Moving Out Of State Top 10 things You Need To Do

By USMPO EditorialSeptember 3, 2024

When it comes to moving out, there are two types of people: those who just wing it and those who plan for it.

In this article the USMPO will cover the top 10 things you need to do before and after you move out of state from finding a job to finding a place to live and how much money you need you save up before you move.

1.- Research Where You Want to Live

You always want to visit the place in person; if that’s not a possibility, you should contact someone who lives there to check it out for you. You want to get some idea of how it feels and looks to live there. You might also want to research the communities, places to have fun, and activities to do in the state you are planning to move to. There are many cases where people move just on impulse, and when they arrive, they end up not liking it. You want to have an idea of the cultural aspects, people, restaurants, and areas.

2.- What Are The Commute Times Like?

It is important to check out the commute times, such as from the area you want to live to the places you frequently visit on a daily basis school, grocery store, work, shopping, etc. It’s always different to see it on Google Maps than to actually experience it. You want to make sure you understand the times from home to all those daily necessities, including peak times as well. Sometimes is faster to drive a bike.

3.- Find Out What The Crime Rates Are in That Area

Safety should always be your top priority. To assess the safety of a neighborhood, start by checking crime rates. Visit SpotCrime.com, which provides detailed information on various types of crimes in specific areas by zip code. This includes data on burglary, theft, violent crime, and more.

Additionally, use FamilyWatchdog.us to find out where sex offenders are located in the area you’re considering moving to. It’s crucial to avoid moving to a place near a registered sex offender, especially if you live alone or have children. Your environment is a significant factor, so always prioritize safety.

4.- Check The Cost of Living

The second step is to check the cost of living in your desired area. The cost may be higher or lower than where you currently live, but you won’t know for sure until you research it. A useful tool for this is the cost of living calculator from Bankrate.com. For example, if you currently live in Phoenix, Arizona, and earn $50,000 a year, moving to San Diego, California, would require an annual income of $75,000 to maintain the same standard of living. This highlights how significantly more expensive living in California can be.

Figuring Out Your Job Situation

If you’re moving for a new job, congratulations! Whether you’re transferring to a new position, working remotely, or just looking for a fresh start, moving for work can be an exciting opportunity. If you don’t have a job lined up yet, it’s crucial to start your job search before you move. Securing employment in advance will help ensure that you have a steady income as you transition to your new location.

5.- Figuring Out Your Moving Options

Figuring out your moving options, which is likely to be the most expensive and time-consuming part of your move. When relocating out of state, you generally have a few choices. You can hire professional movers to pack and transport everything, which is the most expensive option. Alternatively, you can rent a truck from companies like U-Haul or Penske, and either enlist the help of friends with some pizza and beer or handle the unloading yourself. Another option is to use a storage pod service, where you load your belongings into a pod that is then transported to your new location; while you still need to unpack, this can be cheaper than hiring a full-service moving company. Lastly, if you’re looking to save money, you could sell most of your belongings, pack what you can into your car, and buy new items once you arrive at your destination. This is often the most cost-effective choice, especially for long-distance moves.

Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself When You're Moving Out of State

When moving out of state, there are several important questions to consider. First, determine your budget and assess whether you feel comfortable driving a large truck for a long distance. Consider if you’ll need to store your belongings in either your old or new city and whether you’ll be able to load and unload things on your own timeline. Evaluate how much time you need to move your items from one place to another and the volume of your belongings. Think about whether you have friends who can assist with loading and unloading, and if you’ll need to hire professionals for these tasks once you reach your destination.

Pro Tips Before You Move

Before you move, it’s a good idea to sell as much as you can and pack with as little as possible. The less you have to move, the easier the process will be. Here’s a pro tip: if you’re relocating for a job, inquire whether they cover moving expenses. If they do, it could save you a significant amount of money. I had this experience with my last move, and it was a pleasant surprise when they covered the costs. I would definitely recommend asking about it.

6.- Have An Emergency Fund

Having an emergency fund is crucial when moving to a new state. Unexpected situations can arise, such as encountering severe weather that forces you to stay in an unfamiliar city longer than planned, or experiencing a car breakdown that requires immediate repair. An emergency fund is designed to cover these unforeseen expenses. Life can throw unexpected challenges your way, and having money set aside for emergencies is essential. For long-distance moves, carrying cash is also a smart idea. You might find yourself in a remote area without ATMs or where certain forms of payment aren’t accepted. Having cash on hand can be a lifesaver.

7.- Get Rid of Stuff That You Don't Need

Get rid of any items you don’t use before you move. You don’t want to haul unnecessary things with you, so if something doesn’t bring you joy or isn’t used frequently, it’s probably best to part with it. If you have time, consider selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, or donating them if they’re in decent condition. People usually tend to be impatient and often end up just throwing things away, though I realize I could have donated many items to help others. Try to be better than me—donate or sell your items if you can, rather than letting them clutter up your space.

You Need to Pack Your Stuff

You need to pack properly—don’t make the mistake of underestimating its importance. Alex and his wife decided to start packing just a week before their move, and it turned into chaos. When we showed up to help, they were still packing items into boxes, which was frustrating because we were supposed to be loading the truck, not packing. The preparation for packing is almost as crucial as the packing itself. Ensure you have all the necessary supplies: boxes in various sizes, tape, markers for labeling, and padding for fragile items. These preparations will make the process smoother and easier. I noticed Alex had bought all his boxes, which seemed like an unnecessary expense to me. I’ve always used free boxes and garbage bags for moving. Maybe next time I’ll consider buying boxes, but for now, I’ll stick with the free options.

Pro Tip - Keep Essentials Accessible

When packing your belongings and staying on top of the game, make sure to keep your essentials easily accessible. If you pack these items too early, you might end up digging through boxes to find them when you need them. The same goes for when you arrive at your new place you want to be able to locate your essential items quickly. To avoid this hassle, pack your essentials last so they come out first, and make sure to label the boxes clearly. Include items like your toothbrush, personal hygiene products, changing underwear, and toilet paper.

8.- Get The Utilities In Your Name

You should be aware that setting up utilities in your name often can’t be done before you arrive at your new place. Depending on your lease or contract, you might have three days to a week to transfer the utilities into your name. It’s crucial to handle this promptly upon moving in to ensure that power, internet, and other essential services remain active. If you don’t complete the transfer within the given time frame, the utilities may be shut off.

9.- Update Your Vehicle Registration And Drivers License

One of the first things you’ll need to do after moving is update your driver’s license and vehicle registration. The requirements for this can vary by state, with timeframes ranging from 10 days to 30 days, so make sure to check the specific regulations for your new location. If you miss this deadline, you may face fines.

Also, remember to update your address with your insurance provider, as this could affect your premium. Depending on your new area, you might see a change in your rates.

10.- Update Your Address And Register To Vote

When you move out of state, start by submitting a permanent change of address form online through USPS.gov. This will redirect your mail from your old address to your new one, but keep in mind this service only lasts for a year, so it’s crucial to update your address with all your bills immediately cell phone, Netflix, and any other subscriptions. Also, update your address with your bank to avoid issues with transactions. If your address doesn’t match the one on file, your payments might not go through. Additionally, when you visit the post office or DMV, you can register to vote in your new state. Make sure to take care of these updates promptly to ensure a smooth transition.

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