Tips on moving to another state

02.03.2023

Moving is always an exciting and even a bit terrifying event. Especially if you have to travel far. Moving to another state can be a difficult task, and you need to prepare well for this. In this article, you will learn about various tips for moving to another state.

Tips for relocating to another state: make a checklist

This is probably where you should start. Performing certain actions is much easier if you follow a clear and pre-planned plan. Just add whatever you need to the list. We will help and add ideas on what to add.

Explore your new city

Before you move somewhere, you should first choose where exactly, no matter how obvious this tip about moving to a new state may sound. Have you already decided on this? Great! In this case, before moving to a city, you should study it, in particular the area to which you are moving. Consider the following:

1. Do you have children? In this case, you should think about where they will study. There are a large number of different websites and even local blogs to help you make your choice. For example, you can check out a site like GreatSchools.org.




2. Don't forget the traffic! You can use services like Google Maps during rush hours to build routes and see which roads are better to choose.




3. If you can't visit the place in person - use something like Google Street Views to explore the neighborhood.

It will be much better if you have the opportunity to visit the place you plan to move to in advance. After all, for example, you should find a place to park your car, explore your new apartment in more detail, and so on.

Don't forget the price difference

Perhaps, living in your city in your state, you are used to the fact that you have enough for a certain amount for a month and maybe even save a little for that very cool sports car that you have long dreamed of buying. But in a new state, there may be completely different prices for the same things. Perhaps you will have to forget about buying something you used to. 

Also, don't forget to pay attention to state taxes. Pay attention to all types of taxes - income tax, sales tax, and so on. If you own a business, it may be wise to check the relevant taxes and laws of the new state. The more you learn about all of this, the easier it will be for you to calculate your moving budget.

Moving and storing things

Choose a moving company. You should choose only the best and highest quality. For example, Finch Moving Services can offer you a full range of services - relocation to another state, temporary storage services for your belongings, and transportation of any necessary things of all sizes and shapes and in any quantities. Perhaps you need to move your entire office with you? This won't be a problem either. Just like the distance you need to travel. Unfortunately, interplanetary transportation is not yet available, but this issue will be resolved in the nearest future!

If you need any guarantees, you can study the reviews on any sites you trust. Google Reviews, TrustPilot, or any other similar service you like more. Do not forget that at least half of the success depends on the choice of a moving company. And Finch Moving Services will make sure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Get to know state laws

Laws in different states can vary A LOT. Therefore, you should get to know them at least a bit. Perhaps what you are so used to doing at home will be illegal in the new state? It may sound silly, but such a possibility cannot be ruled out.

Calculate your budget

This is probably the most important step. You should calculate absolutely all your expenses. First of all - the cost of moving itself. A small life hack - if you are moving because of work, ask your employer - maybe they will be able to at least partially cover the cost of moving? This will save you a lot of money. How much money will it cost you to rent a new home or even buy one, depending on which option you choose? Also, consider the cost of the move itself. Be sure to leave enough money so that you can live for the first 2 months, even if the job is already waiting for you on the first day. It never hurts to have a little more money than you need, right?

Perhaps after moving you will need to buy new furniture or household appliances? Consider all possible expenses in advance. Add another 10% to the resulting amount in case of unforeseen situations.

Don’t forget about your healthcare

One of the most important tips for moving to another state you should remember - our current healthcare will not work if you move to another state. If your new job will provide you with insurance, it will be important to understand the new conditions and what exactly will be covered. Even if you don't need to change insurance companies, you will still need new doctors and medicines.

Be sure to call your doctor for copies of your medical records and recommendations. Make an appointment in person to pick it all up. Be sure to do all of this ahead of time.

Driver's license and car registration

If you don't have a car, you can skip this step. If you have one, then this will be one of the first things you will need to do when you move to another state. Each state has its own laws on how quickly you need to do this. This number varies from 10 to 30 days. Be sure to find out what documents you will need. In some states, for example, you will need to show proof that you are a US citizen, such as a passport or original birth certificate, as well as proof of residency, Social Security like a social security card or W-2 form, and so on.

Update your address

Be sure to update all information when you change your state of residence. Do not forget to fill out a special form so that all letters from your old address go directly to the new one. Also, change the data and be more up-to-date online.

For example, in your financial institutions, retirement accounts, cell phone, Netflix, etc. Be sure to resolve issues with your bank. Your billing address must match the credit card payments in all online services. It may sound too obvious, but don't forget to share your new address with all your family and friends to make it easier for them to find you.

Register to vote in your new state

Registering to vote is an important step in getting involved in your new city, state, and country itself. In 40 states and the District of Columbia, this procedure can be done online. If you would like to do this in person, you can contact your local election office.

Check out the state's risks of natural disaster

This happens quite rarely. Some live their whole lives without seeing anything more dangerous and larger than a fire at local festivities. But you always need to be prepared. Perhaps earthquakes happen in your state from time to time and you are used to it. But if you are moving to Florida, for example, it would be wiser to familiarize yourself in advance with what to do and how to deal with a tornado threat. Many people shy away from this step, but you better be prepared for it.

Where are the nearest stores?

It's not just about grocery stores. You need to buy not only food, but also clothes, household chemicals, light bulbs, new household appliances, and so on and so forth. Find out where all the shops you need are located. This will save time in the future.

Don't forget about your hobbies and passions

The last tip on moving to a different state. Perhaps you love going to the cinema? Or do yoga? Or you can't live without a gym? Study the location of all places of particular interest to you. It may sound pretty obvious, but if you do all this in advance, it will save you a lot of time.

And let your move seem to you something very exciting. But this is a new chapter in your life. You are waiting for new adventures, new acquaintances, and new work. Opportunity to start from scratch! It remains only to wish you a good journey and a happy new life.