How to Move to Another State

Get organized, pack up and go.

Making a move to another state can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. With careful planning and execution of a few simple procedures, the journey can be more of an adventure and less of an uprooting. Mapping out a trajectory and having a detailed check-off list will ease the difficulties associated with a long-distance move away from your familiar home state.

Things You'll Need

• a calendar
• an outline of a plan and a set of markers to shade between the lines
• ample use of the Internet
• a network of connections in your destination state
• leads for jobs, places to live etc
• a sense of inner resolve

Instructions

1. Take into account the job market and cost of living when deciding on your destination. Research the demographics and decide if you will be a good fit. Websites such as Moving.com can help you crunch the numbers and turn your dream into reality.

2. Visit the city where you plan to move, if possible. Cultivate any support system you have there, including any contacts through professional organizations or clubs. Spend the time there pounding the pavement and keeping your ear to the ground for job leads and housing options.

3. Begin tying up loose ends upon your return home. Hold a garage sale to reduce the amount of stuff you will have to move with you. Contact utility and cable service companies to arrange for cancellation.

4. Pack a little bit every day. Consider shipping some items in advance if you are not hiring movers.

5. Make arrangements in your new home state for utilities and other services. Upon arrival, visit the motor vehicles department for a new driver's license and license plates.

Tips & Warnings

• When you think you've made the worst mistake of your life and start to second guess yourself, take a moment to visualize where you want to be in six months. What will your life be like? Would it have been worth your present inconveniences?

• Tell your landlord of your impending plans so he can prepare to replace your tenancy. If you start to back out, you can expect homelessness in your future.

• Begin shipping off your belongings to the destination state. Start with something you'll miss.

• Be aware of the naysayer. These are the people that make it their mission to point out the reasons why your tour-de-force will fail. They are naturally negative people and nothing you need to internalize.

• Don't run out of money before you buy your plane ticket or arrange travel to your destination.

• Despair and panic will creep around your plans as your date nears. Ignore them.

References

• Money Instructor: How to Organize a Long Distance Move

Resources

• DMV.org: Moving Out of State
• Moving.com: Moving Services