How to Organize a Move to Another State: A Complete Guide

Moving to a new city or state is exciting — but it’s also a big project! If you’re wondering what to consider when moving to a new city, careful planning is key. From researching your new home to deciding what to do with big-ticket items like furniture and appliances, there’s a lot to think about.

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. This guide explains how to plan for a move out of state, with moving organization tips to keep things stress-free from start to finish.

Step 1: Research Your New City Before the Move

Before you start packing, take some time to research where you’re headed. Understanding the dynamics of your new residence will help you avoid surprises and settle in faster.

Consider the area’s cost of living and property taxes

Will your rent go up? Are groceries and gas more expensive than you’re accustomed to? Checking out the cost of living and hidden apartment fees in your new city will help you set a realistic budget before you move. Also, don’t forget to research property taxes when moving to a new city; they can significantly impact homeownership costs if you plan to buy.

Think about commute times and transportation

If you and your family will be using a car to commute, run errands, or get to school, investigate the area’s traffic patterns and toll roads. If you’ll be relying on public transportation, research bus and train routes, passes, and costs. If you’re a student or the parent of a college student, evaluate the options of living on campus versus in an apartment.

Scope out local necessities

Find the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, gyms, and other must-haves. Make a list of nearby doctors, dentists, and emergency services so you’re prepared when you arrive.

Step 2: Tips For Moving to a New City: The Logistics

Once you’ve got the lay of the land, it’s time to organize your move by getting the details in order. Knowing how to plan for a move out of state will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute surprises.

Create a moving checklist and a moving binder

A little planning goes a long way! Make a detailed moving checklist of tasks like booking movers, transferring utilities, and updating your address with banks and subscription services. To stay organized, consider using a moving binder to keep track of contracts, receipts, and important documents. Doing this now will also help you better manage organizing and labeling your boxes when the time comes.

Budget for moving expenses

Long-distance moving isn’t cheap! Moving expenses can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to compare quotes from a moving company, estimate fuel costs if you’re driving, and factor in any deposits or setup fees for your new place.

If you’re moving in with a partner, a moving-in checklist can help you navigate shared expenses. What if you’re furnishing your first home? It doesn’t need to break the bank if you know how to do it on a budget.

Consider whether to hire movers or DIY

Whether you should hire movers or do a DIY move depends on your budget and how much you’re moving. Professional movers can make things easier but come at a higher price. If you’re handling everything yourself, be sure to start packing early and stock up on packing supplies like bubble wrap, tape, and moving boxes to avoid last-minute stress.

Set up utilities before you arrive

Nobody wants to spend moving day in a dark, Wi-Fi-free apartment. Schedule your electric, water, internet, and gas services ahead of time so everything is ready when you move in.

Step 3: Declutter & Downsize Before Packing

Packing up an entire home or apartment? Now’s the time to organize your move to another state by getting rid of what you don’t need. If you’re wondering how to plan for a big move, downsizing is a great way to cut costs and simplify the transition.

Sort and simplify before you start packing

Go room by room and decide what stays and what goes. If you haven’t used it in a year (or forgot you even had it), it’s probably time to part ways. What if you think you just won’t like your new place and are feeling overwhelmed about making it feel like home? That’s when you could benefit from seeking out creative ways to transform your living space and refresh your new home to your liking.

Consider the cost of moving large furniture & appliances

Moving bulky furniture and appliances can be expensive. Costs for movers, truck rentals, and fuel add up. If your items are heavy, outdated, or won’t fit your new home’s style or space, replacing them may be more cost-effective. A flexible option is rent-to-own in your new city. It offers free delivery and a flexible, budget-friendly alternative for furniture and appliances. Since you’ll be able to furnish your home without the hassle and high cost of long-distance moving, it’s a total win-win!

Sell, donate, or discard before moving day

Not sure what to do with your old couch, bedroom set, washing machine, and other large or big-ticket items you’ll replace or no longer need? Check out this guide on what to do with old furniture to decide whether to sell, donate, or upcycle pieces before your move. Don’t forget to check if friends or family need any of your unwanted items before getting rid of them.

Digitize important documents

Scan essential paperwork—like medical records, tax forms, and leases—and store them securely online so you don’t have to pack bulky files.

Step 4: Organize & Label for a Stress-Free Unpacking

Keeping track of your belongings can feel overwhelming when everything’s in boxes. A little organization today will prevent unpacking headaches later.

Label everything clearly

Color-code moving boxes by room and write detailed labels so you can quickly find what you need. (No more digging through five boxes just to find your coffee maker!)

Pack a first-night essentials box

Keep must-haves — toiletries, a change of clothes, phone chargers, medications, and important documents — separate so they’re easy to grab on your first night.

Use space-saving techniques

Roll your clothes instead of folding them, use vacuum-seal bags, and nest small items inside larger ones to maximize space.

Start Fresh in Your New City with Rent-A-Center

Moving is a fresh start. So why not start with furniture and appliances that perfectly match your new home?

You can rent-to-own stylish furniture, modern appliances, and must-have home essentials without the hassle (or cost!) of moving bulky items across state lines. You can have your new entertainment center — tailored to your new space — set up and ready to go. And, you can choose flexible payment options that fit your budget—a necessity when considering all of the potential costs when moving.

Shop online or visit a Rent-A-Center store in your new city to settle in with ease!