How to prepare to move out of state starts with having a clear plan, the right information, and enough time to get everything in order. Relocating to a different state entails more than merely packing boxes, regardless of your reasons for doing so: work, family, or a new beginning. It includes updating important documents, coordinating travel, and making big decisions about your home and belongings.
Without a proper moving out checklist, the process can become stressful and expensive. That’s why early preparation is key to saving time, money, and energy. In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step what to do in the months, weeks, and days leading up to your move—so your transition to a new state is smooth and stress-free.
2 Months Until You Move
Planning to move out of state? Now is the perfect time to start. If you’re relocating to another state, especially from Sherman Oaks or nearby Los Angeles areas, preparing two months in advance can save you time, money, and stress. At Chamomile Go, we’re here to make your transition smooth with professional moving services in Sherman Oaks and throughout California. Let’s walk through exactly what to do 60 days before your moving date.
Create a Moving Binder or Digital Folder
Organizing your move begins with keeping all essential documents and details in one place. Whether you prefer a physical binder or a digital folder on Google Drive, start collecting:
- Moving quotes (especially from Chamomile Go)
- Receipts for expenses
- Moving checklists and schedules
- Important documents: leases, contracts, IDs, etc.
- Inventory list of household items
Keeping everything in one spot helps you stay on top of every moving detail.
Start Researching Your New City or State
It’s important to learn about your new home if you’re moving out of state. Use this time to explore:
- Cost of living: Understand the difference in rent, groceries, and transportation
- Schools: Research school ratings if you have kids
- Neighborhoods: Check safety, walkability, and local amenities
- Utilities: Locate gas, electricity, water, and internet providers
- DMV and Voter Registration: Learn the requirements for your new state
These relocating-to-another-state tips help you feel more confident and prepared.
Set a Moving Budget
Although moving might be costly, the expenses can be managed with careful planning. Consider budgeting for:
- Professional moving services in Sherman Oaks
- Travel and lodging if you’re driving across states
- Security deposits for rent or utilities
- Boxes, packing tape, and supplies
- Emergency or last-minute expenses
To track every dollar, use a budgeting tool or spreadsheet.
Begin Decluttering Early
Two months out is the perfect time to start decluttering. Don’t pay to move things you no longer use. Try these tips:
- Donate gently used items to local charities
- Sell valuable goods on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
- Recycle broken or outdated items responsibly
- Sort room by room to make the task manageable
- Ask: “Do I really want to pack, move, and unpack this?”
A reduced load translates into a smoother transition and cheaper relocation expenses.
Get a Moving Quote from Chamomile Go
Hiring trusted movers is a game-changer. At Chamomile Go, we offer reliable, affordable moving services in Sherman Oaks, tailored to help those moving out of state. Our services include:
- Full-service packing and unpacking
- Loading and unloading
- Local and long-distance moving
- Senior moving support
- Transparent pricing and friendly service
How to Prepare to Move Out of State
Moving out of state is a big step that requires thoughtful planning and preparation. Whether you’re moving to another state for a new job, education, or simply a fresh start, staying organized is key to a successful relocation. From creating a detailed checklist to managing logistics, every action you take early on can reduce stress and save time.
This comprehensive moving out checklist offers essential guidance and proven relocating to another state tips to help you stay on track. It covers everything from decluttering and packing to updating legal documents and planning your travel.
At Chamomile Go, we specialize in helping individuals and families in Sherman Oaks and surrounding areas with smooth and stress-free out-of-state moves. With our experience and resources, your transition can be easier than you think.
Choose Your Moving Method
One of the first decisions you’ll make is how to move your belongings. The right method depends on your budget, timeline, and how much effort you want to put in.
DIY Truck Rental
This option gives you full control but also full responsibility. You’ll be packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything yourself. Make sure to understand interstate moving rules, weight restrictions, and insurance requirements for rental trucks.
Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers like Chamomile Go can make the process much easier. Our staff provides full-service assistance with loading, unloading, packing, and transporting. For out-of-state relocation, we also offer appropriate insurance coverage.
Notify Important Parties
Let all relevant people and companies know about your move ahead of time. This will help you avoid service disruptions and missed communications.
- Inform your employer and discuss your final working day
- Notify schools to arrange records transfer
- Contact banks and financial institutions to update your address
- Cancel or transfer subscription services, memberships, and deliveries
- Set up mail forwarding through USPS to catch anything you missed
- Notify friends and family of your new contact info
Handling these updates early ensures a smoother transition.
Update Legal Documents
Once you’re relocating to another state, you’ll need to update your legal documents to match your new residency.
- In your new state, apply for a new driver’s license.
- Within the allotted period, register your car.
- Update your car, health, and renters insurance policies
- Get a duplicate of your dental and medical records.
- Move prescription drugs to a neighborhood pharmacy in your new neighborhood.
Keeping copies of everything in a secure folder—both digital and physical—will help avoid delays during the move.
Secure Housing in Your New State
Before you move, make sure your new home is ready for you.
- Finalize your lease or purchase agreement
- Pay security deposits and confirm move-in dates
- Schedule a walkthrough inspection
- Research and schedule utility setup including electricity, water, gas, internet, and waste services
Understanding the move-in procedures and getting keys ahead of time (if possible) can help avoid last-minute complications.
Plan Your Travel
Getting to your new state requires just as much planning as moving your items. Make travel arrangements for yourself, your family, and any pets.
- Book flights or plan a driving route with rest stops
- Reserve hotel stays if your trip spans multiple days
- Prepare pet travel needs, including carriers and vaccination records
- Pack a travel bag with snacks, chargers, clothes, and important documents
- Make sure kids have entertainment and comfort items for the trip
You may read about How Long Does It Take To Move?
Moving-Out-of-State Checklist: 12 Things To Do
When you’re moving out of state, the key to success is preparation. Whether you’re relocating from Sherman Oaks or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, a clear plan helps reduce stress and avoid costly last-minute surprises.
At Chamomile Go, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals and families manage smooth interstate relocations. Use this 12-step moving out checklist to stay on track and confident through every stage of your move.
1. Hire a Licensed Interstate Moving Company
Before anything else, secure a licensed and insured interstate mover. Professional movers understand federal regulations, handle long-distance logistics, and offer insurance coverage for your belongings. Chamomile Go provides trusted moving services in Sherman Oaks and helps clients with full-service out-of-state moves.
2. Confirm Your Moving Date and Timeline
Once you’ve chosen your movers, confirm your moving date and create a realistic timeline. Work backward from your move-out day to plan:
- Packing schedule
- Utility shutoff dates
- Final cleaning
- Travel plans
A detailed timeline keeps the process under control.
3. Declutter and Downsize
Relocating to another state is the perfect opportunity to get rid of things you no longer need. Go room by room and:
- Donate usable items to local charities
- Sell valuable belongings online
- Recycle or toss broken items
Less clutter means less to pack, move, and unpack—and often reduces your moving costs.
4. Begin Packing Non-Essentials
Start with items you won’t need in the next few weeks, such as:
- Seasonal clothing
- Books and décor
- Extra kitchenware
This makes the final packing phase faster and easier. Use durable boxes and quality packing tape to keep everything secure.
5. Label Boxes by Room and Priority
Clear labeling saves time during both unloading and unpacking. Include:
- Room name (e.g., kitchen, bedroom)
- Priority level (high, medium, low)
- Fragile or heavy indicators
This helps your movers know where each box goes—and helps you find what you need right away.
6. Update Your Address Everywhere
As you prepare to leave, make sure you change your address with all relevant contacts and institutions:
- USPS (mail forwarding)
- Banks and credit cards
- Subscriptions and memberships
- Government agencies and insurance companies
A missed address update can lead to delayed mail or even missed bills.
7. Cancel or Transfer Local Services
Make a list of local services you use regularly and contact each one to cancel or transfer:
- Internet and cable
- Trash and recycling pickup
- Gym memberships
- Home security systems
Don’t forget to return rented equipment like modems or routers.
8. Transfer Utilities at Both Locations
Ensure your current utilities (electricity, gas, water) are turned off the day after your move, not before. Then set up utilities at your new home to be active the day before arrival. This avoids moving into a home without power or water.
9. Pack an Essentials Bag for the First Night
It can be a tumultuous first night in a new house. Pack a bag with:
- Clothes and toiletries
- Phone chargers and devices
- Medications
- Snacks, water, and paper towels
- Important documents
This way, you won’t have to dig through boxes when you’re tired.
10. Back Up Digital Files and Paperwork
Before the move, back up:
- Financial records
- Work files
- Moving contracts and receipts
- ID scans and medical records
Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to protect your important information during the move.
11. Clean Your Current Home Before Leaving
Whether you’re renting or selling, it’s important to leave the space clean:
- Wipe down surfaces
- Vacuum or sweep all floors
- Take out trash and recycling
- Patch any minor holes
This is often required to get your security deposit back or fulfill sale agreements.
12. Do a Final Walkthrough and Hand Over Keys
Once everything is packed and the home is clean, do one last walkthrough:
- Check all closets, drawers, and storage areas
- Turn off lights, shut windows, and lock doors
- Leave behind garage openers, spare keys, and manuals
Final Thoughts
Preparing to move out of state takes careful planning, time, and the right support. From organizing documents to choosing trusted movers, every step matters. Using a clear checklist helps you stay on track and reduce stress. If you need professional guidance and hands-on help, Chamomile Go is here for you. Our team specializes in reliable, full-service moving services in Sherman Oaks and surrounding areas.So that you can concentrate on settling into your new home, let us take care of the tedious tasks. Contact Chamomile Go today for your free moving quote and a stress-free relocation experience.
FAQs
What Is The First Step When Planning To Move Out Of State?
The first step is to decide whether you’ll move on your own or hire a licensed interstate moving company. This decision will affect your budget, timeline, and how much you need to handle yourself. It’s also wise to create a moving binder or digital folder to keep quotes, checklists, receipts, and important contacts organized from day one.
How Far In Advance Should I Start Preparing For An Out-Of-State Move?
You should begin preparing at least two months before your move. This gives you enough time to research your new city or state, gather quotes, finalize travel plans, and declutter your home. Early preparation also helps you avoid last-minute expenses and rushed decisions.
What Should I Include In My Moving Out Of State Checklist?
A comprehensive moving checklist should include hiring movers, setting a moving date, decluttering, packing non-essentials first, updating your address, canceling or transferring services, and preparing legal documents. It’s also important to transfer utilities, clean your home, and do a final walkthrough before leaving.
How Can I Save Money When Relocating To Another State?
To save money, compare quotes from at least three licensed moving companies. Declutter to reduce the volume of items being moved. Look for off-season rates, especially if moving between October and April. Booking your move early also helps avoid surge pricing and guarantees availability.
Do I Need To Change My Driver’s License And Registration When I Move Out Of State?
Yes, most states require you to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration within 30 days of moving. You’ll need to visit the DMV in your new state and bring proof of residency, identification, and your old license. Be sure to research your new state’s requirements ahead of time.
What Legal Documents Should I Update Before Or After An Out-Of-State Move?
Before or soon after moving, you should update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, insurance policies, and health records. If you have children or pets, make sure school records and vet records are transferred as well.
