Moving Out Of The State? Here’s What You Need To Do
The thought of having to organize and execute an out of state move can give you chills, right? Moving out of state presents a unique set of challenges and thus requires exceptional levels of preparation and planning. With so many tasks to carry out before moving, most homeowners get worried about whether they’ll manage to prepare on their own and survive the actual relocation. Fortunately, with some guidance, you’ll be sure to have everything done between now and the big day, leaving you plenty of time to celebrate.
Here is a checklist that can help you to be efficient and well prepared when moving to a new state.
Find a certified moving company
If you are planning to move out with your belonging, start looking for mover help options. Ensure that the company is fully accredited and they are aware of intricacies of an interstate move such as weight regulations of the highways. Get a written estimate from each company and ensure it has a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number on it. Consider getting quotes from different companies so you can compare prices and quality of service before choosing the best for your needs.
Create a Budget for moving expenses
Moving isn’t cheap, especially if you are going across several states. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, an interstate move carried out by professional mover cost approximately $4300. Even if you plan to do it yourself, you’ll need to set aside a budget for truck rental, gas, storage, and any other Interim accommodation. Creating a budget will help you stay away from spending money on unnecessary expenses.
Research about your new state
Before you move out, visit the new state in advance to get a taste of what to expect. Research about the cost of living, housing costs, and career opportunities. If you are moving with children, look into some of the best school districts for your family. Also, research about the service companies that might come in handy once you arrive, such as home carpet cleaning and refrigeration companies. Conducting research beforehand help you to get information and get acclimatized to your prospect residence.
Secure a living arrangement
Make a living arrangement before you move out of your current state. If you can’t visit the new-state in advance, do so online or over the phone. It is better to rent for the first six months as you learn about the cost of living, safety, and culture of the neighborhood.
Set up Legal domicile
Once you arrive, you’ll need to go the formal process of claiming residency in the new state for tax purposes. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines, or you end up paying taxes in two states. Remember different states have a different guideline, so ensure you confirm all the detail in the state’s official website on how to establish the domicile.
Relocating to a new state is very overwhelming especially when not done the right way. Planning is the key to the successful outcome in most activities, but when it comes to moving across the state, it is everything. Although some tasks seem like a no-brainer, having a moving out of state checklist will keep your mind focused and save you a lot of headaches.
