Relocating to another state can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! Oftentimes, relocation occurs because of career changes or other major life events, which adds to the stress. However, this simple guide can assist you in making an easier move.

Some things to keep in mind when considering a large move are your job search, home and school search, budget, inventory, timeline, and paperwork.

Job Search

One of the first steps to relocating is securing a job in the new location (if you do not already have one!). While the Internet is an excellent source to look for and apply for positions, you may also ask friends or family living in the region if they know of anything available. Taking these steps can help you get a jump start on interviews and paperwork.

Home & School Search

Perhaps the most important part of the moving process is identifying where you want to live. Are you considering renting temporary housing, or do you want something more permanent, such as purchasing a home? This is a crucial first question to consider! Research housing costs in the area and utilize online tools, such as our mortgage calculator, to help determine which option is best for your budget.

Other factors to consider when selecting your new neighborhood are the distance to your job, as well as schools in the area.

Budget

While the first thing you may consider when looking at your budget is housing costs, be sure to consider other costs you may have, including the cost of moving.

Consider how you are planning to move – are you utilizing a moving company, moving yourself, etc.? Be sure to budget how much it will cost to pack and physically move your items. Something else you may consider is what you plan to do with your larger items. For example, if you’re moving to a state within driving distance, you may move all your items from one home to the next. However, if you are moving from Vermont to Arizona, you may feel more comfortable selling your large items like furniture and purchasing new items at your new location. Keep this in mind as you budget for your move.

Inventory

Any time you move, be sure to keep an inventory of your belongings! Identify all your belongings, especially large or expensive items. When packing, label your boxes with the room each box came from (example: kitchen utensils labeled as “kitchen - utensils”). Additionally, this could be a great time to rid yourself of items you do not feel are useful! Keep track of items you sell and items you will need to purchase once you move into your new home.

Timeline

Mapping out a timeline is another key part of moving, especially in a larger move. The biggest priority is identifying the date you are moving into your new residence. Use your closing date or the start of your lease agreement as a guide. Once you solidify your move-in date, then consider how long it will take to travel to your destination, as well as how long it will take you to fully pack. Children and pets are important things to keep in mind when building a moving timeline, as they may contribute to a different or malleable timeline.

Documents

Once you are fully prepared to move, there are some key things to take care of. You will want to ensure these utilities are set up prior to moving:

Electricity
Water
Gas/trash
Internet, phone, etc.

Once you have officially moved, make sure all of your important documents get updated with your new address on them:

Register to vote
Update your driver’s license/official identification and vehicle registration
Transfer school records
Acquire healthcare

Update your address via USPS
Register your pet(s) at your new location

Moving can seem like a stressful task, but there are ways to make it easier! As you are in the moving process, you can always reach out to your lender or real estate agent to assist you in learning more about the area you are moving to. Additionally, you can reach out to local schools and organizations to learn more, too. Keep this list handy to assist you in preparation for an out-of-state move.

Relocating to Another State