Atlanta Moving Blog - Tips, Tricks, and Insider Info
September 21, 2018

Interstate Moving to Atlanta--Keeping Your Sanity Within the Lines

Moving - Planning a Move

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 
 
Relocating to a new house is huge, but when your new home is in a new state, there are lots of different items to learn combined with the normal "Where's the dry cleaners?" dilemma. Whilst your interstate move to Atlanta might be just a couple of miles, as a new resident there are plenty of things that vary from your previous home--so have this cheat sheet on hand when you're organizing your life going forward.

For those who have purchased a new home you may have visited the location and put in some time on the web becoming familiar with the new neighborhood, checked out schools, and identified the nearest coffee shop. Now comes the nitty-gritty of the interstate move to Atlanta--the statigic planning and details that are so quickly lost amongst the stress of the stacks of cartons.

Identify Your Budget

Moving is costly. If your move is corporate and it's not on your own dollar, skip in front of the class. Should you be paying the expenses, be aware that all moving companies aren't the same and do your homework prior to deciding the way to take care of a move and which company to hire. Ask for recommendations, but confirm the company you decide on is part of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Association (their license number should be on their website and moving trucks). The Better Business Bureau is another great source of outstanding moving companies in Atlanta.

Determine your budget for the move before you get started. It can save you money by doing your own packing up and driving, and using labor to load and unload the moving van. Most movers offer a variety of services so you can pick and choose which of them you want. This is an excellent strategy to use if you are confident packing the main things, but want assistance with things like electronics and antiques.

Professional companies won't give you a price quote with no knowledge of everything that you will be moving and how far. Therefore, schedule an in-home survey and tell the estimator precisely what you're planning on moving. Make sure to obtain a written estimate, examine it carefully and ask questions should there be numbers or particulars which might be difficult to understand.

Prepare Your Packing

It's like eating an elephant, take it one bite-or box-at the time. Start off purging whenever you recognize you're moving to Atlanta. In the event that you haven't made use of it or put it on in six months’ time, donate it, sell it, or dispose of it. If your movers are packing for you, it can be a lot less complicated to be ruthless with the purge when you determine that something is worth paying some other person to wrap and pack it.

Be mindful of your new life--if you're moving from Minnesota to a warm climate, leave the polar fleece and winter boots with your next door neighbor. They'll come in handy any time you visit and be absolutely unnecessary in place where 65 degrees is viewed as a cold snap. Pack up your out of season apparel and toys to begin with, and work your way to the essentials. A couple of days prior to the move itself, pack a duffel bag with the essentials for the day or two you're in transit.

Moving with PetsHauling the Transportation

For anybody who is moving across the country and traveling by air with your family members, make sure you let the movers know they're going to be transporting vehicles, boats, golf carts, covered wagons--whatever's on wheels, it has to go on the moving truck unless of course you're driving it. Anytime animals are members of the household, it sometimes is practical for a couple of you to drive with the pets. Talk to your veterinarian and check with airlines regarding pet policies when you first know you're moving. Also, synchronize with the movers on the time allocated for travel, particularly if you're going by plane. If your furniture and TV are a full week behind, you may need a place to stay in the interim, and the sooner you put together those plans the better, especially with family pets involved.

M-Day Minus Fourteen and Counting

The last few days before you close the door for the last time can be a flurry of activity, you need to mark these items off your list. 

  • Confirm existing utilities are transferring or turning off the day following your move. In case you're in a cold local climate on either end, try to ask your realtor to check for broken water lines at the new home in Atlanta--that's not much of a welcome home for anyone.
  • Verify the mail is stopped and forwarded, and that you have done the change of home address documents for bank accounts, healthcare, and insurance plans information. You can modify your address on the internet and get a new PO box, but remember that the Post Office designates you a box and it is commonly on the bottom row. It is best to go in once you've moved and pick one yourself.
  • Make hard copies of essential paperwork, put them in a file folder along with you during the interstate move itself. This includes prescriptions, immunization documents for the children and pets, insurance cards, identification documents, and everything else you might need to get hold of quickly.
  • Schedule the cable/internet guy for as soon as feasible. Don't fret if their visit coincides together with the movers; they're used to doing work around boxes. It is an occupational hazard for promising to appear anytime inside a five-hour window. 

DON'T PUT THAT ON THE TRUCK!!!

There are certain things that wisdom dictates shouldn't go on a moving truck. For anybody who is nervous about driving with a full gas can for the garden tractor in the car, ponder loading a moving truck with lawn equipment, fertilizer, and bleach and starting off cross country to Atlanta. So, in case you need a reminder, here are a few things that movers aren't capable to transport. 

  • ANY chemicals--household cleansers, paint and paint thinner, nail polish (honestly) and remover, fertilizer, chemistry sets
  • perishable foodstuffs
  • houseplants--states have polices about adding new types in an effort to avoid new infestations as well as fungi. There is no border patrol reviewing your automobile or trucks to take your caladiums, but you do not wish to be the individual who shipped in the aphids that killed off the area plants.
  • Cash, expensive jewelry, stock certificates--keep those with you; moving companies won't be responsible for assets like this. 

Set up Domicile

Meaning letting the new state know you are arriving. You should begin paying taxes in your new state the moment the ink dries on your new mortgage loan. Let your accountant know you are moving--some states might not have state income taxes! Each individual state has their own tax rates, regulations, and assorted one of a kind laws. Check your new state's website for details on licensing pets, teenage drivers, along with other arcane legal issues you'll need to understand. Once you've moved you'll need new drivers’ licenses and vehicle tags--check to find out what the grace time is for new occupants. In many states you are able to sign up to vote at the DMV; again, check the state website to figure out the deadline for signing up to be a good citizen.

And, now that you've got this interstate move to Atlanta figured out, think about the critical stuff--like deciding your new favorite teams.

 
REAL PEOPLE. GREAT EXPERIENCES.
The Mickelson Family
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The Mickelson Family
Best. Move. Ever!
Very pleased with the overall respect and care the men gave to my possessions. Even mailing me very quickly the only thing lost in transit. Would recommend to anyone needing a long distant move.
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