Moving out of state is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us. Interstate moving makes up just 17.3% of all moves annually. And, whether you’re moving for work, family, or just a change of scenery, moving out of state isn’t just moving further; it’s an entirely different beast.
While 80% of Americans live within 100 miles of where they were born, there are those brave, adventurous few who look at a big move and say, “Bring it on!” Our decades of experience give us a unique perspective on changing states, and we’ve got the resources to make it happen.
The most significant difference between an interstate move and a local one isn’t about the distance. You could move a shorter distance into another state, say, Texas, than you would within the same state. Crossing state lines is the single biggest factor that complicates a cross-country move.
Interstate moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a number on file with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) to operate across state lines.
Further, laws vary from state to state and can affect which movers you can hire to move your stuff. The FMCSA provides a state-by-state breakdown of regulations for easy access.
Verifying your mover has a current license for interstate moves is essential, and a first step in choosing a mover. But even before that, there are plenty of logistics to consider when planning your interstate move.
We’re bringing you an eight-week breakdown of what you need to do ahead of time so you’re not caught out in the rain without an umbrella. To make it even easier, you can download our printable checklist with everything included for a stress-free cross-country move.
Let’s get cracking!
8 Weeks Before Moving Day
If you have the luxury of time and foresight, eight weeks is an ideal timeframe to plan moving out of state. With the right approach, you’ll have space to handle every item on your checklist and let your movers do the heavy lifting when the time comes.
Research & Book Your Movers
As soon as you know a move is in your future, start doing your research. Seasonality plays a major factor in moving across state lines. These moves frequently happen in the summer to avoid disrupting school schedules, so planning ahead is a must.
For your cross-country move, you’ll need a company that can take you all the way there. Even if you’re already familiar with a local moving company, they may not have a license for interstate transportation.
Pro Tip: Sites like Protect Your Move let you find registered movers in your area for a long-distance move.
Just because a moving company is on the Protect Your Move list, you’ll still want to check reviews across multiple platforms to get a good idea of how customers typically feel about their experience with a company. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of preferred movers, get three to five binding estimates to help you decide who to book with.
Moving companies typically approach long-distance quotes differently from local moves. Instead of charging by items or time spent, they’ll charge by the weight of your belongings and the distance moved. Beyond that, you may also book additional services, including packing/unpacking or furniture assembly/disassembly.
Some may include higher rates for stairs or special equipment needed for pianos or other large pieces of furniture.
The Little Guys Process for Moving Out of State
According to Jeff Barnard, veteran Little Guy, the booking process for interstate moves begins like any other. You’ll reach out through our “Free Quote” form or directly to your local shop to start the process. We’re required by federal regulations to either conduct a virtual survey or an on-site visit when moving you out of state.
Where possible, one of our seasoned estimators will give your items a look and provide you with a quote based on how much stuff you have. Unlike some other movers, we provide a flat-rate estimate once we have an inventory, and it won’t change unless you add or remove things.
Once we have your list of items, we’ll calculate your estimate based on the number of movers and trucks needed. Our fleet can handle up to 26,000 pounds gross vehicular weight per truck. Even one pound over, and we’re required to add additional vehicles.
If you’re moving long-distance and there’s a Little Guys Movers within 50 miles of your beginning or ending point, we’re happy to give you an estimate. Further than that? You’ll end up paying us more just to get to your door, and that’s ridiculous.
In that case, we’re happy to consult, but it’s likely there’s another local mover who’s a better fit for your situation.
Financial Planning
Budgeting for an interstate move means planning for multiple expenses hitting all at once. Beyond the moving company’s quote, you’re looking at the first month’s rent and a security deposit at your new place—often two to three months’ rent upfront.
Pro Tip: Factor in application fees, which can run $50-100 per adult.
Don’t forget the hidden costs: you’ll likely need time off work for the move itself and a few days to settle in and handle essentials like DMV visits and utility setup. Build an emergency fund for unexpected expenses. A good rule of thumb is adding 20% to your total estimated moving costs as a buffer.
If you’re moving out of state for work, ask your employer about relocation assistance. Many companies offer reimbursement for moving expenses or provide lump-sum relocation packages. Get the details in writing before making financial commitments.
School & Work Logistics
If you have school-age kids, contact their current school to request official transcripts, report cards, and standardized test scores. You’ll need these to enroll at the new school. Do this early, as some districts take weeks to process requests.
Research school districts in your new area now, especially if you haven’t finalized housing yet. School quality and boundaries often influence where families choose to live. Check enrollment deadlines, required documents (proof of residency, immunization records), and whether the school has waiting lists or lottery systems.
Notifying your employer about your upcoming move as early as possible is key to a smooth transition! If you’re continuing with your current company remotely, be proactive in discussing time zone differences, work hours, and any necessary equipment they’ll need to send your way.
For those changing jobs, it’s wise to confirm your start date and ask about any pre-employment steps, like background checks or drug screenings, that require some time. Taking these steps will set you up for success and ensure a fantastic new chapter!
If you’re a doctor, lawyer, nurse, teacher, real estate agent, or hold any state-issued professional credential, research your new state’s requirements immediately. Some states have reciprocity agreements, while others require you to take additional exams or complete continuing education. Start this process early—some transfers take time.
6 Weeks Before Moving Day
Six weeks out, planning shifts to action. Time to get serious.
Declutter Like Your Life Depends On It
Interstate movers charge by weight and distance, so every pound costs you money. That bulky sectional sofa? Calculate the cost of moving versus buying used furniture at your destination.
Sometimes the math ain’t math-ing and you’re better off leaving it behind.
Go room by room, starting with guest rooms, storage areas, and any seasonal decor items. Create three piles: donate, sell, and trash.
- Schedule charity donation pickups
- List big-ticket items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist now, while you have time to get decent offers
- Anything damaged or not suitable for reuse? Trash it
Remember: every item you eliminate now is one less thing to pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack. Your moving cost drops with every pound you cut. If you haven’t used it in 12 months, it’s probably not worth keeping.
Gather Important Documents
Create a master folder (physical or digital) for documents you’ll need immediate access to. You don’t want critical papers packed in box #47 somewhere in the moving truck.
Essential documents include:
- Birth certificates
- Social security cards
- Passports
- Property titles
- Vehicle registrations
If you’re moving out of state with kids, include:
- School transcripts and accommodation records
- Immunization records
- Test scores
Request medical records from your current doctors, dentists, and specialists. Many providers need up to two weeks to process these requests, so don’t sleep on this. Get veterinary records for pets too, including current vaccination documentation and prescription information. Your new vet will require these before seeing your animals.
Grab recent tax returns and any financial documents you might need. If you’re selling a home, include closing documents. Scan everything to secure cloud storage as backup in case anything goes missing in transit.
Start Researching Your New Area
Research which utility companies provide services in your new area. Some regions only have one provider per service, while others let you choose. Knowing this now streamlines setup later.
Check your new state’s DMV requirements. Most states give you 30-90 days to transfer your license and registration after establishing residency, but the timeline and required documents vary. Some states require vehicle inspections or emissions testing, others don’t. California’s rules look nothing like Texas’s rules.
Look into voter registration requirements and deadlines. Start researching doctors, dentists, and vets in your new area, and verify whether your current insurance covers providers in your new state.
Finally, familiarize yourself with local regulations that might surprise you: HOA rules, parking restrictions, noise ordinances, and trash pickup schedules all vary by location.
4 Weeks Before Moving Day
One month out. Time to execute.
Change of Address & Notifications
File your USPS change of address online now at USPS.com. Then notify the following directly or make changes in your accounts because forwarding isn’t perfect:
- Banks, credit cards, investment firms, loan servicers
- Insurance providers (auto, health, home, life)
- IRS and state tax authorities
- Social Security Administration
- Subscriptions and recurring deliveries
- Voter registration
Update your address online where possible, but verify that the changes have gone through.
Utilities & Services
Schedule disconnection at your old place for the day after moving. You’ll need power for final cleaning. Contact utilities at your new place and schedule connection for the day before arrival. Showing up without power or water? Not fun.
Don’t forget internet and cable providers, especially if you work remotely. If you have a security system, lawn service, or pest control, give notice now. Keep confirmation numbers accessible.
Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Pack what you won’t need for the next month: seasonal items, guest room linens, formal dining items, books, decor, and out-of-season clothes.
Label every box with the destination room AND detailed contents. Your stuff may be in transit for several days, and it’s easy to forget what’s in each box. Take photos of valuables before packing and/or create a numbered inventory list.
Leave daily essentials unpacked: coffee maker, dishes, current clothes, toiletries.
2 Weeks Before Moving Day
You’ve finished most of your packing, but these final details separate smooth moves from chaotic ones.
Confirm Everything with Your Movers
Call your moving company to confirm logistics:
- Verify the delivery window (interstate moves often have a range of several days)
- Get direct contact information for the crew leader and dispatch, not just the main office
- Confirm payment schedule and accepted methods
- Ask about the inventory process (movers should tag and document every item they load)
Understanding the inventory system now prevents confusion on delivery day.
Pack Your “Moving Day” Essentials Box
Pack a separate box or suitcase that travels with you, not on the truck:
- First-night essentials: bedding, pillows, towels, toiletries, a change of clothes for everyone
- Basic tools for furniture assembly
- Cleaning supplies for your new place
- Paper products and snacks
- Phone chargers, medications, and essential electronics
This box is your lifeline for the first 24-48 hours before you start unpacking.
Vehicle Prep
If you’re driving to your new state, schedule a full vehicle service now: oil change, tire check, fluid top-off. Plan your route and book hotels if it’s a multi-day drive.
Pet & Plant Preparation
Schedule a vet visit to get health certificates if you’re crossing state lines with pets. Some states require them, and airlines definitely do if you’re flying. Update microchip registration with your new address. Research pet restrictions in your destination city; some municipalities ban specific breeds.
For plants, check the agricultural restrictions in your destination state. States like California and Arizona have strict rules on bringing plants across state lines to prevent the introduction of pests.
1 Week Before Moving Day
Seven days to go. Finish strong.
Final Packing Push
Pack everything except what you absolutely need for the next seven days. Your essential documents and valuables go in your car, never on the moving truck.
Defrost your freezer at least 48 hours before moving day to avoid water damage. Empty and clean the refrigerator. Drain garden hoses and outdoor equipment. Disconnect and prepare appliances if you’re taking them with you.
Clean & Prep Your Current Home
Schedule professional cleaners or block out time for a deep clean yourself. This isn’t just about getting your security deposit back. It’s the right thing to do for the next occupants or buyers.
Take photos of your home’s condition when it’s empty, especially any areas that were already damaged when you moved in, to protect you from disputes later.
Remove everything from outdoor spaces, including furniture, planters, and decorations.
Coordinate New Home Logistics
Contact your landlord, property manager, or real estate agent to confirm key pickup or lockbox codes.
Ask about delivery logistics:
- Does the moving truck need special parking permits?
- Are there elevator reservations required?
- What are the building access procedures, and are there any time restrictions on moving?
If you arranged to have the place cleaned before arrival, confirm that appointment.
Double-check that your utility connection dates are set for the day before you arrive. Call each provider to verify. Having someone on the ground (a friend, property manager, or hired service) to verify utilities are working can save you major headaches upon arrival.
Moving Day
You made it. Today’s all about staying organized and protecting yourself with good documentation.
Morning Of
Start the day right with these essential tasks:
- Do a final walkthrough and take a video of every room (this is your proof of condition)
- Meet your moving crew and review the inventory list together
- Read the bill of lading carefully before signing (this is your contract and the only way to file claims later)
- Confirm payment arrangements one final time
- Collect all keys, garage remotes, and access cards
During Loading
Don’t disappear for errands. Stay present while your belongings are loaded:
- Supervise the inventory process (each item should be tagged and documented)
- Take photos of the loaded truck before it’s closed
- Get the crew leader’s direct cell phone number
- Confirm the delivery window one more time and get the dispatcher’s contact info
Before You Leave
One last sweep before you hand over the keys:
- Check every room, closet, garage, attic, and shed (it’s easy to forget things in unexpected places)
- Turn off all lights and lock all windows
- Set the thermostat to an appropriate setting per your lease or sale agreement
- Take final photos of the empty space
- Do a final garbage sweep and take out the trash
In Transit (The Waiting Period)
Your stuff is on the road. Now you wait. Interstate moves typically take 3-14 days, depending on distance, with longer routes obviously taking more time. You can blast through a 14-hour drive like an astronaut with an axe to grind, but movers are restricted on how many hours they can drive a day.
Track your truck if your moving company offers that service. Stay reachable by phone. Crews may need to contact you about delivery timing or route issues. Use this time to prepare your new home for delivery if you’re arriving ahead of your belongings.
Be flexible. Delivery windows can shift due to weather or traffic along the route. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the reality of interstate moving. Your movers should keep you updated.
The Little Guys Difference
Little Guys Movers won’t just put your stuff on a trailer and give you a two-week window of delivery. The same crew that packs the truck unloads at your destination. You won’t have to wait for your stuff to arrive; we’ll get there when you do (or as close as we can)!
Delivery Day
The truck’s here. Now is when all that documentation pays off.
You must be present for delivery. Movers won’t unload without you there. Check every item against the bill of lading as it comes off the truck. Note any damage, missing pieces, or issues immediately on the inventory sheet before you sign anything.
Direct where the furniture goes as it’s unloaded. It’s much easier than moving a couch yourself later. Take your time. The crew’s there to help.
Keep your bill of lading forever. Seriously. It’s the only proof you have for insurance claims, and you might discover damage days or weeks after unpacking. If you need to file a claim, contact your moving company immediately and follow their claims process to the letter.
First 30 Days in Your New State
You’re in. Now comes the fun part: making this place home and handling the official transition.
State Requirements
Update your driver’s license within your state’s required timeframe (usually 30-90 days). Register your vehicles with the DMV. Remember to bring your current registration, title, proof of insurance, and proof of residency. Register to vote at your new address.
Getting Settled
Find new doctors, dentists, and vets. Use those provider lists you researched back at the six-week mark. Update your insurance policies with your new address to ensure you’re properly covered.
Explore your new community. Find your grocery store, coffee shop, pharmacy, and favorite local spots. Join neighborhood groups or apps like Nextdoor to connect with locals.
Take a breath. You did it. Moving out of state isn’t easy, but you made it happen.
Let Little Guys Movers Make Moving Out of State Feel Like Home
At Little Guys Movers, we take our job seriously. Getting your stuff to its final destination, stress-free and with a sense of humor, is the backbone of our brand. We’ve moved thousands of people millions of miles over the years, and our experience is your guarantee.
Download the complete printable checklist here!
If you’re ready to begin your moving out of state journey, reach out to your local Little Guys Movers today. Get a free quote and chat with our expert movers to answer any questions you may have about the moving process.
Moving sucks, but we make it easy!