Moving Out of State Checklist: Plan Your Move Today with U-Haul

Moving out of state can be a daunting task no matter the circumstances. The good news is, with a little planning and the right moving checklist, a long distance move to a new state can be a smooth, organized, and rewarding experience, especially when you understand your long-distance moving options and how they affect your long-distance moving costs.  

U-Haul® helped more than 2.5 million people on a one-way move in 2025. So, moving out of state is not only possible, but also very common. However, that doesn't mean you should rush into it.  

Before you buy a one-way ticket, it's important to review our moving checklist for moving out of state to ensure that you have a clear plan in place and that your long-distance move goes as smoothly as possible. 

Research Your New City 

When buying a new car, you probably wouldn’t purchase without knowing what’s available and what fits your budget. Similarly, moving to a new city or state, especially when it's a long way away, requires research on a much larger scale. Step one in any successful out-of-state move is conducting thorough research on your destination and the long-distance moving services you may need. 

Comparing the cost of living in your current city to the new location is a smart starting point. This will help you budget for housing, work, family needs, and avoid surprises after moving. If you have children, researching schools and school districts in the area should also be a priority. Additionally, investigating neighborhoods will provide insight into which ones offer the best quality of life, safety, commute times, and amenities for your lifestyle.  

If you plan to look for a new job after moving, consider where professionals in your field tend to live and work. Are there strong job markets or remote work opportunities in the new area? Are there major employers nearby? Gather this information before your out-of-state move to better understand your new home and plan your new life with confidence. 

Visit Your New City If Possible 

If you can, we strongly recommend visiting your new hometown well before your move date. Going back to the new car analogy, you probably wouldn’t buy a vehicle without taking a test drive (or at least viewing some images). Think of this as taking your new town for a “test drive” before committing to your long-distance relocation or signing contracts with out-of-state moving services. 

Take a tour of your preferred neighborhoods and explore the area. Check out the local grocery stores; drive by schools, hospitals, and other necessities; and test your potential commute during peak hours to get a real feel for everyday life in the area. If you haven't chosen a neighborhood yet, use this visit to explore multiple areas and see which best fits your lifestyle, budget, and housing needs. 

If you're moving long-distance and visiting isn’t feasible, you can use online tools to research your new city.Google Street View can give you a virtual tour of your potential new home, street, and neighborhood. Websites like Zillow and Apartments.com can also provide helpful information on rental prices, home values, and neighborhood details so you can make an informed decision before moving out of state.  

Make a Budget for Moving 

Figuring out your moving budget is a crucial part of the planning phase for any long-distance or out-of-state move. Your budget will determine what type of long-distance moving services you can use and how much you can spend on travel, housing, and supplies. For instance, do you have the funds for a full-service move a long-distance moving company, or would a DIY move be more appropriate? The difference in long-distance moving costs between the two can be significant, so it's essential to get quotes and determine which option is best for your needs and timeline.  

Consider portable storage containers for your long-distance move. This option allows you to pack your belongings on your schedule and have them shipped to your destination, so you can avoid driving a moving truck yourself or paying the higher price of a full-service move. It’s perfect for long-distance moving on a budget and gives you flexibility if your move-in date changes. Get a U-Box® container quote today to compare against other moving options and understand how this choice affects your overall long distance moving cost. 

 

Watch for Hidden Moving Costs and Common Mistakes 

Even with a solid plan, small details can add up during an out-of-state move. Knowing what to expect can help you stay on budget and avoid stress. 

 Hidden Moving Costs 

• Fuel, tolls, and travel expenses 

• Packing supplies like boxes and tape 

• Storage if move-in dates don’t align 

• Labor costs with Moving Help® 

• Utility deposits and setup fees 

 Common Mistakes to Avoid 

• Waiting too long to book services 

• Underestimating packing time or supplies 

• Not comparing moving options 

• Skipping labeling and inventory 

• Overlooking pricing stability for long-term storage (like a 1-Year Price Lock at participating locations) 

Planning ahead for both costs and common pitfalls can help make your move smoother and more predictable. 

Don’t forget to include moving supplies in your budget. You’ll need plenty of moving boxes, packing tape, and other essentials like bubble pack and furniture pads. Use a moving supply calculator to figure out how many moving boxes are recommended for your home size and to get a price estimate for your supplies. 

Your moving budget should also include other potential expenses like food and travel accommodations, plane tickets, rental car costs, rental and utility deposits, activation fees, gas, tolls, and other long-distance moving necessities that are easy to overlook. 

Plan Your Move and Choose Services 

With your neighborhood and home picked out and your budget outlined, you can start to plan the logistics of your move. Choosing the right method is key to a stress-free out-of-state move and to controlling your long-distance moving cost: 

• DIY (Truck or Trailer Rental)– Renting a moving truck or trailer gives you the most control over your move and is often the most budget friendly option. You can pack and drive on your own schedule, making it a great choice for hands-on movers or those comfortable with a long-distance drive. 

• Van Lines– Typically the most expensive option. This involves paying a full-service moving company to carry out your move from start to finish, including packing, loading, transporting, and unloading your belongings at your new home. Many people compare van lines when researching the best long-distance moving companies for their needs. 

• Portable Moving Containers– The most flexible option, with pricing that varies based on distance and number of containers. Load your belongings in a secure container on your own schedule, then have it shipped to your destination. Portable moving and storage containers are perfect for long-distance moving and storage, with plenty of popular uses including temporary storage between homes. 

Get quotes for each option to decide which long-distance moving solution might be best for you. Compare offers from the best long-distance moving companies, portable container providers, and DIY truck rentals and trailer rentals so you understand how each choice impacts your long-distance moving cost.  

Remember that van line moves come with movers, while DIY and portable container moves typically do not. If you’ll need help loading or unloading, hiring providers through Moving Help® can be a more affordable alternative to full-service movers while still giving you the support you need.  

If you’re moving to a new state for work, ask your company about relocation reimbursement, a moving stipend, or whether they cover any moving expenses. Employer relocation benefits can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs when moving out of state and make long-distance moving more affordable. 

If you’re in the military, you may be eligible for a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move, where you handle your own move and receive reimbursement from the government. Options like renting a moving truck or using portable storage containers can help you stay in control of your timeline and potentially maximize your reimbursement.  

Learn more about the U-Haul Military Move Program.  

For More Information on Packing for a Long-Distance Move 

7 Packing Tips for Long Distance Moving 

Looking for the best packing tips? This packing guide will tell you how to pack for a move, including recommended packing supplies and general moving tips. 

If the thought of packing up all your possessions feels overwhelming, it may be time to consider hiring extra help. With Moving Help, you get more than just loading and unloading your truck or storage container. Local service providers can assist with packing your boxes, protecting fragile items, and even cleaning your old space if needed, helping you save time and stay organized throughout your move. 

If you’re planning to use  portable storage containers such as U-Box, packing requires a bit more strategy. From maximizing space to preventing damage during transit, how you load your container matters. Use this guide to learn the best way to pack and load a moving and storage container safely and efficiently. 

Get Moving 

Congratulations — you’ve made it through the hardest part of your move. Now it’s time to focus on settling into your new home or state. If you’re moving with pets, be sure to plan ahead for their comfort and safety. And if you’ll be driving a moving truck, preparing for the journey can make a big difference. Most importantly, take time to enjoy this new chapter, explore your surroundings, and get connected in your new community. your new community. 

When you’re ready to start planning your out-of-state move, U-Haul has everything you need in one place. From U-Box® portable storage containers to moving supplies and Moving Help, you can find the right tools and support to make your move easier.  

Start your move today with U-Haul and get a quote that fits your needs.