Irrespective of the reason why you are relocating, moving to a new state can be exhausting. In fact, it may feel like you’re moving to a new country altogether. But you’re not alone when it comes to moving to a new home.
As per a Gallop survey, 33% of the Americans harbor a desire to move to a new state. So, if you have finally decided to take the big step, pat yourself on the back for your courage and get down to the packing and moving business.
In this regard, mentioned below are thirteen things that you should consider as you shift to a new place:
1. Make a budget
Moving to a new State requires money. Consequently, your first step should be budgeting your costs and planning your savings. Some of the major costs that you will need to plan include insurance, gas, and shipping costs. Moreover, security deposits for using utilities and renting add up quickly. So, decide to cover these expenses upfront without draining your bank account.
2. Research about the new state
It is crucial to research your new home well in advance. Look out for all the restaurants, social clubs, entertainment spots, and so on. There is extensive information on the internet on everything that you need to know. Visit the State if you get a chance to do so beforehand to familiarize yourself with the place.
3. Find a new home
Your expenses can pile up quickly if you have to stay at a hotel until you find a new house. So, it is ideal to get in touch with a local real estate agent in your destination location and ask him to look out for a home for you.
4. Prepare a checklist of all that you will be carrying
Prepare a list of all that you want to carry with yourself when you shift to your home. Consider what you want to leave behind. Logically analyze which bulky items such as furniture and electronics you should be taking with yourself.
5. Learn about the items that you are not allowed to move
While you figure out what goes and what stays, learn about items that you may not be permitted to transport to another state. You can easily surf the internet for preparing a list of non-allowable. For instance, you cannot transport fireworks or lamp oil.
6. Consider what you’ll do with the items that you leave behind
Furthermore, you need to consider what you have to do with the items that you leave behind. You can either donate some of the things or give them away to a friend or whoever needs them. Alternatively, you can sell some stuff in a yard sale or online. Not to mention, you can submit them for recycling.
7. Make professional and social connections
Recall friends, family, or acquaintances who live in the new city. Reach out to them and strengthen your connections as you relocate to a new State. You can also use your alumni network or work connections to make professional associations.
8. Look for job opportunities
If you are moving because you have been offered some work in another State, then you don’t have to worry about this pointer. If not, however, then you need to know about the job opportunities and prevalent industries in the new State that you plan to move to. Start applying before you move.
9. Look for professional movers
Besides setting apart a budget for hiring professional movers, start looking for them from early on. The American Moving and Storage Association highlights that the average cost of hiring professional movers stands at $4,300. Since these experts will be responsible for transporting your goods, you need to hunt down a reliable company. Movers Virginia Beach VA can help.
10. Develop a packing plan
Start with packing non-essentials such as home décor items, books, and more first. Pack the essentials in the end. These include dinnerware, toiletries, and so on. Make sure to get sufficient brown packing tape so that your packing process is efficient. Don’t forget to get bubble wrap for packing fragile items.
11. Gather the right documents
Before you relocate, it is also important to obtain all the required certificates and documents such as those from your family physician and vet, tax documents, birth certificates and more. Plus, cancel all your subscriptions to service and utility providers a day before you move.
12. Establish your domicile for the new State
Once you relocate to the new area, you will have to get a legal domicile for tax purposes. This is particularly significant if you are shifting permanently. In that case, you will need to get your residence address changed as well. You can get all the info related to this from the new state’s website.
13. Inform your friends and family
Lastly, before you shift, it is also critical to update your friends and family about your move. You don’t want them to be contacting you on the wrong address. Or, worse, losing contact.
Author Bio
Andrea Bell is a blogger by choice. She loves to discover the world around her. She likes to share her discoveries, experiences and express herself through her blogs.
Find her on Twitter:@IM_AndreaBell