What to Know When Moving Out of State
Fact Checked by: I’ve helped thousands of people successfully move to another state and moved over 10 times myself. Needless to say, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about moving.
Moving to a new state is a lot of work and usually, pretty expensive. Depending on how much you’re moving and the distance, costs for an interstate move can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000+.
There are two things people who have painless moves do very well:
- First, they plan their move well in advance.
- Second, they expect things to go wrong and plan for those scenarios.
Not really groundbreaking advice, but it’s really that simple, sort of…
Our primary goal at moveBuddha is to make sure you have a successful move. So, we put together this list of moving tips and resources to help you prepare to move to a new state.
10 Tips for moving out of state
Use our out-of-state moving checklist to make your move from state to state an easy one.
1. Set your moving budget
One of the first steps in your moving process should be creating a budget. Long-distance moving expenses can add up quickly, so it’s important to decide how much you want to spend on your move upfront.
Your budget should factor in the size of your home, the distance you’re moving, and what kind of moving services you need.
You could pay for anything from a moving truck and containers for a DIY move to a customized full-service move with packing supplies, furniture assembly, and car shipping. Once you determine what your budget is, you can start getting quotes from moving companies to see which ones fit your needs best.
Get started: Use our moving cost calculator to tally up your moving expenses and compare the prices of different long-distance moving companies.
2. Pick a reputable moving company
It’s important to choose a dependable moving company with a solid track record so you don’t get scammed. We’ve researched and compiled a list of the best interstate moving companies you can use as a starting point. When you’re looking for a mover, you should also take the steps below:
- Get multiple free quotes: Moving company pricing varies, so you should always get moving quotes from each of the companies you’re considering hiring.
- Vet the moving company: Be sure to check licenses, insurance, and the credibility of the moving company you want to use to move out of state. You should also look up the moving company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to note any potential red flags.
- Read the fine print: Don’t assume all moving companies offer the same services; thoroughly review the company’s terms and conditions to understand what they’re offering and what they’re responsible for.
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3. Find a home and a job in your new state
Whether you’re renting or buying, it’s important to find a place to live before you arrive in your new state. Maybe you’re staying with family or friends when you first arrive; if that’s the case, use that time to scout out potential new homes.
It’s a good idea to have some neighborhoods and listings picked out so you can visit as soon as you arrive. A realtor can also help give you a local’s perspective on different areas.
While you’re looking at homes, go ahead and take a look at the local job market. If you aren’t moving long distance because of a job opportunity, be sure you have a way to earn money or a source of income before moving out of state.
Start the search: Use our guide to find a job in your new city before you move.
4. Research your new community
It’s wise to scout out your new home before moving, even if it’s just online. Search your new city on Google or social media to find restaurants, coffee shops, gyms, and other businesses to visit. You can also use the sites below to find important data on the area you’re moving to:
- Schools: If you have children, GreatSchools gives you ratings and comparisons on all the local schools so you can figure out the best areas before buying a new home in your new state.
- Crime rates: Be safe! Use NeighborhoodScout to check local crime rates and search sex offender registries around your new place to find a safe neighborhood.
- Commuting options: Look at typical commute times, traffic issues, and public transportation options to ensure you can get to work on time. Walkscore.com has a helpful scoring system ranking cities based on walkability, public transit, and biking options.
- Cost of living: The cost of living varies by state. Research the cost of living to get a sense of how different your costs will be in your new town or city. Having a firm grasp on expenses can help if you’re negotiating salary or a relocation package with your employer.
5. Find moving supplies
When you’re prepping for your cross-country move, you need to account for moving materials. Start by finding sturdy boxes in various sizes.
You’ll also need to buy packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling. Some moving companies like International Van Lines provide these items for purchase. You can even check with local grocery stores to get free boxes.
If you DIY your move, a dolly or hand truck can also help with heavy items. For fragile items, you should consider additional padding or custom boxes. Some of the best moving companies offer custom crating for fragile items to protect them throughout the move.
And you’ll probably need a good toolkit handy for disassembling and reassembling your furniture. Having these items ready to go will help ensure the packing process goes smoothly and reduces last-minute stress.
6. Start packing early and consider storage options
Packing is time-consuming. To get ahead of your out-of-state move and ensure you don’t have to reschedule, you should start packing as early as poosible.
Review some of our top moving and packing hacks and don’t forget the essentials like moving boxes and packing tape.
You should also consider your storage options if you can’t move right into your new home. Many professional movers and moving container companies offer 30 days of free storage when you book a move.
If you need storage for longer than that, get quotes for long-term storage options.
Find a storage company: Here are some of the best self-storage companies you can hire
7. Get organized and declutter
Whether you’re renting a moving truck or hiring a full-service moving company, you’ll want to know how much stuff you’re moving. Most moving services are priced based on the size of your move. The larger the move, the higher the cost.
Before you move, take stock of your belongings and try to picture them in your new home. If you can’t envision yourself using or wearing anything and it doesn’t have sentimental value, consider parting ways with it.
You can declutter your life and reduce the cost of your move by selling, donating, or throwing away items you’re not keeping. If you have any receipts from donations, hold onto them as they might be tax-deductible.
8. Handle your paperwork
No one wants to do paperwork, but it’s an important task when you’re moving to a new city. Make sure you don’t let any of the following steps slip through the cracks as you prepare for your move:
- Set up utilities: Contact utility companies to disconnect or transfer services like your cable and internet, gas, water, propane, and electricity.
- Forward your mail: USPS mail forwarding is easy! Just be sure to request forwarding a few days before you move so it starts on time to deliver to your new address.
- Transfer professional licenses: If you work in a profession that requires licensing, such as a doctor, lawyer, nurse, etc., take the necessary steps to get licensed in your new state.
- Fill prescriptions: Finding a new doctor can take time. If you have any existing prescription medicines, get them filled prior to moving.
- Update your subscriptions: If you subscribe to magazines, newspapers, or meal subscription boxes, let them know about your change of address.
- Get a new driver’s license and register your vehicle: Plan on making a trip to the DMV when you arrive to update your vehicle registration and apply for a new driver’s license.
- Update lenders and insurers: If you have any loans, you’ll also need to notify your lender of your new location and contact your insurance companies to update them on your change of address.
Related: Review our complete change of address guide
9. Say your goodbyes
Moving is a major undertaking that takes a lot of time. During all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget to schedule time to say goodbye to the people and places you love.
You may be planning to spend time with your loved ones while they help you pack, but make sure you leave time for a proper sendoff, whether it’s a going away party or a face-to-face dinner to reflect on your memories together.
While this might not seem like the most important step on the list compared to the practical pointers above, you should prioritize getting closure before you say goodbye to your home.
10. Get out and meet people
As you settle into your new home, focus on finding a community to get involved with. You can check out platforms like MeetUp.com or Eventbrite to find new groups of people to connect with and events to attend in your new city.
Try to find groups and attend events that center around your passions and hobbies to discover like-minded people to spend time with. This will help you to settle into your new state and build meaningful connections with people in your area who can make you feel more at home.
Bottom line
Moving across the country is a big decision, one that warrants some careful consideration. By spending some time upfront planning for your out-of-state move, you can make it as seamless as possible.
From budgeting and comparing moving companies to packing up your stuff and exploring all your new city has to offer, there are a handful of steps you can take to make your move a success.
Need a little extra cash to help with moving costs? Our moveBuddha Better Moves Project offers movers a $500 moving stipend in exchange for documenting their personal moving experiences with various companies. You can apply for this exciting moving grant here.
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