Checklist for Moving Out of State

Making an out-of-state move may leave you stressed out and overwhelmed, especially when you get engrossed in making sure that every detail fits in the moving truck. but, it doesn’t have to be so. Well, all you need to do to make an out-of-state move stress-free is to draw up a moving checklist.

Considering making an interstate move but do not know the basics of getting started? In this article, we’ve compiled a working checklist for moving to another state.

A Checklist for Moving to Another City: Before the Move

1. Visit the New City

When drawing up your checklist, the first thing you will need to consider is the city you plan on to relocate. Before relocating to a new state, make sure to make a trip to the state. Doing so will help you decide on the neighborhood to stay. It also gets you attuned to the feel of the city. Aside from this, it is best to search on the internet for news about the city to ensure your safety.

2. Research New Schools

If you have school-aged children, it is best to research new schools within the vicinity of your new home. Various schools will be in the neighborhood, like government schools and top-rated private schools. So, determine the one that will hold the interest of your child. Preferably, look for schools that are close to your home.

3. Secure an apartment

It is best to get a new living apartment before relocating. Most apartments may come at a higher rate if you do not rent a place before the move. Ideally, hire a realtor that will get you a budget-friendly apartment and also take care of all the necessary paperwork for the house.

4. Notify Current schools of Relocation

When relocating, make sure to notify their current school of relocation. This way, the school can quickly transfer records to the new school and make available necessary exchange documents like recommendation letters, evidence of immunization, and medical records.

5. Contact Utility Company for Notice of transfer of service

If you have a cable, internet connection, or security system in your current home, make sure to contact your service provider to notify them of the transfer of utility to your new residence. After this, schedule a time and date to install utilities in your new home.

6. Draw a realistic Budget

Drawing a financial plan on expenses will make you spend less.  This is because the everyday price of items increases, most especially when it has to do with relocating. So, when you plan accordingly on what to spend your money on, you get to cover the total cost of expenditures with ease while moving. To draw a realistic budget, write out items you will need on a spreadsheet.

7. Plan to safely pack belongings

Another important thing you will want to consider is how to carefully pack your belongings. This is because you may have glass, rare and valuable items you would not want damaged. Even the safety of everyday items you use should be a top priority. So, make sure to draw a timeline and use a packing technique that will keep your belongings safe.

8. Find a reliable company that makes interstate moves

If you have many belongings you plan on taking along, you would want to find a reliable company. Ensure that the company you find makes and is familiar with interstate moves to avoid the penalty for breaking federal highway regulations. Apart from this, consider getting a quote from at least three different reputable moving services to compare prices before hiring movers. This is because some cheap moving companies will not charge much. For one of them, you can click here.

9. Decide on the date of Relocation

Since you must have gone through the above checklist, it is time to choose a date for the move. To do this, first consider your work schedule, availability of moving company, weather conditions, and weekdays. All these factors ensure that the move is smooth and time-saving.

After the Move

10. Establish Legal Domicile in the new city

Once you move into your new home, you will need to get a legal residency permit. This legal domicile will help in paying taxes and voting. As with everything that differs in a state, every state has different requirements to fulfill this goal. However, most states demand that you reside in the state for at least six months.

Aside from this, other requirements you may need include;

• Your street addresses
• Prove of relinquished residence of the previous state
• bank account in the current state
• Prove tax payment in the new state

11. Register your vehicle and renew your driver’s permit

After relocating, it will not be ideal to drive with a license from another state. Moreover, even the vehicle title will need a quick update. So, it is advisable to quickly get a new driver’s license and register your vehicle.

Keep in mind that there are some required documents to transfer your data from different states. You would want to go with essentials like the current license, residency permit, and social security number for registration.

12. Register to vote

As soon as you move, consider renewing your voter’s registration to suit the state. This will enable you to participate in any form of election that may take place in the state. You could achieve this by either going for online registration, in-person registration, or mail-in registration.

13. Get a license if you own a Pet

Do you have a pet? If yes, you would need to consider getting a pet license once you move into your new home. Every state has various requirements to get this done. So, try getting the up-to-date requirements before getting the pet license.

14. Start settling

When you’ve succeeded in establishing a legal domicile, registering to vote, get a pet and driver’s license, the last thing you will need to do is to set up your belongings. You may need to hang all arts, nail hooks, paint, make repairs or switch out fixtures. Whatever the case, you can immediately begin the process of settling in your home.

Final Thoughts

Moving is indeed a stressful chore. But, an interstate move does not match up to the stress of moving out of state. However, a checklist may be the solution that you seek. If you want to reduce the stress factor in moving to a new city, this checklist for moving to a new city will set you on the right track.