If there’s one thing that almost everyone needs occasionally, it’s a chance to start over. To start fresh, in a new city, a new job, or even a new country. One of the best ways to start over, however, is when you move to another state. It’s the ultimate ‘do-over’ for so many reasons. If you’re moving to another state to start over, there are a million things you’ll need to do!
Lucky for you, you’ve got this excellent guide to help you get everything done! We’ve got tips, advice, and actionable info you can use to make your move stress-free! (Well, at least less stressful. Moving is always a big ball of stress!) So if you’re planning to move from one state to another, read on! We have the info you need to get there in one piece!
Starting Over Means Leaving Some Stuff Behind
Some people consider moving to another state to start over because they’ve hit a dead-end. In their job, relationship, or marriage. Some people graduate from college and move to another state for their first job. Others move because they want to try something new. Whatever the reason, if you’re moving to start over, bringing everything with you doesn’t work.
Maybe you live ‘up north,’ but you’re moving to Bradenton, Florida. If that’s you, getting rid of your winter clothes is a must. Your college furniture? Unless it’s in great shape, you’ll probably be better off giving it away. Those things you shared with your now X-spouse? Those don’t need to make the journey to your new state. The good news is, the more you give away, toss or sell, the less your moving costs will be!
Do Your Due Diligence with Movers
Unless you plan to do the moving, you’ll need a moving company when moving to another state to start over. To hire the best, you’ll need to get three or four moving estimates. That’s when a salesperson comes to your home, looks at everything you’re packing and moving, and quotes you a price. To know if their price is accurate (and fair), you should have others to compare it with. That way, you can be sure to pick the mover with the best combo of price and service.
If Possible, Have a Job Ready in Your New State
No matter where you live, you need to be able to support yourself. To do that, you’ll need a job, of course. One where you can put your skills and experience (however humble they may be) to fair use. Whenever possible, we recommend having a job ready for you when you arrive. That way, you don’t fall behind on all your new bills. Plus, when you’re making an income, you can experience more of the things your new state offers. You can still move without a job lined up, of course.
Transfer Any Professional Licenses You Have
If you’re a licensed professional, like an attorney, a dentist, or a chiropractor, your license is vitally important. Without it, you can’t practice your chosen profession. That’s why, when moving to another state to start over, you need to find out about professional licensing. You need to know them and meet them, of course. Many states have a transfer policy in effect. You should find out about all of this well in advance of your move.
Plan Early When Moving to Another State to Start Over
As with any significant endeavor, the earlier you start, the better. The truth is, there are hundreds of tasks you’ll need to accomplish before the move. If you wait until the last few days or weeks before your move, you might not get to them all. Even worse, you might forget some, which can cause a lot of different problems. We suggest starting, if possible, 6 to 8 weeks before your moving date. That way, you will have all the time you need to get everything done on time.
Before Moving to Another State to Start Over
We love using lists to keep organized when we have a big task or project ahead of us. Moving to another state is a huge task, so we decided to make a list for you! That way, you can get things done and check them off as you go! They include:
- Call movers and get Moving Estimates.
- Start packing if you plan to pack your things.
- Get transcripts from your college or your kids’ schools.
- Have a yard sale to get rid of stuff.
- Donate things you don’t want to charity.
- Find out about getting your new driver’s license.
- Turn off utilities at your old place and turn them on at your new home.
- Check to see if your pets need new or different shots.
Rent a Storage Unit In Your New Town or City
Here’s the thing; moving plans sometimes fall apart. If yours do when the movers arrive, having a back-up plan in your back pocket is a good idea. The best is to rent a storage unit so that, if needed, you have storage space to put all your things. (Especially if the closing on your new home falls through.) Storage units are safe, secure, easy to access, and affordable. They make things much easier when moving to another state to start over! Before you go, we suggest looking into renting one.
Keep High-Value Items and Documents With You
When moving to another state to start over, you should not pack insurance paperwork, licenses, cash, and valuable items to ship on the truck. You should take these things with you so that they don’t get lost or stolen. Here are a few more to keep with you during the move;
- Keys
- Marriage license
- Diplomas
- High school and college transcripts
- Important medicine
- Insurance documentation
- Pet documentation
- Expensive Jewelry
- Vehicle Titles
- Birth Certificates
You’re Ready To Move to Another State to Start Over
Moving to a new state to start over is certainly exciting! If you follow the advice we’ve given, it should also be less stressful. Wherever you’re moving, we wish you all the best in your new town!