Are you planning a move out of state? Moving is never easy, but it can get more complicated and expensive when it’s out of your city or state. But you can have a smoother move if you follow the tips outlined below.
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1. Visit The New Place
Before you call in professional movers, like those at Daniel’s Moving & Storage, pack the truck and hit the road. Visiting your new city will help you get a feel for the area and different neighborhoods.
Also, you will be able to drive around the city and see how long it takes to go from your worksite to where you think you will live.
Go to the local visitor center and learn about the best parts of the city and the best attractions. If you spend a night in a hotel, ask people at the desk the same questions.
If you have children, you should look at the local schools – GreatSchools is a good resource.
You can check commute times by going to Google Maps during the morning and evening rush to see which roads are red and clogged with traffic.
The more you know about your new home, the easier the transition as you settle in.
2. Don’t Move Everything
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A costly and common mistake is to move everything you own. It is often unnecessary and can lead to moving many things you don’t use or need.
Several months before the big day, focus on decluttering your house. Get rid of anything that you don’t need. If you have old furniture in the basement that hasn’t been used in three years, have a junk hauler take it, or donate it.
The moving process can be significantly simplified if you get rid of things you don’t use or need before moving day. Doing so will cut down on stress and probably save on moving costs.
3. Find A Neighborhood
It’s ideal to have a new home or apartment set up before moving. Some experts recommend renting a place for six months to a year before buying a home. This helps you get used to the new city and learn which parts of town are best for your lifestyle.
To find a good, safe place to live, we recommend hiring an experienced realtor to show you the best neighborhoods in your budget and within commuting distance to work.
Spend plenty of time researching the best realtors in your city; having an excellent real estate agent can make a huge difference in where you end up living in your new community. And remember, the neighborhood in which you live is often even more important than the home itself.
4. Review Cost Of Living Information
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It’s critical to know how much it will cost to live in your new area. Using a cost of living calculator is helpful to find out the differences in costs for housing, clothing, food, and transportation.
Don’t forget to review state taxes, including income tax, real estate taxes, and sales tax. Many people don’t check these things before moving, but they can make a big difference in your monthly expenses.
Budgeting will be easier once you review the different living costs in your new community.
5. Put Cash Aside For Moving
When thinking about budgets, remember moving to a new state can easily cost thousands of dollars. So, make sure you have cash set aside for all your moving costs.
Here are some of the most common moving expenses to plan for:
- Fuel prices are rising this year, so you could pay $3.50 or more for gas or diesel. If you rent a moving truck, the company can charge double if you don’t fill it up upon return.
- Packing materials, including boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. If you can’t find boxes free of charge, these expenses can add up.
- Utility deposit fees.
- You’ll probably need deposits for the first and last month’s rent if you are renting.
- Small items to set up your new place include towels, cleaning supplies, groceries, bath mats, shower curtains, etc.
6. Figure Out Your Job
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If you are going to another state for a new job, your employment situation is set. But if you are moving without something lined up, you should remember several things.
If you move to a new city with the same organization, find out their policy on moving to a different location. Then, see if you can temporarily work remotely for a few weeks while settling in. Working out of your home may help you adjust to a new city.
When you move without a new job, it’s essential to begin looking months before moving. Figure out a timeline to stay motivated and on track for the job hunt. It’s easy to get distracted by all the attractions in your new city.
7. Pack An Essentials Box
On the day of the move, things may be a bit chaotic. But you can prevent most problems if you pack an essentials box.
This box should include your tax information, social security cards, birth certificates, medications, spare contact lenses, eyeglasses, etc. You should even toss your purse, wallet, and car keys in the box. That way, you know where all your essentials are during the moving process.
8. Remember An Emergency Fund
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You never know when your plans will change. Maybe the moving company will need to change the date, or your belongings will take longer to arrive than you thought.
Or, you could hit a snowstorm and need to stay in the hotel for two more days. It’s hard to predict the emergency, but you’ll be fine if you have extra money set aside for anything unexpected.
When you move out of state, it’s important to plan months ahead. Get organized well before the moving date with these tips, and the process will be smoother.
Moving to another state can be tricky, but everything will turn out well with enough planning.
