It’s time to stretch your legs a little. Nearly ten percent of Americans changed their residence in 2018 and 2019. Many people who moved were millennials, and many of them crossed state lines.
Moving out of state is an incredible opportunity. But it is very stressful to pull off. You need a moving checklist in order to make it work.
When should you check out your new home? How can you figure out which moving company to trust? When should you start canceling your local memberships?
Answer these questions and you can stand in your new home without a care in the world. Here is your moving out of state checklist.
Visit Your New Hometown
Most people go out of state because they have a job commitment somewhere else. If that’s your reason for moving, you should visit the other state before committing to the move. Your comfort is more important than anything else.
Go to the town’s visitor center and browse the brochures. Get recommendations from the employees about what to see, where to eat, and what living arrangements there are.
These indicate what the town is looking to promote. Some areas appeal to tourists, which may make residential life difficult. Other areas appeal to families, which can make it difficult for single people to find a place to live.
You should visit the area’s tourism attractions. But keep your eye out for popular restaurants and hangouts. If you like their style, you will like living in the town.
Find Somewhere to Live
Once you’ve decided the area you will live in, you can narrow living arrangements down. Apartments for single people and couples are available in most areas.
Find one near your new office and essential services like grocery stores. If possible, find one that is within walking distance of these places.
You should plan on renting in the new state for at least six months. This will keep your upfront expenses down while you get a feel for your new location.
If you are stuck finding a place to live, go to a realtor. Ask for multiple suggestions on where you could go. Participate in tours of the properties and their neighborhoods before making a decision.
Figure Out How and When to Move
Once you’ve found an apartment, you can look at moving companies. Read reviews of all companies you are looking at, including from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Do not contact any companies with safety complaints.
Contact several safe companies and compare their quotes. You will need to let them know what stuff you are bringing. If you don’t have a good idea of that yet, go and look at what you have.
Once you’ve picked a company, you can decide when you want to move. If you have a job arrangement waiting for you, you should move at least a few days before you start working. This will give you time to settle in.
Weekend rates tend to be more expensive than weekday ones. Many people like to move before holidays or the start of the school year. Avoid moving during these times whenever possible.
Try giving yourself six or so weeks before you move. This will give you time to pack and say your goodbyes. If you need to reschedule, you will have an opportunity to do so.
Pack Your Things
In the weeks leading up to your move, you should try to offload your belongings as much as possible. Write your own moving list by organizing your items into categories.
Broken items should get thrown away. Functional but old items that you don’t use can go to a thrift store or donation bin. These items include clean clothes and books.
You can sell newer items that you don’t use anymore. Start a garage sale or put them up on eBay or Craigslist. Electronics are especially valuable, though you need to clear your personal information off of them.
Anything you use on a regular basis should go with you. You should have medications and toiletries in your personal bag. Important documents should go into a sturdy box that goes in your car.
Free Yourself From Local Commitments
You should start canceling your memberships at least one month before your move. Many locations require four weeks of notice before you can cancel. This includes most gyms and community clubs.
If you have children, you should tell their current school that you are moving. Make sure to transfer their school records immediately.
You should remain in touch with your boss about your move. Even if you are transferring to another office in your company, you need to be mindful of the disruption. Prepare to work extra hours to smooth things over.
You should tell your friends, family, and clients about the move. Try to meet as many of them in person as possible.
Set Yourself Up
Your relocation checklist is not done once you have relocated. You need to establish your new home as your domicile so you can pay taxes.
You will also need a new driver’s license and voter registration forms. You should file for these as soon as possible. Some states give you a narrow time frame before you face penalties.
What Your Moving Checklist Should Have
Add many out-of-state move tips to your moving checklist. Visiting your new home should be at the top of your moving out of state list. See how your town advertises itself.
Find a place you can rent for a few months. Then talk to a moving company who will give you an honest quote. Keep prices down by throwing out damaged items.
One month before your move, cancel your memberships. Once you have moved, register for taxes and a driver’s license.
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