7 Things To Do When Moving To A New State

Moving to a new state is a life-changing and exciting experience, and it’s understandable if you’ve got the pre-move jitters. People move for many different reasons, like job opportunities, a change of scenery, or being closer to family and friends. Whatever the reason, moving can be stressful and overwhelming, and it can be hard to figure out where to begin and what to do when moving to a new state. Here, we’ll talk about steps you can take before and during the moving process to a new state and give you some tips for making your transition as smooth as possible.

Before you make the move, it's essential to do a deep dive and research your new state. This includes finding a new home, selecting a neighborhood, researching schools and local amenities, and understanding the cost of living in your new state.

One of the first things to do when moving to a new state is also one of the most exciting — finding your new home! You can search for homes online and work with a real estate agent to find the perfect place. Make sure you work with a real estate agent who has extensive local knowledge and is familiar with neighborhoods in the area. A good Realtor will work with you to understand your goals and what you want from your new home and will streamline the whole buying process for you. It’s important to take into account your budget, the size of the home, and where it’s located.

Once you've found a few homes you like, take some time to research the neighborhoods they’re in. You might want to consider visiting the area yourself to get a feel for the neighborhood.

The cost of living varies between states, so it's important to understand the difference in the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, and other expenses from your current state to your new state. You can compare the cost of living index data for each so that you know what your new life will cost.

When you’re moving, there’s so much going on, so a checklist is an essential tool for staying organized throughout the process. You can make your own checklist using a planner, spreadsheet, or app, or find one available for free online. Your checklist should list tasks like hiring a moving company, packing, and notifying your utility companies and services of your move. Don’t be afraid to add everything you think of — it’s better not to let anything slip through the cracks and be forgotten.

Hiring a moving company can help take the burden off of you and your family during the moving process. When selecting a moving company, research several options, read customer reviews, and compare rates and prices. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family or your local real estate agent. Once you’ve settled on a company, communicate with them frequently to ensure your move date is set and to avoid any misunderstandings or scheduling issues.

Packing is one of the most time-consuming parts of the moving process. Packing can be a daunting and overwhelming task, but just take it one room at a time, and you will knock it out. Start packing non-essentials early, and declutter as you go. You can donate, sell, or throw out items you no longer need, which will make the move easier and save you more money on moving expenses.

Before you move, notify utilities and services that you’re leaving. This includes transferring services like internet, cable, and landline services, as well as notifying your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and anywhere else you pay bills of your new address. While you’re at it, you can change your address with the U.S. Post Office. You can do this online to make sure your mail starts going to the right place after you move.

When you move to a new state, you’ll want to register your vehicles there and get a new driver’s license for that state. Make sure you have paperwork like proof of ownership and proof of insurance handy. In many states, you can complete a lot of the paperwork online. You can visit your local DMV for more information on the process.

Moving to a new state can be an exciting but daunting task. By researching your new state, finding a new home you love, and preparing for the move, you can make the transition as smooth as possible. Don’t forget to take breaks, make time for self-care, and ask for help when you need it.

If you're planning a move to a new state and need help finding the perfect home, Realtor Jill Nicholas is here to help. With years of experience and deep knowledge of the market, she can help you in your hunt for the home of your dreams. You can reach out to Jill to get started on your home-buying process and take advantage of the guidance and personalized service she offers.