New Beginnings: 3 Helpful Tips for Moving to a New State

Every year, about 35.5 million Americans pack their stuff and move to a new residence. A good number of these people move to a new state.

Some move because they found a better job in another state or their employer transferred them. Some move simply because they have an insatiable craving for new beginnings; others move to be closer to their loved ones, mostly aging parents.

Whatever your reason for moving, one thing is clear: you need to plan for your move accordingly.

Here are a couple of helpful tips for moving to a new state.

Acclimatize Yourself with the New State

By this point, you have definitely made a decision on the state you want to move to. There are no ifs or buts. The die is cast.

Before you move to the state with your belongings, be sure to gather as much information about it as possible. Instead of researching the web, make a trip to the physical city and have a feel of the place. If you’ve already settled on a city, visit and spend a weekend.

You also want to have a good understanding of the state’s laws and regulations, especially with regard to your lifestyle. If you’re a Californian who’s hooked to recreational pot, for example, ensure that the use of recreational pot is legalized in the new state. You don’t want to face drug possession laws if you’re moving to a state that has a complete ban on the substance.

Another important law to keep in mind is state taxes. How high or low is the income tax? On that note, thepaystubs.com has a helpful article on states with no income tax.

Find a House

It’s advisable to find a residence before the actual date of your move. This will save you a lot of time and money compared to keeping your items in storage and living in a hotel as you look for a house.

If you’re totally new to the state, you can hire a local real estate agent to help you find an ideal property instead of house hunting on your own. This is especially important if you are looking to buy a house.

What if you’re looking to rent? Ensure your credit score is in order. Most landlords routinely check a prospective tenant’s credit and criminal background before approving a rental application.

If your score is in the red, you might need to find a co-signer to vouch for you.

Find a Reliable Moving Company

Moving is a stressful event – apparently more stressful than a week in a jail!

If you don’t want your move to be a pain, start planning early and hire a reliable moving company. A professional mover will take care of packing and transporting your items while you sort out other issues, such as cancelling utility services. A professional mover will take care of packing and transporting your items while you sort out other issues, such as cancelling utility services. Also, choose a company that provides shipping containers so that you can easily transport your stuff safely. Make sure they also help with shipping container removals, as unloading such heavy containers needs help from the experts.

When hiring a mover, choose one with vast experience in handling cross-state moves.

Make Moving to a New State a Worthwhile Experience

Moving to a new state has its joys, but if you don’t prepare well, you’ll set up yourself for stressful times. You don’t have to worry about inadequate preparation, though. With these tips, you have a solid foundation for a successful move.

All the best and keep reading our blog for more lifestyle tips.