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A Checklist for Moving Out of State
By Andres Muñoz MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Moving to another state can be a grand adventure, but it can also be a hassle. There are so many parts to moving that you get overwhelmed before you even begin. You must decide where to move, what to take, how to pack and unpack, whether to rent or own your new home and more.
Staying organized and planning can make this process easier and more affordable. This checklist covers everything you need to prepare for moving out of state, from creating a budget to finding the best interstate moving companies.
The ultimate checklist for interstate moves
If you attempt to move without a plan, you risk stressing on moving day and overspending. Even worse, it could lead to damaging or even losing your belongings. This ultimate interstate moving checklist will help you organize every step and avoid expensive missteps.
1. Thoroughly research the state you want to move to
Before you start packing up your things, take some time to research your new state. You want to cover as many things as possible: the cost of living, job market, climate, culture, school system and other factors that may impact your life there. Educating yourself about the area will help you decide if this is a good move for you.
If you’re able, consider a visit to explore it in person. You can visit local restaurants, shops and attractions and experience the community and people there. This can help you determine if the area fits your lifestyle and personality well.
Another way to understand the area is to connect with locals online. Social media groups and forums can be great resources for learning more about a particular area and talking with people who already live there. You can ask questions, get recommendations and even make new contacts before you move. Find out about interest groups in your area. If you’re a gamer, find out if there are meet-ups for playing. Love sports? Check out the local rec center. There are plenty of possibilities, and you’re bound to find like-minded individuals this way.
2. Search for and secure housing
Buying or renting a new place is a huge decision. Start by looking into the different areas in the city and real estate pricing for renting versus buying. Use popular real estate websites and browse listings in the areas you like.
Renting can offer more flexibility and lower upfront costs, which may be a better option for the first few months. Know the terms of your lease and any fees or deposits required. Read the agreement carefully and understand your rights as a tenant.
If you want to buy a home, the process starts with finding the right property, then negotiating the price and eventually closing the deal. It’s also important to consider the cost of the down payment, closing, monthly mortgage payments and insurance. If you can’t afford a full down payment, you may be able to get assistance with that. Alternatively, you may wish to rent while you save up and explore your options.
Find a reputable real estate agent to help you with a rental or purchase. They will make recommendations based on your budget and wish list.
3. Create a moving budget plan
When people first decide to move to another state, it’s easy for them to forget about the moving expenses. However, those can add up to a large bill. By sticking to a budget, you can avoid overspending and ensure you have enough money to cover everything. This is one of the essential tasks when moving.
The average cost of moving
So many factors contribute to moving costs — calculating an average price is challenging. If you hire professionals to handle most of the tasks, it can get expensive quickly. Doing things on your own or with the help of friends saves money, but it can also be time-consuming. You may compromise by packing everything yourself and hiring professionals to move it all. Regardless of how you choose to do it, these are some things to consider when figuring out how much a move will cost:
- Moving company: The cost of movers is likely the highest expense. Your price will vary greatly depending on the provider, distance and how much stuff you have.
- Packing supplies: If you have to purchase moving boxes, bubble wrap and packing tape, it can significantly increase your moving costs. However, you may be able to get some supplies for free from people who don’t need them anymore or from stores.
- Insurance: While most moving companies offer protection options, the cost can vary based on the value of your belongings and the coverage you choose.
- Storage: The cost of a storage unit varies depending on the location, size, length of time and whether or not it’s climate controlled.
- Travel expenses: You may need to factor in the cost of gas, meals and accommodations while moving.
- Extra expenses: The last few days before a move and the first few after one can be full of additional costs like extra meals or unplanned trips to the hardware store.
Tips for saving when moving out of state
Here are some tips for saving when moving out of state:
- Plan ahead: Research the best long-distance moving companies, packing supplies and other expenses early to compare prices and find the best deals. Make a budget for your move and stick to it, prioritizing the most critical expenses and finding ways to cut costs on less essential items.
- Get rid of things you don’t need: The fewer things you need to move, the less you’ll spend on supplies and travel expenses. Take the time to go through your belongings and donate or sell anything you don’t want to take with you.
- Pack yourself: While hiring high-quality movers can save you time and stress, it can also be expensive. Instead, consider packing your belongings yourself. You can find boxes behind stores or purchase packing supplies, then take your time packing carefully to ensure your items are protected.
- Rent a moving truck: If you don’t have a lot of belongings to move, this can be a more affordable option than hiring a full-service moving company. Shop around for the best moving truck rental companies and deals. Make sure to get one large enough for all your things, or find a friend who will loan you a trailer.
- Look for discounts: Many moving companies offer discounts for certain groups, such as students or military personnel. You may also find discounts through sites like Rakuten, RetailMeNot or Honey. Look for these savings when researching moving companies, and ask about any available promotions or deals.
- Sell unwanted items: If you have larger items you no longer need, such as furniture or appliances, consider selling them before you move. This helps you save on moving labor and expenses and provides extra cash.
4. Find employment in your new state
People often move to another state for their careers. If that’s not the case for you, start looking for job options in your new area as soon as possible. Ideally, you want to know where you’ll work before moving.
You can use online platforms to search for jobs in your new city or state and connect with industry professionals. A site like LinkedIn lets you connect with HR professionals at companies currently hiring.
Once you get an idea of the job market in the new state and find some positions you’re interested in, it’s time to update your resume. You’ll want to include that you’re relocating to the area and take the time to polish it based on the job listings you’re browsing.
This process can take some time, so don’t give up. Keep applying and updating your resume until you get a few interviews.
5. Start packing early on
If you’re packing by yourself, the earlier you begin, the easier the process will be. Before you fill any boxes for the new place, get rid of items you no longer need. This will make packing easier and help you save money on moving costs.
Next, create a packing timeline and plan when you’ll pack each room or category. For example, pack clothes first, then kitchen tools and so on. Be sure to label your boxes clearly and keep an inventory of what’s in each one. This will ensure you keep track of important items during the move.
It’s also a good idea to invest in quality boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and packing paper to prevent damaging your things. There are many different types of moving boxes, including ones specifically designed for fragile or bulky items.
6. Decide how you want to move
There are several ways to move out of state, each with different cost and convenience factors. Some common options include doing it yourself, hiring a professional moving company or using storage containers and shipping them to your destination. Below is a breakdown of each method.
DIY with a moving truck rental
Renting a moving truck and moving your belongings yourself is an affordable option for those who prefer complete control over the moving process. With this option, you can pack your belongings, load them into the truck and drive them to your new location. However, this option requires physical labor, time and funds for fuel, meals on the road and accommodations.
Full-service moving company
A full-service moving company is great if you prefer a more hands-off approach. The moving company handles all moving aspects, including packing, loading, transportation and unloading. Full-service moving companies are more expensive than other options but provide a huge level of convenience.
Moving storage containers
Moving storage containers are another popular option for those who need flexibility in their move. The company drops a container at your current location, you pack it, and then the company transports it to your new location. This allows you to pack and load at your own pace and eliminates the need for multiple trips to a storage facility. To discover the best moving container companies, make sure you read our guide.
7. Take care of school enrollments, if applicable
If you have children, it’s important to research their education options to learn about local enrollment processes and deadlines. Each state has its own requirements for school enrollment, so you need to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations.
8. Submit a change of address
Submit your change of address to the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ensure that your mail is forwarded to your new address and that you get all your important documents and bills.
You can do this online or in person at your local post office. Be sure to change your address with other relevant entities, such as banks, credit card companies, stores and subscription services.
9. Request utility service at your new address and cancel it at your old one
You don’t want to arrive at your new place and find that you’re missing an essential service. Where possible, transfer utilities when moving, and cancel anything you can’t bring with you. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet and cable services. Moving a short distance may mean you can keep the same companies for most services, while longer distances may require finding all new service providers. Research providers in your new area and choose the one that best meets your budget and needs.
10. Once relocated, apply for a new driver’s license and license plate
When you get to this point, congratulations are in order. You can apply for a new driver’s license and register your vehicle as you settle in. More steps may be involved if you’ve moved to a new state. Each state has its own driver’s license and vehicle registration requirements, so take some time to research those on the state’s website.
Some states may require you to take a written or driving test, while others may require you to complete a form and provide documentation.
Get prepared for moving day
Moving is stressful, but following the 10 points in this checklist should make it smoother and more stress-free. Start at the beginning of the checklist and work your way through. The research stage is probably the most important because it will prepare you for a successful interstate moving day.
Remember to take breaks when necessary and ask for help from friends or family. This way, you won’t get overwhelmed or go through the process alone.