Moving out of state checklist: week by week, car included
You just found out you're moving. Congratulations, and take a breath. Here's everything in order, from eight weeks out to your first week in the new place. We've helped families move cars across the country since 2002, so we put the car stuff where it belongs.
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8 weeks out: decide and get prices
- Set your move date, and the first day the car can go.
- Get quotes for household goods: full-service movers or a container like PODS® or U-Pack®.
- Get a written car shipping price, so you can budget. Get yours in minutes.
- Decide whether to drive or ship each car. Run the numbers.
- Ask HR what your relocation benefit covers, or how your lump sum works.
- Start a moving folder for every receipt.
6 weeks out: book the big pieces
- Book your movers or container.
- Request school and medical records.
- Look up your new state's deadlines to register your car and switch your driver's license.
- Call your auto insurer. Rates and coverage change by state.
- Start selling, donating or tossing what you won't move.
3 to 4 weeks out: book the car
- Book your car shipment. Give us your first available date and the date you need it.
- Add MCS LiveTrack if you want to watch the car the whole way.
- Set your USPS change of address.
- Schedule utilities: shut off at the old place, turn on at the new one.
- Book flights or plan your drive.
1 to 2 weeks out: get the car ready
- Wash the car so the inspection is accurate, and take your own photos.
- Leave about a quarter tank of gas.
- Remove toll tags, garage openers and personal items.
- Put the LiveTrack tracker in the glovebox if you added it.
- Name someone 18 or older to hand over the keys if you can't be there.
Moving week
- Walk around the car with the driver at pickup. Keep your copy of the inspection report.
- Pack a first-night box: chargers, medications, sheets, coffee.
- Confirm delivery windows for your household goods and your car.
First week in your new home
- Inspect the car at delivery against the pickup report before you sign.
- Register the car and update your license before your state's deadline.
- Update your auto insurance to your new address.
- Find a new doctor, dentist and vet. Then unpack the rest whenever you get to it.
Keep reading
Planning
Questions about planning an out-of-state move
How far ahead should I start planning a move out of state?
About two months is comfortable. Start with the things that have lead times: household movers or a container, your car, housing, and school records.
When should I book car shipping for my move?
Three to four weeks before the first day your car can go. Earlier in the summer moving season. You can get your written price any time to budget with.
Do I have to register my car in my new state?
Yes, once you become a resident. Every state sets its own deadline. Some give you months, and some give you as little as 10 days. Look up your new state's DMV rules as soon as you know you're moving.
Can I pack things in my car when I ship it?
Plan on no. Carriers generally don't allow personal belongings in shipped cars, and they aren't covered by cargo insurance. Move them with your household goods.
Check the car off your list today.
Get your written price online in minutes. A real person calls to plan it around your move.