Living in one place for your whole life might sound nice to some people. For others, it can feel like you’re setting yourself up for boredom. If you’re someone who is considering caving to your wanderlust, then you might be thinking about moving to a new state for a change of scenery.
That’s easier said than done, of course.
There are a ton of different things that you need to consider in order to pull off an out-of-state move. If you’ve never to a new state, you may not be privy to all of the finer details that are necessary for success. Read on to learn all the insider tips and tricks to out-of-state moves!
1. Consider Your Needs and Wants
When you start to get the itch to move, the worst thing you can do is pick a city at random and pack up and go. Living that spontaneously might sound fun, but it’s also a good way to burn a ton of money and end up in a place you don’t really like.
Instead, spend some time thinking about everything you need and want in a place you live. For example, if you want a bustling metropolis with a diverse array of restaurants, then you should look at big cities like New York and Los Angeles. If you like smaller college towns, then you should consider places like Chapel Hill, North Carolina or Charlottesville, Virginia.
From there, you can refine your search with things like transportation options and weather types. The more work you put in ahead of time, the better your chances of happiness in your new city.
2. Take Some Time to Visit
Once you’ve narrowed down your search to a few different locales, then it’s important to take some time to visit them in person.
It’s really hard to know how you’re really going to feel about a city if you’ve never been there before. Even if you’re dead set on one city in particular, you won’t know which neighborhoods you like best unless you visit first. Visiting will also help you get a feel for things like traffic and commutes.
If you’re interviewing for a job or visiting your new office, then take some time while you’re there to check out the town. Don’t be afraid to ask current residents for advice!
3. Set Your Budget
It’s no secret that moving out of state is an expensive endeavor. In order to properly plan for your move, it’s important to set out a budget for your whole move.
If you’re moving to a new apartment, then you’ll want to consider things like first month’s rent, the deposit, and deposits for utilities. If you’re buying a house, you’ll want to factor in things like closing costs and any cash that you need to pay up front, such as earnest money.
You’ll also want to reach out to moving companies to get a quote for the move itself. Large out-of-state moves can cost thousands of dollars.
4. Start Your Housing Search
You’ve done your homework. You know where you’re going and you know which neighborhoods you’re interested in. Your next step is to plan your housing search.
If you’re searching for an apartment, you’ll generally want to start the leasing process about 30 days out from your move. Most apartment communities will not hold a vacant apartment for more than 14 days, so you’ll need to be flexible if you find the perfect place.
If you’re purchasing a house, then you’ll want to start your search much earlier. Do some research on the housing market and how long escrow usually takes. Many people find it’s easier to move into an apartment on a month-to-month or short-term lease and then purchase a home.
5. Pare Down Your Belongings
Remember your moving budget? The amount of money you spend on your move is going to be largely determined by how much stuff you bring. The cost of moving furniture that is awkward or large in size and lots of boxes can add up fast.
Take some time to go through your stuff to choose what you want to keep and what you want to sell, give away, or trash. If you have old furniture, it might actually be more economical to buy new furniture once you’re in your new space than move the old stuff. Plus, having a moving sale can help you fund your move!
6. Pack Early
There’s nothing more stressful than trying to pack everything up at the last minute, so save yourself the stress and start packing ASAP!
Start by packing up things that you rarely use, such as heirloom china or collectors items. As you get closer to your move date, you can pack up things you use more frequently. Be sure to label everything clearly so you know where everything is once you’re in your new space!
Consider saving a single box to pack up on moving day. This will include essential items you need when you’re leaving and arriving at your destination.
7. Plan Your Travel
The last step is to plan how you’ll get to your new home.
If you’re thinking of driving, check with the movers to see when they can drop off your furniture so you can plan your road trip accordingly. If you’re thinking of flying, then you’ll want to make arrangements for your car to be moved (if you have one) and purchase your airline tickets.
Are You Thinking of Moving to a New State?
Moving to a new state is the start of a new adventure, but as exciting as the prospect can be, it can also feel overwhelming. The best thing you can do is to take your time and get started with your plans long before you plan on making the big move. With careful planning, you can save yourself a ton of stress and focus more on all the exciting parts of a new locale!
Do you need more tips to help make your new city feel more like home? You’re in the right place! Check out the rest of our blog for tips about everything from home decor to fashion.
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