According to some survey data, about 40 million Americans move each year, approximately 13 percent of the population. People are moving to a new state for various reasons, and the most common is housing. Other motivators are family (27 percent,), work reasons (21 percent,) and 12 percent fall on other causes. So, if you’re planning to move cross-country, you are probably wondering what to do when moving to a new state. Relocating to a different territory requires a lot of work, and it is often pretty expensive. Still, with the right checklist for moving out of state and a backup plan, everything is feasible.
Suppose you’re thinking about the best time of year to move. Actually, it doesn’t make much difference whether you are relocating in winter or changing your address in summer as long as you know how to organize your priorities during the process. Your relocation will be successful or less so depending on your desire and willingness to dive into the research related to your prospective region and adjusting to a different town. Of course, cross-country relocation is demanding, and for that reason, you should define your tasks and complete them step-by-step. Follow our checklist to do that rightly.
If you often procrastinate, especially when you need to be organized and concentrated, there are plenty of things to do when you move to a new state to help you plan this phase before the relocation day comes. One of them is to create a moving binder. It enables you to keep dates on track and prevents mistakes in communications. Put simply, this handy organizer is a great tool in overcoming relocation depression and moving stress.
What are the most important documents you should place into your binder? Here is a list you should follow:
If you work in a large company, there are big chances that it will support your removal. That said, don’t hesitate to ask your employer some important relocation questions in order to ensure your stress-free move. Some of them should be related to providing you a housing stipend or paying some of your relocation expenses.
In case you’re going far away without a secure job, that can cause big stress. To avoid it, research a job market several months before your move and apply wherever possible. Being without income, especially if you are moving out of state alone, can be difficult. But, if you undertake the proper steps in time, you can thrive from the very beginning.
One of the things to consider when moving to a new state is to find employment as soon as possible if you already don’t have it. But, don’t worry, we’ve prepared a relocation to-do list with tasks that should be performed to facilitate the process of finding a job:
To see and hear a real-life experience, check out this video.
When planning how to move to a different state, make sure to create a good relocation budget. Whether you’re moving out of state with a child or on your own, it’s good to have a plan and a realistic budget. Let’s find out what are priorities you should stick to.
When it comes to cross-country relocation, you need to jot down all your expenses on your checklist when moving to another state. Dealing with so many things at the same time can cause you unnecessary worries and anxiety. With all costs in one place, you will move efficiently and carefree. So, make sure these items find their place on your moving to a new state checklist:
Although no law says companies must provide a relocation deal, this actually happens very often. The relocation package covers the cost of relocating, but keep in mind there are lots of questions you should ask your employer in order to get a clear picture of what to expect. First things first, try to find out how much your company is ready to cover. That way, you can budget the rest of your long-distance move.
If you are relocating to a smaller home or planning to live in a high rise, you should know whether you will rent or buy a home right away. Another question is related to your savings – do you have enough assets for all expenses, including a renter’s deposit? It’s recommended to spend several months in your new environment and check how safe is your neighborhood. You don’t want to feel sad, lonely, and insecure in your new house that is impossible to sell. Make sure to research your future city promptly and save your nerves and money as well.
Depending on your budget and needs, you’ll decide between hiring a long-distance moving company and a DIY relocation. Organizing your move by yourself might be cheaper, but know it will take much more time and nerves. Needless to say how much backbreaking work you will perform until you finish all tasks.
Thinking about when to start packing for a move and how to use plastic wrap, where to find packing paper, or how to pack pots and pans might look as easy as pie, but just if you are familiar with the right moving hacks and relocation tips. If you don’t want to take a risk, choosing a reliable shipping company will be your best bet. They can handle your fragile items properly as well as provide auto transport services. Also, with reliable long-distance movers, you don’t have to worry about how to organize your office move or move a business to another state. Just make sure to hire a company with enough experience and skill.
When looking for long-distance movers near me, you’ll definitely like to avoid being scammed. So, what things should you consider and avoid potentially unpleasant surprises? Besides being licensed with the FCMSA, here are several parameters to help you evaluate your prospective movers:
Ask for several references from your friends, family, or people who used their services before.
One of the most important things to do before moving out of state is to transfer all your home services and utilities in time. We’ve narrowed the list to help you perform all of them and make your life easier:
If you’ve covered all the things that should be done before the relocation, including packing as well, this will help your movers speed the process up. In order to avoid the most commonly forgotten things to pack, be familiar with the tips on how to pack quickly for a move. You’ll save yourself the hassle this way – not to mention an additional charge you’d have to pay to the movers due to the delay.
That being said, if you’re planning to pack all your possessions, prepare yourself for a challenging process that will last forever. Instead of stowing all the unnecessary tidbits, try to donate books you don’t need anymore or organize a garage sale. The more you move, the more you will pay. So, try to reduce everything you can, save some money, and have an easy and efficient unpacking after the move.
Every long-distance relocation requires plenty of moving supplies, so make sure to get everything you need at least a month before the relocation day. Sometimes, it’s not easy to find free boxes and packing paper, but you can always contact your movers and order all kinds of supplies you lack.
It’s well-known that the summer months are the busiest and the most expensive when choosing the right season for your move. That’s why you should pick springtime or colder months in order to avoid great expenses and movers’ overcrowded schedules. If that’s not feasible, create a backup plan if the shipping company deal falls through or you lose a reserve truck rental option.
When moving from one state to another with children, it’s crucial to research schools and check out public and private educational institutions. Of course, have in mind that your prospective neighborhoods should be associated with your schooling options.
Have you wondered how to move to a new state if you’re not familiar with tax issues? If you were thinking about these things, it’s an excellent precautionary measure because it can have a significant impact on your paycheck. So, checking out income tax, property tax, and sales tax should be among the obligatory things to do before moving out of state.
Making friends in a new state will help you cope with relocation anxiety faster and provide you with different interests and hobbies if you decide to join some new groups. Depending on your preferences, you can head to the gym or meet with coworkers.
If you’re a shy person and reserved around other people, don’t worry. We can help you with some tips on how to gain fresh friendships, such as:
When looking for a fresh start, new opportunities, and personal growth, relocation to a different state might be the right thing for you. Of course, you need to be prepared for the disadvantages related to every relocation, such as parting with your family and friends, adapting to a totally different environment, experiencing a culture shock, and dealing with lots of expenses and stress. Yet, if you weigh the pros and cons of going across the country, you’ll see many indisputable benefits of your relocation. Everything will be new and different, you’ll meet interesting people, and get a chance for great job options. Put simply, relocating far away will bring you an opportunity to create a better life for yourself and your family.
