5 Ways to Prepare for an Out-of-State Move

Retirement is the perfect time to pick up the hobby you’ve always wanted too, travel to places you’ve never been, spend more time with family and friends and most of all -start the best chapter of your life.

And, for you, that might mean moving to the sunshine state, Florida, where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and nice weather or it might mean moving closer to family in the Midwest.

No matter where your new home lands, here are some tips for preparing for an out of state move.

1. Enlist Family Members/Close Friends

Moving out of state can be a major undertaking, and there’s no reason you need to do it all on your own.

• Reach out to trusted family members and close friends for help with sorting and packing.
• Create a plan in advance to allow for date coordination for your moving day.  
• Ask family members to assist in this process. If family/friends are unavailable to help, enlist a senior moving company or specialist.

2. Organize Your Items: Keep, Toss, Sell and Donate

There’s no question moving out of a home where you’ve made years of happy memories can be a difficult process. With organizing, sorting, packing, scheduling movers and getting settled in their new home, it may seem like a stressful undertaking. Many seniors delay the move due to the many emotions, decisions and details associated with moving. Following our 4-Color Method can help make the move a little easier.

4-Color Method

To begin, set up four boxes in the area where you will be sorting your items. Create a Keep (Blue), Toss (Red), Sell (Green) and Donate (Yellow) box. Stick to only these four boxes.

Keep (Blue)

• Consider their new space and use it as a guide for the items you plan to bring.
• Put emphasis on your most used items, which doesn’t necessarily have to be the newest or most expensive.
• .If you have a collection of some sort, pick your favorite two items and take photos of the rest. Have those photos made into a photobook to put on your coffee table.

Toss (Red)

• If an item is broken, chipped or stained, there’s no need to keep it.
• Don’t shy away from tossing household items such as spices, toiletries, plastic food containers, candles, etc.

Sell (Green)

• There are plenty of ways to sell the items that are no longer wanted or needed. With eBay, Facebook Marketplace, yard sales and consignment shops, selling belongings has never been easier.

Donate (Yellow)

• Give useful or memorable items to friends and family.
• Oftentimes, charities will pick-up belongings from your home. Non-profit organizations, like The Salvation Army, Goodwill and Habitat for Humanity, provide pick up services and will accept everything from vehicles and clothing to furniture and small electronics.  Check with your favorite local charity to see if they accept dropped-off donations or to see if they will pick up your items for free.

3. Selling Your Home

• Enlist a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES). SRES have put in the time and taken extra training courses to understand the senior mover' unique challenges. They’re up-to-date on federal regulations, including the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) and the impact real estate transactions may have on retirement finances. SRES are also sensitive to the emotions involved in making a move.
• Consider enlisting the help of organizations such as, Mom’s House, who are Certified Buyers and are extensively trained to be compassionate advisors to families throughout the process and are ready to offer a no-pressure, fair cash offer on the spot. There is no hassle; you don’t even have to clean up or clean out the house and no real estate agents are involved. Our network offers local coverage in cities across the United States and transactions close within weeks rather than the average 3-6 month realtor model.

Check Out: 6 Common Questions Senior Movers Have 

4. Find a New Primary Care Provider

Your health and safety is very important. When moving to a new state, you’ll want to find a new primary care provider as soon as possible.

• Talk to your current physician to ask for referrals and let them know about your move
• Schedule a telehealth appointment to get to know your new physician before the move.
• Make sure all prescriptions are transferred to the pharmacy closest to your new home.
• When you arrive at your new home, schedule an in person visit.

5. Hire Professional Movers

Hiring a reputable moving company eases the burden of relocating your belongings. It will also ensure your items make it to your new home safely. Visit Moving.com to find the best company to handle your move. Moving is said to be one of the most stressful experiences in life.

However, it doesn’t have to be--American House is here to help. Call us today and experience the difference.

Why spend your time worrying, when you can spend it looking forward to the future? Your story. To be continued.