Relocation Checklist: How To Move To Another State
Relocating to another state is a daunting task, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you need to do. In addition to buying a home and preparing for the move itself, you have to deal with the uncertainty that comes with a new place to live. But if you stay organized, you can successfully move across state lines without unnecessary headaches.
Key Takeaways:
- Coming up with a plan will make an out-of-state move less stressful.
- Get your utilities set up, prescriptions transferred, and your USPS mailing address updated a month before the move.
- Make sure to keep children and pets safe during the move.
Preparing To Relocate To Another State
A lot goes into a move, but you can expect buying a new home and moving to a new state to require more preparation and planning. If you’re wondering how to move out of state, here are five initial steps you can take.
1. Research The Area And Cost Of Living
One of the first steps you should take is researching the city and state where you’re buying a home. You’ll want to find out the average cost of living, as well as the income tax requirements so you’ll know how far your salary will go in that area.
You also should research public school districts in the area you’re looking to move to, even if you don’t have children, because good schools improve property values.
2. Prepare A Budget
Before you start looking for a place to live, it’s essential to have a budget in place. This will guide you on where to look when searching for a home to buy in a new state. It will also help you determine how much you can afford and how to get a mortgage with your new job.
According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average long-distance move costs $4,890. However, that’s based on the average move transporting about 7,500 pounds of belongings from a two- to three-bedroom home a distance of 1,000 miles. Depending on your situation, your relocation costs could be more or less than this.
As you’re budgeting for the upcoming move, the following factors will affect the total cost:
- The size of the move: The more items and household goods you have to move, the more you can expect to pay. It costs a lot less to move a two-bedroom apartment than a five-bedroom house. Decluttering and donating items you don’t want or need can reduce moving costs.
- Whether you hire movers: If you’re moving to another state, you likely will need to hire movers. Many moving companies and relocation services charge a flat hourly rate per mover. Several factors can drive up the cost, including whether the movers must navigate stairs or move a lot of bulky furniture.
- The total distance moved: The farther away you move, the more you can expect to pay in moving expenses.
- Potential storage costs: You may need to store some of your items for a while, adding to the cost of your move.
3. Find A Real Estate Agent
Next, you should look for a real estate agent with experience in your destination city. A qualified real estate agent can help you find the type of home you’re looking for and recommend neighborhoods where you might enjoy living.
When you’re choosing a real estate agent, it’s essential to pick someone you trust. Ask for referrals from friends or family, and vet your choice.
4. Ask For Employee Relocation Assistance
If you’re moving for a new job, ask your new employer if you’re eligible for relocation assistance. Every relocation situation is different, and some employers pay more than others or offer reimbursement. You might consider asking your employer to chip in on the following expenses:
- The cost to pack and move your belongings
- Costs associated with breaking your lease
- Temporary or long-term storage rentals if you find yourself between homes
- Assistance paying for temporary lodging, such as hotel rooms
- Help finding child care in your new city
5. Plan Your Move
Once you have all the essential items in place, come up with a plan for your move. This plan could include hiring movers, switching addresses and deciding when you need to be in your new city.
If you have children, planning for the move is even more important. Your kids will need to switch schools, so you want to ensure you have all the paperwork in place. Make sure you send your kids’ academic records over to their new school. And don’t forget to set aside any important paperwork so it doesn’t get lost during the move.
Also, take some time to think about the services you’ll need to switch over to your new location. For instance, you’ll have to turn on the utilities at your new home and find a local doctor, dentist and hairstylist. Ask your real estate agent to list the services you’ll need in your new city.
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Timeline For Moving To Another State
Figuring out how to relocate to another state is challenging because so many different steps are involved. Having a detailed timeline to follow will make navigating this process easier. Start by booking a moving service or truck rental at least 12 weeks before the move.
1 Month Before You Move
One month out, you can focus on setting everything up for your new home.
A good place to start is to let the U.S. Postal Service know you need your mail forwarded to your new address. You can save yourself a trip to the post office by visiting USPS.com/move. USPS will verify your identity remotely, with a $1.10 fee. As you update your mailing information, you can also update your voter registration.
This is also a good time to start setting up your utilities, like natural gas, electric, sewer, water and internet provider. Doing this at least 30 days before the move will help you avoid any service delays.
If you take prescription medications, you’ll want to transfer them to a new pharmacy. You can do this by contacting the pharmacy and requesting a transfer. You’ll have to provide some basic information about yourself and your prescriptions. Once that’s complete, your new pharmacy will contact your old pharmacy and handle the rest.
You also want to start making plans to travel to your new home. This could include booking plane tickets, a rental car or a hotel room, or planning to stay overnight with a friend or relative.
Finally, don’t forget to begin winding things down at your old home. If you have a gym membership, let them know you’re moving and need to cancel so you aren’t charged unnecessary fees. You’ll also want to notify your homeowners association as soon as possible that you’re moving.
2 Weeks Before You Move
Now, to start really preparing to move. It could take your moving company anywhere from 10 days to two weeks to deliver your belongings, so it’s a good idea to make plans for temporary housing. You also can begin cleaning out the refrigerator and getting rid of any unnecessary food.
1 Week Before You Move
A week before the move, focus on packing up your old home. Devising a strategy for packing your belongings will make unpacking in your new house easier, so try to group similar items together and label every box. You can start by packing nonessential items, like books, electronics and home decor.
You’ll also begin disassembling nonessential furniture. You’ll pack your kitchen items and toiletries last, since you’ll still need to use many of these items right up until the move. If you have any pending deliveries, either cancel them or redirect them to your new address.
You’ll also attend a final walk-through of your new home if you’ve bought one. This is your last opportunity to inspect your new home before closing. During the final walk-through, you should make sure the home is in good condition and that the seller has made any agreed-upon repairs.
Moving Day
Once moving day arrives, you’ll want to take steps to protect your old house for the new homeowners. With so many people coming in and out of the house carrying heavy items like furniture or appliances, it’s easy for the floors to get dented or scratched.
Everyone involved in the move should wear disposable shoe covers to prevent scuffing and avoid tracking dirt. You’ll also want to use bubble wrap or moving blankets to prevent dings in the walls.
If you have children or pets, you’ll need to keep them out of the way. If you can’t arrange a babysitter, keep pets in crates and occupy children with a movie or another activity.
Once the move is complete, don’t forget to tip your movers. The standard is to tip 15% to 20% of the total moving cost. An out-of-state move likely will involve two moving crews, so that amount will need to be divided between both crews.
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After The Move: Things To Consider
Once the move is complete, you can focus on settling into your new home and location. The first step is establishing residency for tax purposes so you don’t owe taxes in both states. Visit your new state’s tax authority website to learn the requirements.
You can also complete your voter registration to participate in any upcoming elections. Most states give new residents a certain period of time to obtain a driver’s license or new plates for their vehicles, but it’s a good idea to do this as soon as possible. For example, you have 30 days to obtain a driver’s license after moving to Washington.
If you haven’t already, start locating new medical providers for yourself and your children. If you have pets, you’ll want to choose a new veterinarian. Take note of nearby grocery stores, pharmacies and other services you might visit regularly.
In some cases, you may find yourself in a state with a climate that’s very different from what you’re used to. Research your new climate and begin adjusting your lifestyle accordingly. For example, if you’re used to a colder climate and move to Florida, you’ll have to adjust to more heat and humidity.
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Additional Relocation Tips
Moving is one of the more stressful events in life, even if you’re moving for a great opportunity. And if you’re struggling with debt or have a low credit score, buying a home may not be the best option right off the bat.
If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few options worth considering. For one, you can consider renting a home in your new location for a while. Renting will give you time to build up your credit and pay down any outstanding debt until you’re ready to buy a home. You might also consider discussing your situation with your employer. This can feel uncomfortable at first, but your employer likely has resources available to help you.
Moving can be stressful even if you’re in a good financial situation. Before you move, focus on making connections in your new city. A close friend or family member might know someone in your new location. You can also join social media groups to build connections ahead of the move.
If you anticipate your children will have a hard time with the move, it’s a good idea to have a plan for how you’ll help them. Help your kids know what to expect by mapping out their new room and creating a list of activities they can sign up for at their new school. They may still feel nervous, but this will help them focus on what they can look forward to.
FAQ
Here are answers to common questions about how to move to another state:
The Bottom Line
Moving to another state can be an exciting undertaking and doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask your employer about options for financial assistance, and take some time to research your new area and its housing market. Coming up with a plan and staying organized can ensure you’re ready to relocate and can transition smoothly into your new home.
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