16 Tips for Moving Out of State

1. Create a checklist

As you pack for your move, be sure to create a list of things that you'll need in your new home. You may want to purchase some basic items before moving day such as plates and silverware or even basic cleaning supplies. Once the movers have unloaded everything from their truck, it can get overwhelming when there is nowhere to put your things. Creating a checklist will help to keep you organized and stress-free on moving days.

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2. Research your new area

You wouldn't move to a place without knowing anything about it. So before you leave, do your research and learn as much as possible about the town or city that you'll be moving into. You may want to find out how big the town is, what kind of weather they have there, if it's safe for families or if there are any good schools in the area. The more you know about your new surroundings, the less stress you'll feel when you actually move.

Tip: If you have school-age children, be sure to research the school district they will be attending and make appointments to visit those schools prior to moving. This will help to ease your mind and give you a better idea of what to expect when the school year starts.

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3. Start planning for taxes

If you are moving out of state, it's important to start preparing your home for the new tax laws in your area. You don't want any surprises when you file your return at the end of the year!

Tip: If this is a cross-country move, be sure to check with an accountant or tax professional to learn more about how this may affect your return.

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4. Start transitioning your utilities

Before the moving van leaves, you may want to contact your utility companies and start preparing for service in your new location. You can either schedule an appointment or ask one of their representatives what you need to do before they turn on services at your home. If you are spending some time with family members while waiting for water, gas, and electricity to be turned on, make sure you know who is responsible for paying these bills before the services are established.

In some areas, it may take a few days or even weeks to establish utilities in your new home due to the complexities of shutting down services at one location and restarting them in another area. If this will be an extended time, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand so you can buy groceries and other essentials until the utilities are turned on.

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5. Change your address

This one is a must! You don't want to miss any important mail while you're in the process of moving. The easiest way to make sure all your mail goes to the correct address is to change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can do this online, over the phone, or even in person at your local post office.

Tip: If you have any magazines or newspapers that are delivered to your home, be sure to contact the publishers and update them with your new address as well. This will ensure that you continue to receive your subscriptions without interruption.

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6. Update your driver's license and vehicle registration

If you're moving out of state, you'll need to update your driver's license and vehicle registration information with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You can usually do this online or by mail. Be sure to allow plenty of time for processing so that you won't have any problems when it comes time to renew your licenses or registrations.

Tip: If you're moving out of state but will still be maintaining a residence in your old state, you may want to consider keeping your driver's license and vehicle registration in that state as well. This can make things easier when it comes time for you to return home.

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7. Check out the neighborhoods

Moving out of state can be exciting, but it's important to make sure you know what kind of neighborhood you'll be living in. Whether your new home is a city apartment or a suburban house with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, find the right location for your family. Check online for crime reports and other information about any town or city that you're considering.

You may also want to ask friends or family members for any recommendations on the best places in your new state. This will help you make a more informed decision about where you should move next!

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8. Pack your essentials

When you're moving out of state, there are some things that you'll definitely need to pack in your suitcase. Make sure you have all your important documents like driver's licenses and passports, as well as any medications or medical supplies that you may need. You'll also want to pack a change of clothes, toiletries, and any other essentials that you can't live without.

Tip: If you're moving with children, be sure to pack plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied during the trip. This will help make the move a little bit smoother for everyone!

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9. Budget your money

Moving out of state is a big undertaking, and it's important to make sure you have enough funds for your move. Make a budget that includes all the costs associated with moving in order to avoid any surprise expenses when it comes time to settle into your new home. This may include the rental truck or van rentals, gas mileage fees if you're driving, hotel stays if you're not able to move in right away, and even food costs for the trip.

Tip: If you're selling your home in your old state, be sure to budget for that as well. There may be a number of expenses involved such as real estate agent fees, closing costs, and moving expenses.

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10. Schedule the move

It's important to schedule your move as far in advance as possible. This will ensure that you have the time and resources necessary to complete the move without any stress. You'll also want to make sure you leave plenty of time for packing, so don't wait until the last minute to start!

Tip: If you're hiring a moving company, be sure to schedule your move several weeks in advance. This will ensure that you have a moving crew available when it's time for the big day!

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11. Hire a reliable long-distance moving company

You can save a lot of time, money, and effort by hiring a long-distance moving company to help you with the logistics of your move. These companies have experience transporting people across state lines, so they know exactly what needs to be done in order to make the process as smooth as possible for everyone involved. Also, check if they are insured in case any accidents happen during the move.

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12. Start packing early

To avoid any last-minute stress, it's important to start packing for your move as early as possible. Take inventory of what you'll need to pack so that nothing is forgotten or left behind! Start with the essentials first and work out a way up from there.

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13. Bring extra boxes

Make sure you have plenty of boxes on hand for packing. This will help you organize your belongings and make the move a lot easier. You can get boxes for free from local grocery stores or liquor stores, or you can purchase them online.

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14. Label everything

When you're packing for a long-distance move, it's important to label everything clearly so that there is no confusion once everything is unpacked. This will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run!

Tip: Use different colors of tape or markers to indicate which room the item should go in once it's unpacked in your new home. This will make the unpacking process a lot easier!

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15. Take care of your belongings

Make sure you take care of your belongings during the move. Don't overload the truck or van, and be sure to pack everything securely so that nothing gets damaged in transit. If you're hiring a moving company, be sure to tell them if you have any fragile items that need extra care.

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16. Be prepared for setbacks

Even with all the planning in the world, setbacks are bound to happen. It's important to be prepared for them so that they don't stress you out too much or cause any unnecessary delays along the way! Have a backup plan ready just in case something doesn't go as planned.

It can be difficult to move, but it is also a very exciting time in your life. There are many important things to consider when moving out of state that you may not have thought about before. That’s why we created this checklist and tips for those who will soon be embarking on their next big adventure! We hope this helps make the process as easy as possible--and if you need any additional information or help with long-distance moving, please contact BoxStar Movers today at (202) 843-9181 and let our team take care of all the details for you!

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