The Essential Guide to Moving out of State in Just 6 Steps
About 40 million Americans move to a new state each year. This may be as simple as crossing over one state line or making a leap across the entire country.
Whether it's a new career opportunity or to be closer to family, you may find yourself picking up your entire life and putting it down in a brand new place with minimal notice. Fortunately, with the right approach, this can be seamless.
Moving to a new state is exciting, but can sometimes be overwhelming. Keep reading for six essential steps to moving out of state for making your experience hassle-free.
1. Take Care of Loose Ends
Before you begin your exciting journey, you'll need to take care of housekeeping in your soon to be former home state. Create an inventory list broken down by common areas such as your closet and kitchen.
Make a calendar leading up to your departure date and prepare your former home for any move out inspections. You'll also need to forward mail to your new address.
2. Locate Housing
Finding a place to live is stressful enough when you're searching locally. The modern convenience of the Internet provides many resources. Most living communities will gladly provide further photos beyond their website if you call and inquire.
A short-term or month-to-month lease is a good starting point to allow yourself a proper search once arriving. Don't be shy about finding roommates if you're moving alone or won't know anyone else. Exchange social media profiles and ask to video message to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
3. Purge Unneeded Items
Look around your home and start decluttering. There is no sense taking items with you on a long-distance move that you will never use again.
Tackle one room at a time. Divide up the items you no longer need into three categories: sell, donate, and discard. If you have time built-into your moving schedule, take photos of your purged items and post them on sites like CraigsList, Freecycle, OfferUp, or Facebook's Marketplace.
Or, if time is short, donate your things to services like Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity.
4. Pack Properly
Invest in plenty of boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap to keep your valuables safe. Label them and create a legend to locate everything so that you don't have to tear through box after box to find a misplaced item.
Naturally, you'll want to pick up and take everything with you, but space constraints and costs make this difficult. Every day disposal items like toiletries and food can be left behind and replaced upon arrival.
5. Update Necessary Information
Once you arrive to your new state you'll have 30 days to establish yourself as an official resident. This grace period may vary depending on your state's law, but don't put this responsibility off.
Specifically, update your car information including driver's license, auto insurance, and vehicle registration. This is also an opportune time to register to vote and notify your bank of your move.
6. Explore and Have Fun!
Once you arrive at your new home you'll naturally feel a little worn out and exhausted. After you’re settled and comfortable, get out and enjoy yourself. Join a gym, visit a museum, or take a walk around your new neighborhood.
Resources like the Nextdoor app are a great way to become integrated and meet nearby residents through social activities. You'll likely discover other transplants such as yourself in your new state.
Taking the Proper Steps to Moving Out of State
The best strategy for a successful move is time and planning. The excitement of journeying to a new state can bring eagerness, but you must properly plan.
Whether it's going across town or to a brand new state, moving doesn't have to be a stressful experience. Brooks Transfer & Storage Company Inc. serves the greater Virginia Beach area and beyond. Contact us today to receive a free quote.
