The summer months remain the most popular time of the year for moving, and with good reason. Rather than face the hassle of switching schools mid year, consumers prefer to make the transition when the kids are out of school. Maybe it’s the great job market or the fantastic people, but more than 1200 people are moving to Texas per day. Since 2014, Texas has been one of the top inbound states in the country. Whether you’re moving to Texas or another state, a little planning can save you a lot of stress and cash. Here are our tips to make your move less stressful and a complete success.

PLAN YOUR CALENDER AND BUDGET

This is the most important step when moving out of state. What is your timeframe and how much is it going to cost? When you’re planning a move, you may be waiting on the sale of a house or the start date for a new job. If you know the date you need to be in your new city, start there. How many days will you need to travel? Know this about moving: it’s never too early to start planning. Calculate your budget ahead of time and think about all the fees that could be associated with moving: obviously transporting your belongings will probably account for the biggest part of your moving budget, but if you’re moving across several states you may need to plan for overnight stops, meals and gas, or flights. Make sure you book your hotel rest stops if you are driving and your trip is more than 18 hours. Keep track of your calculated expenses vs. your actual expenses on a spreadsheet so you can adjust in one area to compensate for another if necessary.

GET A QUALITY MOVING COMPANY

Now is probably not the time to attempt a DIY move. Our recommendation is to find three moving companies and get a quote from each of them. When getting a quote, ask for an in-person estimate. This is the best way to prevent surprise fees! If you get an in-person estimate in writing, you’ll know exactly what you’re spending. Keep in mind that reputable moving companies won’t ask for a cash deposit, and be sure to ask them about their insurance and license. Know that hiring a moving company will cost substantially more than a DIY move. Weigh the pros and cons for yourself and consider more than just the economical standpoint. Moving is extremely stressful! Is it worth the headache to go the DIY route?

ONLY MOVE WHAT YOU NEED

If you have not used an item in a year or more, don’t bother moving it. The best way to move efficiently is to go through all your belongings and get rid of old items you don’t use anymore. Remember, you’re charged for all the things you are moving! You can donate these items to a Goodwill near you, or check to see if a charitable organization in the area does pick-ups. This is a good option for large items and saves you the hassle of moving it yourself. You’ll feel a lot better paring down your stuff and moving only what you need.

STAY ORGANIZED AND PACK AHEAD OF TIME

Start collecting boxes and packing materials as early as possible. You don’t have to buy brand new boxes – ask neighbors or put up an ad on Craigslist for free boxes. Sometimes your local grocery store will give away produce boxes for free. Be sure to label each box you pack by what room it should go into when you arrive at your new destination. It’s a good idea to start with your storage items first, and leave the every-day stuff like kitchen items or electronics for last. Plan ahead and use up food in your refrigerator and freezer before you move.

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Author: Sandra Nesbitt