Hi y’all, hope you are well. If you are planning a move, big or small, then this is the post for you! I have moved many times in my life, mostly within the state I was previously residing, but as you may know, I recently moved from Michigan to North Carolina. I thought I could maybe help someone else out with their planning with a few of my suggestions. Shall we get started?

Where Are You Moving?

First you have to obviously know where you are moving, moves within your state are definitely easier than moving out of state. I don't say that to discourage you (live your best life boo, I sure did), I say this to help prepare you for the level of planning you'll need to do. Don't worry, I will walk you through everything I have done over the years and the lessons I have learned, we're in this together. 

In-State Moves

These are generally way easier of course, but depending on how far you have to go within your state, your vehicle options, how much stuff you have, etc. can effect how you plan this, so just be sure to consider all of these things roughly beforehand.

Out-Of-State Moves

A little more preparation is necessary for out-of-state moves, but they aren't as stressful as I originally thought. Your options may be a little more limited here depending on the distance, but you can do it and I'm always here if you have any questions that aren't addressed here or if you just want some personal advice! 

How Are You Getting You and Your Stuff There?

You have plenty of options here, it just depends on how much you are willing to spend and how much headache you are willing to endure.

Options: 

1. Traditional Moving Truck
   • My recommended for rental moving trucks is Penske, it always seems to be the cheapest. I'm not sure if this is an issue with every company though, but they wouldn't rent one to me when I was under 24 I think without paying a premium, but I just had someone in my family rent it for me. l
2. Pods
   • Another (pricier) option is to load your stuff into a Pod, which is a metal shipping container that the company picks up and transports to your destination. Definitely an option for those who would rather fly, drive their own car there, or those who don't feel comfortable dealing with the moving truck route.
3. Renting a traditional truck/van (think F-150)
   • If you don't have a lot of stuff or big furniture or you don't feel comfortable driving a moving truck, then this may be an option for you. Depending on how old you are, since they charge those under 25 a premium, annoying, I know. 
4. Borrowing truck or trailer
   • Basically the same as above, but borrowing from a friend or family member. If you have a vehicle with towing capacity, then a trailer is also an option for you. 

Who Will Be Helping You?

This is important because regardless of how you plan on getting your stuff there and how much you are taking, you will need help. There are options for help, but I am the queen of getting "free" help whenever I move and I will show you how to do the same without alienating people you love in another post coming soon. 

You can go the paying people route, but I try to limit moving costs as much as possible because they always seem to sneak up on you and they add up. I have friends who do this though to save them some of the work and stress, but it's completely up to you.

I do have some suggestions though for moving boxes, feel free to pay for them every time, but ain't nobody got time for that $$$ waste and the environmental waste for single use things as well.

I always get my boxes for free either from:

1. Someone I know
2. Work
3. Chewy boxes for my pup (aka my fave company ever)
4. Stores will give them out
5. Freecycle
6. Craigslist

Key Components and Tools You Can Use

TaskRabbit

If you don't know about Task Rabbit, you either don't move very often or you aren't doing it right. Task Rabbit lets you hire "Taskers" or to offer your services to other people for hire, such as help with moving, packing, hanging/mounting, building furniture, etc. If it is available in your city, you should DEFINITELY check it out! I will be using them for sure in the future!

Your Local Craigslist

This is also an option for finding help with moving or packing although may be a little more sketchy, but it is also a good resource for finding a place to live, getting free moving boxes, finding furniture, selling your old stuff you don't want to move, etc.