10 Tips for Moving to a New State

Whether you’ve landed a new job in a new city or you’re simply ready for a change, moving to a new state is sure to be an exciting adventure. You just have to get there (with all of your stuff!) first. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Here are our tried-and-true tips for successfully moving to a new state without losing your mind!

Research ahead of time

Before you move, research as much as possible about your new city. From restaurant suggestions and local businesses to recreational activities and social clubs, you’ll find a wealth of information about your new home on the internet. I also suggest visiting the area and exploring the city for yourself. Speak to locals, ask questions, look at maps, and drive around neighborhoods to get a real feel for the area.

Find a new home

At least a few months before you move, I recommend contacting a local real estate agent in your new state to help you find a home. Regardless of whether you’re renting or buying, you’ll need someone who’s an expert in the area’s housing market to show you around. Realtors possess a deep knowledge of the market and can narrow down your search, so that you spend less time looking at houses and more time preparing for your move. To find the right Realtor for the job, check Realtor.com’s Find a Realtor tool.

Hire a reputable moving company

With so many moving companies vying for your business, hiring the right one can be tricky. First, I recommend asking friends, family and neighbors for recommendations to see if they’ve had good experiences with local movers in the past. Second, double-check a moving company’s online reviews and ratings. Moving.com’s Moving Company Directory includes customer reviews of more than 600 moving companies nationwide. The reviews also include the moving company’s U.S. DOT number, Better Business Bureau rating, any official complaints filed with the FMCSA, and whether the moving company has any association with the American Moving & Storage Association.
Third, check to see if the moving company is properly licensed by the Department of Transportation. If so, you can check the company’s USDOT number for information. Finally, contact three to four reputable moving companies about your upcoming relocation. Each company should perform either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you a quote.

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To find the right moving company to handle your next move, check Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

Gather all records

Don’t forget to pack important documents before the move in a separate and clearly labeled box or folder. These documents should include Social Security cards, birth certificates, tax forms, health records, school records, etc. Make sure all records are in a safe and secure place at all times.

Pack, pack, pack!

Word of advice: start packing as soon as possible! If you’re planning to pack yourself, don’t procrastinate. Not only will you have to box up all belongings, but you’ll also have to spend time deciding what to keep and what to toss. Remember: the cost of your long distance move will be based on the overall weight of your things. The less you bring with you, the cheaper your move will be. So, with that in mind, start the packing process by eliminating all of your unused clothing, out-of-date electronics and any items that only weigh you down. Sell what you can on Craigslist or another online marketplace. Consign gently used items at your local consignment stores. Donate the rest of your unwanted belongings to a local Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill.  
Once you determine exactly what you are bringing with you, calculate the number of moving boxes needed using our handy Packing Calculator. I recommend starting with all of your non-essentials (everything you won’t need during the last month in your home) first. As the weeks progress, move room-to-room and pack as much as you can. Don’t forget to label your boxes. Finally, pack the kitchen and all other essentials last, as you’ll need to use these items leading up to the move.

Forward your mail

Several weeks before you move, notify USPS of your upcoming change of address. All you have to do is go to USPS.com and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your snail mail. If you’re interested in renting a PO Box in your new city, check out Moving.com’s helpful guide to setting up a PO Box when you move.

Save all moving receipts

Save all moving receipts for three reasons: First, By donating your things to a Goodwill or Habitat for Humanity, you may be able to deduct a portion of the value of these donations against your income tax. Second, if you’re relocating for work, you may be able to deduct moving expenses from your taxes come tax season. For more information on moving expenses and taxes, read the IRS’s information sheet here.  And third, if your company plans to reimburse you for the move, you’ll need to show HR all of the receipts in order to get your money back.

Notify utility companies

Unless you want to walk into a house with no electricity, I suggest notifying the new utility companies of your upcoming move. This way you’ll have all utilities up and running within the first week of moving in. You’ll also need to call your current utility companies to make sure your cable, electricity and gas are turned off the day after you move out. 

School

Moving with school-age children? It’s never too early to start thinking about schools in the new town. To find top-rated schools in your new neighborhood, use Moving.com’s School Ratings tool, which includes GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.

Transfer an out-of-state driver’s license

Planning to drive in your city? You’ll need a new driver’s license for that. Many states require you to get a new license within a certain time window after establishing residency. To transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, visit your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. While requirements vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need: your current driver’s license, proof of residency (lease, electric bills, etc), proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification, such as a birth certificate.

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