Steps for Relocating to Another State
Relocating to another state can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With time and careful planning, you can make this transition run smoothly. Even if there are a few roadblocks along the way, try to remain calm and enjoy this new chapter in your life. Save as early as you can for the big move and enlist the help and support of family and friends to help make the move less stressful.
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Things You'll Need
- Map of the new state
- Insurance and bank information for both the current and new state
- Money
- Moving gear
- Moving truck
Instructions
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1
Connect with someone who already lives in that state. Knowing someone in the state you are moving to will make it easier to find your way around and meet other locals. It's a bigger plus if this person you connect with has lived in that state for a long time.
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2
Visit the state. The Internet or a book won't tell you everything you need to know about a state. You will have to spend some time there and see how it suits you. Check the cost of homes, fuel and groceries. Check out a local newspaper and visit some of the houses for sale or rent there.
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3
Secure employment in the other state. Having a job will ensure you won't go broke after your big move, which will already be a huge expense. Explain to prospective employers your plans to relocate to that state.
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4
Take care of business concerning your current residence. Once you have secured your arrangements for moving to another state, give your landlord a 30-day notice if your home is a rental or put your house on the market if you own it. Pay off any outstanding balance on local and utility bills and make arrangements to disconnect your utility and cable services the day after you plan to move. If you don't have an account with a national bank with branches in the new state, close your bank account and prepare to open a new one at the state's local branch.
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Plan your trip. Save as much money as you can for your move right now. Map out your travel route and make a checklist of everything you will need to take with you on your trip. Ask your friends in this state if you can stay with them until you find a place to live, or make arrangements to rent a room in a hotel until you find a new home. Make arrangements with the post office to have your mail forwarded to your friend's house then forward it to your new address after you find a new home.
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6
Start packing and rent a truck. If you're going to drive a truck yourself, make arrangements to rent a commercial moving truck. Pack up your belongings and give away, donate or sell anything you don't want.
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Relocate. Load up your truck, lock up your former residence and start your journey to your new state.
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Tips & Warnings
Spend as much time in your new state before your move to get a better idea of what it is like.
See if any family members or friends are willing to loan you some money to help pay for your move.
Try to get rid of unnecessary furniture and clutter before you move. The less you have to pack into a truck, the better.
Be prepared for a long trip that may require several days.
Some states have laws about what kind of things people can transport over state lines, such as guns and certain plants. Check the new state's laws about this before you move.
References
- Xpress Movers: Moving to Another State Checklist, Moving to New State Check List - Tips and Complete Guide by Xpress Movers
- Realtor.com: Moving: Out-of-State Moves
- "CNN Money"; Will Move For Work: Paul Keegan; February 2010
- DMV: Moving Out of State
- Movers Directory: Moving Plans - Checklist Moving Tips
- "Life Reboot": How To Move Out Of State: Shaun Boyd; April 2007
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
