Moving Out of State? Tips + What To Do Before

Planning before moving is essential, especially if you are not a spontaneous individual. Of course, making prior arrangements reduces the risk of common mishaps when relocating to another state. Having a plan before, during, and after moving to stay on top of things is wise.

Plans to Consider Before Moving to a New State

Maybe you have a place in mind or are still figuring out where you want to go. The bottom line is you want to move, and here is what you should look into before relocating to a new state.

Find Your New Location

Finding a place to live can be as easy as placing a pin on a map. However, this is not always the best option for picking the area you want to call home. If you already have a place in mind, you can visit the place before permanently relocating to find out if it is what you want.

If a pre-visit is not a feasible option for you, utilize online tools to explore the area. Once you have picked your preferred location(s), you can conduct some in-depth research on the local character to decide if you want to make it your new home.

Do Your Research

Moving without carrying out some reconnaissance could lead to you living in a city that doesn't fit your lifestyle. Carrying out some simple checks will ensure you end up in a place you love.

• The demography: Does it match what you are looking for - are you looking for a retirement community, a young population, or both?
• The area's culture: Are they a sports community or more entertainment-centered? Find out about the location's cuisine and what they are known for - their local celebrations or unique aspects.
• The cost of living: Assess the property and income tax rates. Is the pay rate feasible to earn a living in the area? Are there tax-free opportunities, especially on retirement distributions? Is renting or property ownership expensive? What is the average cost of groceries, entertainment, and commute?
• Crime rate: How secure is this new location? Will you and your loved ones be safe from crime? You can use NeighborhoodScout to assess the safety of your preferred neighborhood.
• Risk of natural disasters: Ensure you are familiar with the weather and climate of your desired location.
• School Districts: You can also check out the area's local schools to check their affordability, accessibility, and performance. Is there a high rate of delinquency? Do the kids attending these schools get a quality education? Use Greatcschools.org to research local institutions of learning.
• Recreational facilities and areas: Are there opportunities to swim, enjoy nature walks, cycle, or dine in exciting restaurants? Are there kid-friendly social amenities, packs, and activities if you have a family?
• Employment opportunities: Unless you want an ideal retirement location, you'll want to scout the job market in your new state.
• Health care access: Are there highly rated providers in the area who take your insurance?

Traffic and Transportation

Another significant aspect to consider before relocating is the transportation system. How is your daily commute to work going to look? Some places have multiple modes of public transportation connecting every inch of the city, while others are lacking. An interconnected transit system makes it easy to maneuver within the area. Affordability is equally vital. If everything you earn gets lost in transportation costs, it would be impractical to live in the area.

Another essential aspect of transportation for commuters and car owners is traffic. Find out the average time spent in traffic during rush hour. You can use Google Maps to evaluate how busy roads get at peak hours. Find out if you can compromise traffic for a beautiful home or find ways to escape gridlock hours.

Cost of Moving

Moving across state lines can be expensive, so it's essential to plan ahead so you can budget costs accordingly.

• Determine which size truck you need. A portable container is a pricier option but is more convenient than other methods of moving.
• Incorporate fuel costs to cover long-distance travel. Account for fuel wasted during traffic hours.
• Find the right insurance coverage to protect your goods against risks that may arise during transportation.
• Plan and manage all the relocation logistics - from packing, loading, offloading, and unpacking.

Alternatively, you can hire a moving company to handle many of the unpleasant parts of interstate relocation.

• Reduced breakage risks because of specialized equipment and tools storing your valuable and fragile belongings.
• The moving company does the heavy lifting on your behalf. The moving team is swift in packing, labeling, loading, stacking, observing cargo during transit, offloading, and re-arrangement.
• The moving company covers all costs from fuel purchases, vehicle servicing, moving permits, and security during transit.
• You do not need to worry about the travel logistics because the moving company does that for you.
• The moving company also provides insurance coverage for your possessions, protecting them against risks prevalent during moving.
• Timely relocation because of proper planning and management.

For moving companies, relocating charges depend on:

• Size of your current home: They estimate the volume and weight of freight. It also enables the moving company to choose the right vehicle and transportation equipment.
• Distance: Provides an estimate of fuel usage per mile.
• Time of move: Busy seasons like the holidays are usually more costly than off-peak seasons.
• Job complexity: When the tasks are demanding, the cost of the move goes up.
• Insurance: The type of policy you get impacts the overall cost of the move.

Budget

Set aside money for expected and unforeseen expenses if you plan on moving independently. Some risks can occur during the move, and you have to have cash in hand to avoid getting stuck. On the other hand, you can budget for the one-time fee that a moving company charges and make the transition stress and hassle-free.

Plans to Make During Transit

There is nothing to worry about if you are relocating with a moving company. The one-time payment affords you the luxury of staying worry-free as the moving company works on your behalf. You get to have professionals in the field with expertise in transporting cargo between states.

On the other hand, if you are transporting your belongings alone, there are a few things you need to consider.

• Ensure your vehicle is serviced and carry tools just in case of a breakdown.
• Make plans for rest and sleep during transportation if the distance goes beyond one day.
• Factor in traffic and layovers from highway patrols in your timeline.
• Mark out areas where you can re-fuel and check your vehicle and container.
• Budget for emergency situations.
• Plan your route ahead of time and have alternatives planned just in case.

Plans to Make after Transit

• Have a schedule for unpacking to avoid living in piles of boxes for a long time.
• Change your car registration and number plate as soon as possible.
• Update your billing and mailing address.
• Have your resume ready in case you have not landed a job.
• Make plans to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood, make friends, and enjoy the new place.