In 2019, 14% of all moves in the United States were across state lines. While big moves can be complex, they’re more straightforward if you have a plan.
Moving to another state can be stressful, and there’s a lot to consider to ensure it goes smoothly. Not only will you need to move your belongings from Point A to Point B, but you’ll also need to get a job, hire a great moving company, and find a great place to live.
This guide will tell you how to move to another state successfully.
Visit Your New State
When moving to another state, make sure that you don’t do it blindly. It’s essential to spend some time in your chosen location before you move you and your family there.
Even if the location or city seems great on paper, it may not meet your expectations. Plan a short trip to the area you’re considering moving to beforehand and spend plenty of time exploring and looking around.
Not only will this help you get a feel for the new city, but it can also help give you some leads on where you may want to buy a home and what neighborhoods you might be interested in.
Find a Job
One of the most important things to do when moving to another state is to get an idea of where you’ll work.
You might want to see if your current company will allow you to relocate to the new area. If it’s an option, it will make the transition smooth and easy.
On the other hand, it’s possible to get a brand new job in your new city ahead of your move. Be sure to start applying for positions you’ll be interested in beforehand. This will give you a good chance of landing a role and starting work when you arrive in your new state.
Remember, however, that it’s also possible to move without a new job lined up. However, be sure to save enough money to cover your expenses for a while so that you’ll be able to live comfortably.
Create a Budget
Before hiring movers or planning the ins and outs of your move, make sure that you consider the costs and create a budget.
Remember that more costs may be associated with your move than meets the eye. Not only will you need to think about the costs of paying movers and making the transition, but you’ll also need to pay for some of the costs of living in your new state. For example, this could include rental expenses and security deposits if you’re renting a home.
Writing down every expense you’ll have and getting clear about the financial requirements will help you create a budget and manage the cost of the move more quickly.
Decide Where You’ll Live
One of the most important things to do when moving to a new state is to figure out where you’ll live.
Whether renting a home or buying a house, ensure you have a good feel for the area. Be sure that you understand the neighborhoods that are available to you.
It can be a good idea to take a trip to the city beforehand and to have a realtor show you around the area ahead of your move. You can also do plenty of research online to learn more about the various neighborhoods in the city or town where you’ll be moving.
Once you have a place lined up in your new area, you’ll need to set a moving date and be ready to transition from one place to the next.
Compare Moving Companies
Although you may be able to handle a move independently, hiring professionals to help with the transition is usually a good idea.
You’ll want to choose reliable movers to get the job done right. Be sure to look for licensing and liability coverage and check references and online reviews to ensure that you’re hiring a mover that you can trust.
In addition to finding a company to help move your belongings, hiring an auto transport company may also be helpful. In cases where it’s hard to move your car yourself, hiring professionals can be well worth it. Be sure to use this auto shipping cost calculator when planning your budget to get a clear idea of the costs.
Change Your Utilities and Subscriptions
Remember that when moving, you should change your address and update your utilities and subscription needs.
Be sure that you change the details for any bank accounts and other accounts you have, and be sure they have your new address on file. You’ll also want to cancel any current utilities or subscriptions and set up new ones for your new home.
To make the transition easy and ensure that you won’t miss any mail, you’ll also want to forward your mail to the new location.
Start Early
To be prepared for moving day, you should give yourself plenty of time to pack up your stuff, eliminate unneeded belongings, and coordinate all the specifics.
It’s best to start planning a move and packing your belongings sooner than you might think. When setting a date, give yourself at least six weeks to pack your stuff and prepare for the move.
The more time you give yourself, the easier it will be once moving day arrives. You’ll feel much less stressed out when the big day comes.
Making the Choice to Move to Another State
If you plan to move to another state, have a clear plan and understand the moving process. Visiting the new state ahead of time, looking for a job, finding a place to live, and hiring a great moving company will be necessary for a smooth transition.
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