How to Move to a Different State
Move to a different state without spending a lot of money, even if you decide to hire a mover.
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You Will Need
- Vital records
- Change of address form
- Rented truck
- Hired mover
Steps
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Step 1
Decide if you'll move yourself
Decide if you'll do a hybrid move, move yourself, or hire a mover. In a hybrid move, a mover does only part of the move, such as packing or loading.
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Step 2
Prepare for the move
Prepare for the move by going through each room in your home and selling or donating items you don't use. Gather medical, dental, legal, school, and pet records.
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Before the move, discontinue utilities and subscription services at your old address and set them up at your new address.
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Step 3
Get a change of address form
Get a change of address form at the post office, or change your address online at the U.S. Postal Service website. This forwards your mail.
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Step 4
Rent a truck and move yourself
If you do the move on your own, rent the right truck size for the load. For example, the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment can fit into a 15-foot truck.
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Rent dollies for loading and rent pads to protect your furniture during the trip.
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Step 5
Hire movers to pack and load
Hire movers to pack and load the rented truck for your trip and hire movers to unload at your destination. This is a type of hybrid move.
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Step 6
Load and unload the van yourself
Load and unload the mover's van yourself. You'll only pay for driving costs.
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Load the biggest, heaviest items first and pack items tightly to keep everything in place.
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Step 7
Consider a full-service mover
Consider a full-service mover, but check the mover's license at ProtectYourMove.gov. Check for complaints at the Better Business Bureau. Never pay a mover all or part of the fee until the job is done.
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In the 1960s, an American bought the London Bridge. It took 3 years to move the pieces to Lake Havasu, Arizona.
