Regardless of distance, moving is stressful. While even simply moving rooms, down a hallway, or across town require planning and packing, moving out of state takes things to a new level of difficulty. Unbeknownst to many, there are a lot of considerations and additional steps that come into play when one opts for moving from one state to another and going straight in and unprepared for the move is a recipe for confusion and regret.
If, for whatever reason, you’ve recently made the decision to switch states, you have to be mentally prepared for a lot of change. You’ll also have to make sure that your prepping game is ten times stronger to avoid any unpleasant surprises. We’re enlisting everything you need to know if you’re moving out of state in the US in order to conduct a seamless and successful move.
Moving costs are going to be amplified.
A regular move already costs a lot when all aspects are brought into consideration. An out-of-state move is definitely more expensive, firstly owing to the increased mileage for fuel that’s going to come into play. Moving out of state is also going to require a lot of additional costs in the form of movers, who charge pretty steep when moving from one state to the other is concerned.
This is why the wisest thing to do in this case is to create a reasonable moving budget and then stick to it as your life depends on it. The miscellaneous section of your budget should be spacious because a lot of additional costs tend to pop up during the out-of-state move. Going into the whole ordeal without a budget in place is sure to make the entire move a scathing expense rather than a necessary decision.
Everyday expenditures are going to be different.
Every state has its own baseline prices and wages. Before moving to a new state, go through all the cost variations that are going to be happening beforehand. Moving to a new state first and then considering how everything is different financially is like calling for trouble. A good way to have a detailed know-how of the matter is to make sure you have a job offer in place before you move so you can compare expenses accordingly.
Everything from utilities, groceries, insurance, and of course, rent is going to be very different. If the cost is lower, that’s all the better, but if it amounts to more than what you were used to in your previous home state, then you’re going to have to detail a budget for everyday expenses too. Knowing how financing and budgeting are going to vary for you and your family unit as you move to another state is a priority task.
Make sure your documents are preserved well and accessible.
Moving out of state warrants a lot of identification and protocol. Make sure all of your important paperwork is stored in a file that you can carry around with you during the move and afterward, too. Applying for new utilities, subscriptions, and the like is only going to be possible if all documentation certifying your identity is with you. It’s also always prudent to have your documents with you just in case during the initial phase of your move.
Another consideration that needs to be remembered is that your tax returns are also going to be different as you move to a new state. It’s wise to hire an accountant for the first year after your move, where things are going to be a bit unclear about where you’re liable to pay residential tax. You can only opt for professional help when all of your documentation is with you.
There are other alternatives to hiring a moving service.
Moving companies charge appalling amounts of money for an out-of-state move. While having a reputable company at your side as you undergo a large-scale move is a good idea, not everyone can afford the expenses, especially when they add to other major costs. A better and relatively less expensive alternative is to opt for renting a moving container, especially if you have a lot of things to take with you. Hiring a container also allows you to avail yourself of more space and have your container transported across larger distances at a lesser cost.
Another option is to rent a moving truck that you can drive yourself. This will not only cut down on cost but also make it so that all of your stuff is safely monitored and transported by you. Make sure to select a trustworthy truck rental so you can opt for a quality vehicle for your load. Renting a truck is one of the best ways to stay within your moving budget when you’re relocating out of state.
Inform schools and offices ahead of time.
Moving from one state to the other means a lot of changes. For children, these firstly come in the form of a new school, and if you’re not moving with a family, then for you, they can come in the form of a new workplace. It’s important to have plans sorted from the get-go instead of running into unplanned surprises on the first days because of ill-organized plans.
Moving out of state also means that all sorts of paperwork and documentation need to be submitted beforehand to make sure admission or employment is secured. This is the part where having your documents close by and smartly sorted helps.
Update your plates and licenses.
The last and most important thing to do as you move to a new state is to make sure you apply for a new license that places you as a resident of said state. Your vehicle plates also need to be updated accordingly, although this is a step you can get to after you’ve settled in and have the time. But remember not to neglect this as one essential aspect to cover as you move out of state.
Also Read: Things to Do the Night Before You Move