Planning Your Interstate Move: How Far in Advance Should You Start?

An interstate move — whether it’s for a cool new job, an exciting school adventure, or just a fresh start — is a big undertaking. And if you’re a renter, this whole process comes with unique challenges, especially when you’re trying to move during the busy summer months, when everything from finding apartments to booking moving trucks gets tighter and more expensive.

That’s why getting ahead of the game is key to making sure your move goes off without a hitch. Without good planning, an interstate move can quickly turn into a chaotic mess of last-minute stress, unexpected costs, and a less-than-stellar welcome to your new city.

So, how far in advance should you really plan your interstate move? The truth is there’s no magic answer, as your timeline will depend on a bunch of different things. But by being smart and proactive, you can master the art of moving interstate with confidence.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you map out a stress-free plan, especially if you’re targeting a summer interstate move.

Step 1. Figure out your moving deadlines

Before you even think about packing a single box, it’s important to understand your current commitments. When does your lease end? Do you have a notice period you need to provide your landlord? Are there any penalties for breaking the lease early? For those moving for work or school, are there specific start dates you have to meet?

Pinpointing these non-negotiable deadlines is the very first step in crafting your moving timeline. From there, you can work backward to understand how much time you have to prepare for your interstate move.

Step 2. Determine your desired moving date

Once you know your hard deadlines, it’s time to think about your preferred moving day. Is there a specific time of year that works best for you and your family, perhaps to align with school breaks or a quieter period at work? Do you want to avoid moving during the peak rental season or during your busiest work periods when stress levels are already high?

While this might not be your final date, having a target in mind will help you shape your entire interstate move strategy as you advance through the planning process and consider how to relocate to a new state.

Step 3. Consider potential peak moving periods

June through August is peak rental season, which translates to increased competition for apartments and often higher prices for moving services. Other peak times can include the end of a month (when most leases turn over) or major holiday weekends, which are popular for interstate moves.

If your desired moving date falls within one of these bustling periods, be prepared for increased demand and potentially less flexibility with moving companies and apartment availability. Doing so is vital when planning your interstate move, as it can have a big impact on both cost and convenience during the relocation process.

Step 4. Estimate the time needed for packing

We often don’t realize how many things we accumulate. Take some time to go through your stuff so you can come up with an honest estimate of how much time it will take to pack. More importantly, do you plan to pack everything yourself or will you use professional packers?

Deciding on how much to pack and who will handle it significantly impacts your interstate move timeline. Allow at least two to four weeks for packing a typical two-bedroom apartment, assuming you’re doing it yourself and packing a little each day. If you have a larger home or are less organized, you’ll need more time.

Step 5. Check the availability of moving companies

This is where your desired moving date and peak season considerations truly come into play, becoming a make-or-break factor for your interstate move. Reputable moving companies often book up months in advance, especially during the summer moving rush. You’ll need to start getting quotes and checking their availability at least two to three months out.

In fact, if you’re planning an interstate move in the summer, aiming for even more lead time (say four to five months) is a smart move. Savvy renters even book as far as six months in advance to secure not only their preferred dates but also potentially better rates before demand skyrockets.

Step 6. Review your budget for moving

Moving across state lines involves a whole lot of different expenses that can pile up quickly. In most cases, these include things like rental application fees, security deposit, first month’s rent and setting up utilities.

Then there are the actual moving costs: renting a moving truck and gasoline or splurging on professional movers, plus packing supplies like boxes and bubble wrap. Also, don’t forget travel costs for yourself and your family to get to the new state.

Creating a detailed budget breakdown early on will help you make informed decisions about what services you can realistically afford. After having that number in mind, stay flexible, as you might need to adjust your desired moving date to accommodate those financial realities.

Step 7. Create a detailed timeline for each phase of the move

Now, it’s time to put it all together! Work backward from your desired relocation date — this detailed timeline is your roadmap for a stress-free interstate move:

• 3-4 months out (or more for peak rental season): Begin decluttering, get quotes from multiple moving companies, and book your chosen movers. If you’re moving for work or school, confirm your start dates.
• 2-3 months out: Begin the serious apartment search in your new city. Start gathering important documents. Give notice to your current landlord.
• 1-2 months out: Start packing non-essentials. Arrange for utility transfers and disconnects at your old place and setup at your new one. Change your address and forward your mail.
• 2-4 weeks out: Confirm moving company details. Pack most of your belongings. Arrange for childcare and pet care on moving day if needed.
• 1 week out: Pack essentials for your first few days. Clean your old apartment. Finalize travel arrangements.

Step 8. Allow extra time for unexpected delays or issues

Moving is complex, and you can run into unexpected hurdles. For example, your new apartment might not be ready on time, or a moving truck could unexpectedly break down. Moreover, a sudden illness could unfortunately delay your carefully laid plans.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to build in some buffer time — at least a week or two — into your schedule. This flexibility will save you a lot of headaches and stress if things don’t go exactly as planned with your interstate move.

If you’re a renter gearing up to move interstate during peak season, the earlier you start, the better. From setting a budget for moving to booking a moving truck, each step becomes easier with a solid plan in place.

Don’t let the stress of relocating keep you from finding the best neighborhood for your next adventure. Use this guide to figure out how far in advance you should plan for an interstate move and give yourself the peace of mind you deserve.