Moving contracts/insurance paperwork
- Medical records (including pet vaccinations)
- Custody agreements (if applicable)
- Financial essentials:
- Lease/mortgage documents
- Tax-deductible moving receipts
- Home inventory (photos of valuables)
2. Go Digital
- Scan or photograph all critical papers
- Save to cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox) and a USB drive
- Password-protect sensitive files
3. The Receipt Game Plan
- Dedicate an envelope (or phone folder) for:
- Moving company receipts
- Storage unit contracts
- Travel expenses (hotels, gas if driving)
- Pro Tip: Take photos of paper receipts immediately—they fade fast!
4. Safe Storage = Peace of Mind
- Physical copies go in a fireproof lockbox or bank safety deposit box
- Give a trusted friend/family member access instructions (just in case)
Self-Care During Your Move: The Survival Guide Everyone Forgets to Read
When people give moving advice, they talk about packing tape and utility hookups, but nobody warns you about the real challenge: staying sane through the chaos. Moving isn’t just a physical process; it’s a mental marathon. Between the endless to-do lists and goodbyes, it’s easy to forget you’re a human—not a packing machine.
But here’s the truth: Ignoring self-care during a move is like skipping oil changes on a cross-country road trip. You might make it, but you’ll pay the price in exhaustion, frustration, and last-minute meltdowns. The key? Building intentional pauses into the madness. Prioritize self-care by:
- Scheduling downtime between action items.
- Practicing relaxation techniques (deep breathing, short walks).
- Allowing quality time with loved ones before the move.
When to Call the Professionals? Let Pick and Pack Handle the Heavy Lifting
Moving should be an exciting time—a fresh start in a new place. But between sorting through unwanted items, protecting sentimental items, and hauling bulky items, the moving process can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where we come in. At Pick and Pack Moving, we take the stress off your shoulders so you can focus on the adventure ahead.
As a trusted interstate moving company, we specialize in making out-of-state moves seamless—whether you’re relocating across the country or just a few states over. Here’s how we turn chaos into calm:
Why Choose Pick and Pack Moving?
- Full-Service Mover: From packing to unpacking, we handle it all—so you don’t have to lift a finger.
- Affordable Option: No unexpected expenses—just transparent pricing and plenty of time to plan.
- Expert Packing Tips & Premium Supplies: We use the right type of packing supplies to protect your belongings, from fragile dishes to bulky furniture.
- Cross-Country Movers with Experience: We know the best routes, regulations, and tricks for a smooth moving out of state experience.
- Car Shipping Services: Need your vehicle transported? We’ve got you covered.
Here's Our Stress-Free Moving Process:
- Free In-Home Estimate – We assess your needs upfront so there are no surprises.
- Customized Moving Plan – Every move is different; we tailor ours to fit yours.
Full-Service Packing – Don’t stress over a packing checklist—we’ll carefully wrap, box, and label everything. - Safe Loading & Transport – Our team handles bulky items and fragile pieces with care.
- Unpacking & Setup – Arrive at your new home ready to relax—we’ll even help arrange your furniture.
Here's the thing - we know moving is stressful enough without worrying about your stuff. That's why we've got your back with a team of fully trained pros who treat your belongings like their own. Got a crazy schedule? No problem - we'll work around your life, not the other way around. And the best part? The price we quote you is the price you'll pay - no sneaky fees or last-minute surprises.
Ready to Make Your Move Easy?
Moving doesn’t have to mean months of packing, heavy lifting, and logistical headaches. Let Pick and Pack Moving—one of the best long-distance moving companies in NJ—turn your out-of-state move into the fresh start it should be. Contact us today for a free quote!
