Moving to a new state can be an exciting but challenging life change. For example, if you’re moving to Colorado, you can easily get carried away browsing through all of the beautiful Colorado ranches for sale. What if you’re moving out of Colorado though? When relocating a long distance from Colorado to another part of the country, you need thorough preparation and planning to ensure a smooth transition.
However, moving woes are not just your concern. Did you know that 64% of people find moving to be one of the most stressful life events, even more so than getting divorced or having kids? This is according to a CBC news survey. While moving does come with many challenges, with ample preparation time and organization, it is possible to minimize the frustrations and headaches associated with the move.
Here are some tips to help you get prepared for your upcoming interstate move from Colorado.
Planning and Budgeting
Moving to a new home in another state takes a lot of planning. The very first of which is to research all of the ranches for sale, and choose a few which stand out to you the most, and plan ahead and visit them. Once you have a property in mind that is suitable for you and your family, then it is time to start the purchasing process (it is vital you stay calm throughout this process as this can take time, and requires a lot of patience). Once all of this is completed, you should then start thinking about everything else that needs to be completed before your move date, as it allows time to get organized.
Research different moving companies online and ask for quotes from three or four of them. Read reviews from other customers to find a moving company that is known for taking good care of people’s belongings. Also, ask your friends who have moved recently if they can recommend a good mover.
Make sure to use Colorado-based moving services or check out local resources for tips. If you’re specifically located in or around Colorado Springs, considering Colorado Springs long distance moving companies can be a smart choice, as they’re well-acquainted with the nuances of relocating from this specific region. Choosing the right company will help your move go smoothly.
Budgeting is equally important. Make a budget for all the costs of your move; include the cost for the movers to pack and move your things and budget for supplies like boxes and wrapping material. If you need to store items or stay in a hotel before your new home is ready, include those costs as well and add in money for gas, food, and anything else you’ll need during the drive.
Declutter and Downsize
Moving is a great time to declutter your home. Get rid of stuff you no longer need or want; fewer belongings means your move will cost less and be easier.
Go through every room and be ruthless. Have garage sales or sell furniture, clothes, and household items you don’t use on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. You can also consider donating the gently used items to local charities like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity.
Also, ask yourself if you really need bulky furniture like big dressers in your new home. If you’re moving to a warmer climate, get rid of off-season items like winter coats and ski gear. The more you can reduce what you’re moving, the better.
Organize and Pack
Sturdy boxes, bubble wraps, packing paper – all these are moving essentials, and you need to have lots of them to ensure a completely organized move. Once you have your essentials ready, start gathering the items you need to pack.
Go to each room at a time, wrap fragile items carefully with padding, and place them securely in boxes. Label each box clearly with the room it should go in and what’s inside. To ease the process of unpacking, use colored stickers or markers on the boxes to tell different rooms apart.
Keep all the parts and hardware for furniture together, either in the furniture itself or taped to the disassembled pieces. Pack a separate box with essential things you’ll need right away in your new home, including your toiletries, medications, phone chargers, tools, and important documents.
Notify Important Parties
Start by going to your local post office and filling out a change of address form; this forwards your mail to your new address.
Also, contact any subscriptions you have, like magazines or newspaper delivery, and give them your new address so they can update it.
Update your contact information with banks, credit cards, insurance, and anywhere you have accounts; make sure they receive your new address and phone number. It will prevent issues with statements and payments.
Look into using a mail forwarding service. They will collect your mail from your old Colorado address and ship it to your new home, ensuring you don’t miss any of your important mail.
Utilities and Services
Call utility companies that serve your old house and cancel the services at your old address starting 1-2 days after you finish moving out.
Do research to find the right cable and internet providers and plans for your new area and schedule installation so it’s ready when you move in. If possible, have them turn on services at your new address starting on your move-in date.
Prepare Emotionally
Moving away from Colorado after living there for a long time can be difficult. Make time for proper goodbyes to friends, family, and your favorite places in Colorado.
You must also stay positive by focusing on the excitement of your new adventure rather than the emotional distress of everything you’re leaving behind.
To ensure you feel at home in your new place, start joining local groups of your new community so you can meet people and familiarize yourself.
Upon Arrival
You need to have your new place thoroughly cleaned before you move furniture and boxes in. Before unpacking your essentials, inspect the boxes and the damage, then unpack and check your belongings (valuables especially) and note for any damage. Checking right away might salvage stuff in case of a leakage, or you can claim insurance. Once that’s cleared, you can unpack the rest over several weeks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Conclusion
Moving brings huge life changes, but thorough preparation sets you up for success. Give yourself ample time to sort belongings, do research, finish logistics, and say heartfelt goodbyes. Moving from Colorado takes adaptation, but embrace this new adventure. With organization and planning, you’ll be settled smoothly into your new home before you know it!
