woman with luggage overlay

Is Moving to a New State Something to Be Afraid of? Not if You Prepare Properly

Posted in Planning the Move on June 15, 2021

When considering moving to a new state, you are probably wondering how to do it effortlessly and in the fastest way possible. The most important thing is not to panic and knowing that you’re not alone in this. Each year around 7.5 million Americans move across the country, and most of them have a successful move because they started on time and had a good plan.

''This way'' wooden sign
Deciding to move to a different city is a challenging task, but with good preparation, it will a breeze

After you counted in all the benefits of relocating and decided the best time to move, you should start planning and organizing the whole process. A stress-free relocation isn’t a myth, and you can achieve it, but there are some things you should learn and keep in mind. Whether you’re relocating for love or have other reasons for moving cross country, you’re probably wondering what to do when long-distance moving to a new state. Don’t worry – we prepared a list of things you should do and prepare yourself for the next step in your life.

What to Do Before Moving to Another State – Find a Job

Getting a job in the future city should be one of the things you have to do when you start thinking about the move.  However, the first thing to do is notify your current employer and ask if your current company can cover some relocation expenses or find you an apartment.

If not, the one question that comes to mind when thinking about long-distance moving is whether you should find a job before relocating to another state or leave this as one of the things to do after the move. The best scenario is to explore the job market and find who you will work for before the relocation. That way, you don’t have to stress about your monthly incomes and how you will pay your rent.

Man and woman are shaking hands, arranging long-distance movers
Don't wait long to find the position you want when long-distance moving

Create a Moving to a New State Checklist That Will Keep You Updated

The key to every successful move is knowing the best tips for organizing the relocation and planning it right after you decide where to move. Exploring the job market is very important, but moving to a new state checklist should also be your priority. Take some of your free time to create a relocation binder where you can store your relocation to-do list and all other lists.

You probably think there is no need for all of those lists, but you’ll be thankful later because they will keep you updated during the whole relocation process about tasks you have already done and those that still wait in line.

So, the essential thing is to avoid last-minute moves and to create all the lists of tasks you have to do, no matter if you are planning to DIY or you’ll hire a relocation company that will provide you with reliable cross-country moving services.

A pen on a to-do list next to a coffee and other stationery
Without a checklist, moving across the country could seem like an impossible thing to do

How to Move to a Different State – Plan Your Budget and Know How Much Money You’ll Need for the Move

When planning the relocation, some questions should be answered, like how much should you save to move from state to state and what is the average cost of moving to another state. To answer this question, you need to set the budget and know how much each company and service will cost you. That’s why you can put on your relocation checklist items like storage service or if you need it, auto shipping service. So, start saving some money before the actual move and figure out how much everything will cost.

Ready to move with us? Get a free quote

What Is the Cheapest Way to Move From State to State?

If you were looking to save some money in this process and were wondering is it even possible, the answer is yes. There are some hacks and tricks you could learn and save extra bucks. The most important thing to know is that it doesn’t necessarily mean it will cost you less if you do not hire a professional relocation company. In fact, in most cases, you’ll spend more money if you decide to DIY the whole move. However, there are some tasks you can do and set aside money for other things. Let’s check them out:

  • Decluttering – the fewer items you have to move, the cheaper the relocation will be.
  • Pack some stuff on your ownpack your shoes and stuff like that by yourself or call family and friends to help.
  • Clean your home – if you started planning a couple of weeks before, you would probably have some spare moments for the cleaning part. We all know how important it is to clean your future house, but it is also essential to clean your old apartment before the move.
A woman counting money for her cross-country moving trip
Plan your budget and how much money you'll spend on the services of long-distance movers

Start on Time and Pack Your Belongings Smartly

The most tedious task you have to deal with in the whole relocation process is probably protecting your items and packing them. Luckily, some packing tips and tricks will help you save some free minutes for other tasks you have to do. The golden rule when it comes to putting your items into boxes is to pack room by room.

That will save you after the relocation when you start unpacking because you’ll unpack room by room as well. Another piece of advice that will help you once professional cross-country movers unload all your belongings is to label each box and write exactly what is in it.

If you decided to do the packing part on your own, make sure you have enough packing supplies. Here are some of the materials you’ll need:

  • Boxes,
  • Bubble wrap,
  • Packing paper,
  • Tape,
  • Markers.

If you are relocating on a budget, you can find free supplies on FreeCycle or just use what you have at home. For example, clothes and sheets could be great protection when thinking about how to pack fragile items.

Declutter Your Home When Long-Distance Moving From One State to Another

If you are wondering what to keep when relocating, there is one step you should take before you start packing – declutter your entire house. It will take you a bit of time, but once you finish, you’ll have much fewer items to pack and unpack.

After decluttering, you can make a household inventory list and create a plan where you will put each piece of furniture and other smaller items. On the other hand, you can donate or sell things you decided not to bring.

If you never decluttered before or want to speed up the process, watch the video below for some awesome tricks and hacks.

One of the Things to Do When Cross-Country Moving to a New State – Update Your Address

The smallest thighs we tend to omit are often the important ones. So, do not forget to change your address and personal data before relocating to your future home. This step is crucial because if you don’t, you won’t receive your mail and bills. If you think you have to wait in lines in the Post Office, you are wrong. Just go online and fill out the forms on the USPS website. Do it a few weeks before, and you won’t have to worry about how to stop getting mail from previous residents.

Don’t Forget to Transfer Utilities When Moving Cross-Country

Among all the things you have to do and each company to call, it is completely normal to forget who to notify when relocating. This is why you should make a list of tasks before, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting anything.

So, when creating a timetable, dedicate a slot to turning off or transferring utilities to your future home. The best way to do this is to call all the providers two weeks before the relocation day and arrange to transfer utilities on the day you move into your future house.

Consider These Things to Do When You Move to a New State

In all the chaos during the move, there are other things you should do before or shortly after you move in, besides the utilities. Notice that all these things you can do online in just a couple of minutes:

  • Update all of your subscriptions,
  • Register your car,
  • Update driver’s license,
  • Renew your voter registration.
Steering wheel and the inside of the vehicle of a long-distance moving vehicle
It won't take too long to update your subscriptions, driver's license, and similar things when applying online

Explore the Future City and Neighborhood When Wondering How to Move to a New State

If you’re wondering when is the best time to move, many would say summer or spring. Yes, the weather is great, but what about possibilities and the housing market? So, think twice and choose to relocate in winter because you’ll have a wider range of options for buying or renting a house.

The best way to make sure your house and neighborhood have everything you want is to visit the place. However, we all know how that can be hard and pricey. Luckily, you can use the power of the internet and search online the sites, reviews, and comments of the city and neighborhood you are relocating to.

One of the things to do before moving across the country with a child is to check if the future place has good schools and educational facilities. Count also proximity to parks and green places if you’re relocating with pets.

A lot of houses shot from above, among many trees
When picking the place to live after moving across the country, explore the neighborhood

Additional Things to Consider When Moving to a New State

Searching for the perfect place isn’t always the easiest thing to do. However, if you have a clear plan of what you need and want from the city, everything will go smoother.

This is a big step in the whole process, and after deciding where you will move, you’ll have to do some additional things to make sure your relocation goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some other steps you can take:

  • Get familiar with the tax regulations – there are only a few states without an income tax, but if you are relocating from or to one that has, be sure you are familiar with all regulations.
  • Protect and pack every important documenthaving your documents organized and in one place before and after the move will help you find each document easily. If you are relocating with pets, be sure to bring their papers as well.
  • Get the insurance – obtain the insurance when relocating because no one wants to find their belongings broken once they started unpacking.
White paper and a man holding a pen for a person to sign cross-country movers
Getting insurance before moving cross country will pay off long-term

Last but Not Least – Hire Cross Country Movers to Help You Start Over

Certainly not the last step in the whole process, finding reliable and professional long-distance movers that will handle your relocation effortlessly is essential. You can ask for a recommendation from your family and friends, but you can also check online for a business that is in the relocation industry for years and that can offer you, for example, a packing service.

Getting help from professionals with packing glasses or with protecting and packing dishes will let you have some more free moments for deep breathing because you are going to need it. Those professionals could easily be us – Cross Country Movers. We’ve made it our business to improve people’s lives by providing exceptional cross-country moving services.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to a New State

What Should I Do Before Moving to a New State?

Before moving to a new state, you should research the cost of living, housing market, job market, schools, and taxes in the new state. You should also update your address with important institutions, such as banks, the post office, and the DMV, and forward your mail to your new address.

How Do I Find a Place to Live in a New State?

To find a place to live in a new state, you can research online listings, work with a real estate agent, or check with local rental agencies. It’s also important to consider factors like cost of living, location, and transportation options when choosing a place to live.

What Is the Cost of Living Like in a New State?

The cost of living in a new state can vary based on factors such as housing, transportation, food, and taxes. It’s important to research these costs and compare them to your current state to determine how they will impact your budget. Websites like Numbeo or NerdWallet can be useful for comparing costs between states.

What Is the Job Market Like in a New State?

The job market in a new state can vary based on the industry, location, and economic conditions. It’s important to research the job market in your specific field and consider factors like job availability, salary range, and competition. Websites like Indeed or LinkedIn can be helpful for job searching and researching companies in a new state.

How Do I Prepare for the Climate in a New State?

To prepare for the climate in a new state, research the weather patterns and average temperatures throughout the year. You should also consider the impact of the climate on your lifestyle, such as what kind of clothing or gear you may need for outdoor activities. Ensure to have appropriate heating and cooling systems in place for your new home and adjust your daily routine accordingly.

How Do I Transfer My Driver’s License and Vehicle Registration to a New State?

To transfer your driver’s license and vehicle registration to a new state, you will need to visit the local DMV office and provide documentation such as your current driver’s license, proof of residency, and vehicle registration. You may also need to take a written and/or driving test and pay a fee to transfer your license and registration to the new state.

How Do I Enroll in New Schools and Find Child Care For My Family When Moving to a New State?

You should research the school districts and childcare options in your new area. Contact the schools and child care centers to inquire about availability and enrollment requirements.

You may need to provide documentation such as birth certificates, medical records, and proof of residency. Be sure to plan ahead and enroll your children in new schools and childcare centers before your move to avoid any gaps in their education or care.

What Are Some Ways to Save Money When Moving to a New State?

To save money when moving to a new state, downsize your belongings, rent a moving truck or hire movers early, research tax deductions, find cost-effective housing options, and shop around for the best deals on utilities and services in your new area.

How Do I Choose the Right Moving Company for My Move to a New State?

Start by researching and comparing multiple companies. Check their online reviews, services offered, rates, and licensing and insurance information. Verify their USDOT number and make sure they have experience with long-distance moves. Consider the company’s reputation, professionalism, and customer service when making your decision.

What Should I Do With My Current Belongings Before Moving to a New State?

Before moving cross country, sort through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Start packing early and label your boxes by room and contents.

Consider using a storage unit or shipping service to store or transport items you don’t need immediately. Get rid of any hazardous materials or items that movers won’t transport. Make a detailed inventory list of your belongings for insurance purposes.

How Do I Transfer My Utilities and Other Services to My New Home in a New State?

For this, you must contact each service provider and notify them of your move at least two weeks before. Arrange to have your utilities, such as electricity, gas, water, and internet, turned off at your current home and turned on at your new home on the same day. Update your address with the post office, and notify your bank, credit card, and insurance companies of your new address. Don’t forget to cancel local memberships or subscriptions that you won’t need in your new location.

What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in a New State?

Determining the best neighborhoods to live in a new state depends on your preferences and needs, such as budget, lifestyle, safety, and access to amenities. Research online or consult with a local real estate agent to identify neighborhoods that fit your criteria. Check for factors such as affordability, convenience, and community culture. Visit the neighborhoods in person to get a sense of the area before making a decision.

How Do I Make Friends and Meet New People in a New State?

It’s best to join local clubs, organizations, or hobby groups that align with your interests. Attend community events or festivals, or volunteer for local causes.

Take classes or workshops to learn new skills and meet like-minded individuals. Consider using social media or apps to connect with people in your new area. Don’t be afraid to initiate conversation or extend invitations.

How Can I Ensure a Smooth and Stress-Free Move to a New State?

To ensure a smooth and stress-free move to a new state, plan ahead, hire a reputable moving company or rent a truck, pack early, notify service providers, transfer your driver’s license, and take care of yourself during the move. Stay organized and flexible, but expect some hiccups along the way – and be ready for them.

What Are Some Important Things to Consider When Moving to a New State?

Important things to consider when moving across the country include the cost of living, job market, housing market, schools, climate, and lifestyle. Also, research the area’s safety, transportation options, and access to healthcare.

Plan ahead for logistics such as packing and moving, updating your address, and transferring your driver’s license. Finally, stay open-minded and flexible, and be prepared to adapt to new surroundings and challenges.

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

    Choose locations, date and size.
    Tell Us About Yourself

      Choose locations, date and size.
      Tell Us About Yourself
      Need to move your car/automobile?
      Get a Free Estimate 800-611-0502