www.www.worldexecutivesdigest.com | Putting Down Roots: Your Complete Moving Out of State Checklist | Are you daydreaming about a change of scenery? Moving out of state might be a good option for you! Read on to learn how to pull it off.
Every year, more than 11% of Americans move to a new home. No matter where you’re moving, it’s a big process. And if you’re moving cross-country, it’s even more complicated.
No need to worry though. We’ve created this guide to moving out of state that will answer all of your questions.
Keep reading to learn more.
Research Your New State
Before you start planning your move, begin by researching your new state. Don’t start packing before knowing a lot about your new home.
Here are some things you should research:
- What’s the climate like? How cold does it get in the winter and how warm does it get in the summer?
- What’s public transit like? Are there buses nearby?
- What are taxes like, both income and property?
- How much does it cost to register your cars?
- What are the schools like? If you have kids, are there lots of child-friendly activities closeby?
Once you’ve figured these things out, you’ll know if you need to pack all your sweaters or how much to budget for taxes in your new community.
Set a Budget and Start Saving
It’s no secret that moving can get expensive, especially when you’re going across the country. And lots of times, these costs can creep out of nowhere, catching you unprepared.
These costs include:
- Security deposits for your new property if you’re renting
- Realtor fees and closing costs if you’re buying
- Mover fees or the cost of a moving truck
- Gas to get your vehicles to your new home
- Hotel stays en route to your new home
And there are likely more things that will pop up.
But don’t worry. You don’t have to be blindsided by these things. Instead, you can make a budget and savings plan today so you’re prepared.
Take some time to create a list of all of the expenses you’re expecting to pay and then create a column for the unexpected. If this number is out of your reach right now, then you could set up a monthly savings plan to reach your goal.
Find Your New Home
Ok, so you’ve officially decided to move to a new state and you’re going to put your home on the market. Well, now’s the time to find your home in your new state.
When you’re moving within your state, property values usually don’t vary that drastically. But if you’re going to a new state, there’s a chance you could get more or less house for the same amount of money
For example, houses cost a lot more in California than in Georgia. And Boston homes will be pricier than Texas usually.
Next, you should start looking at homes online that will fit in your budget. This will give you an idea of what you can expect.
Some people do their house-hunting all on their own, while others utilize a real estate agent. Both options are good, depending on what you like.
Choose a Moving Company
Next on the list for moving out of state? Choosing your moving company.
A simple Google search will reveal many options. But don’t just go with the first company you find.
When you hire a moving company, you’re allowing people to handle your property and you want to make sure they’ll take good care of your things.
Take some time to research businesses. Here are some things to look for.
Start by checking out their reviews. You can find these on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. These will give you a great idea about previous customers’ experiences.
Also look into Better Business Bureau ratings. These will inform you of their reputation as well.
You’ll also want to make sure they’re registered and have a U.S. DOT number.
Next, it’s time to get quotes. It’s a good idea to get at least three different quotes so you can know you’re making the right choice.
And if you need a recommendation, these are some of the best out of state movers in the country.
Take Time to Declutter
As you live in one place for a long time, it’s super normal to accumulate a lot of stuff. But the last thing you want to do is move all of your belongings across the country. This is a waste of both time and money.
So to avoid this, take time to declutter your home as you’re packing up. This is a great time to go through your closets, storage rooms, garage, and kitchen cupboards.
And while we all can’t be Marie Kondo, this is a great exercise for anyone moving.
Also think about your new home. Moving to a warmer climate? You probably won’t need all your winter coats.
Forward Your Mail
Last but not least, let’s not forget this important detail: don’t forget to forward your mail to your new address. Yes, you can do this in person at the post office, but who wants to wait in a long line?
You can also do this online before you move. Simply go to USPS.com and pick the date that you want to start forwarding your mail.
This way, you won’t miss out on any important correspondence that gets sent to your old address.
Moving Out of State: Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve read all these tips for moving out of state, what’s next? It’s time to make your plan. In no time, you’ll be ready for your big move.
Want to learn more? Check out our blog.
