Everything You Need to Know When Moving Out of State

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Why We Moved to Texas

The day after we got engaged, Zack received an exciting call from a company he interviewed at in Fort Worth, Texas. He got the job!

While I was still enjoying the excited of our own announcement and the future of planning our wedding, my mind was now turned upside down. Zack would be leaving our home state of Wisconsin within two weeks.

I then had to begin planning for the immediate next: finding Zack and place to live and looking for a job of my own.

Everything You Need to Know When Moving Out of State

Moving out of state is a big life decision that comes with both excitement and a lot of planning. Whether you’re relocating for a job, family, or a fresh start, there are many factors to consider when preparing for the big move. Here’s a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know when moving out of state.

1. Create a Moving Plan and Timeline

Moving out of state requires strategic planning, especially when managing long distances. Start by making a detailed timeline, including key tasks such as finding a new place to live, packing, hiring movers, and handling utilities.

It’s also helpful to create a checklist of things that need to be done leading up to your move. Here’s a checklist from moving.com.

2. Budget for Your Move

Moving out of state can be expensive, so it’s important to set a realistic budget. Costs to consider include:

Hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck
Travel expenses (gas, flights, food, hotels)
Packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
Utility deposits for your new place
Temporary housing or storage fees if necessary Having a well-planned budget will help avoid surprises and keep your finances in check during the process.

3. Research Your New State and City

Before moving, thoroughly research your new state and city. Look into things like cost of living, job opportunities, school systems (if applicable), neighborhoods, crime rates, and overall lifestyle.

It’s important to know what to expect when you arrive, so you can start settling in with a good understanding of your new community.

4. Find a New Place to Live

Whether you’re renting or buying, start your housing search as early as possible. If you can, visit your new city to check out neighborhoods and housing options in person.

If an in-person visit isn’t feasible, make use of online resources like virtual tours and reputable real estate websites to find your new home.

5. Downsize Before You Movev
Moving out of state is a great opportunity to declutter and downsize. Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, or sell.

The less you bring with you, the easier and cheaper your move will be. Holding a garage sale or selling items online can also help offset moving costs.

6. Hire Professional Movers or Rent a Truck

Depending on your budget and how much you need to move, decide whether you want to hire professional movers or rent a moving truck.

Professional movers handle the heavy lifting and transportation, while renting a truck can save money but requires more work on your part. If using movers, get quotes from several companies and check reviews to ensure you’re hiring a reputable service.

7. Understand the Legalities of Moving

Moving to a new state often comes with some legal considerations. You’ll need to:

Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with your new state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Research new state tax laws (as income and property taxes vary by state)
Register to vote in your new state
Ensure any professional licenses (for certain careers) are valid in your new state

8. Forward Your Mail and Update Addresses

Set up mail forwarding with the U.S. Postal Service to ensure you don’t miss any important mail after your move. You should also notify key parties of your address change, including:

Banks and credit card companies
Insurance providers
Subscriptions (magazines, meal services, etc.)
Your employer and government agencies (Social Security, IRS)

9. Set Up Utilities in Your New Home

Before moving in, contact utility providers in your new city to set up essential services such as electricity, water, gas, and internet. Try to schedule these services to start on your move-in date, so you’re not left without power or water on your first day.

10. Pack Efficiently and Label Everything

Packing for an out-of-state move is more complex than a local move, so it’s important to stay organized. Label each box with its contents and which room it belongs in to make unpacking easier. Consider packing a “first-night” box with essentials like toiletries, clothes, and important documents so you’re not searching through boxes for necessary items right away.

11. Prepare for the Long Drive or Flight

If you’re driving to your new state, make sure your vehicle is in good condition for a long-distance journey. Map out your route in advance, plan for rest stops, and book hotels if necessary. If you’re flying, make sure to have any valuable or essential items packed in carry-on luggage, and plan how your belongings will arrive via movers or shipping.

12. Move Your Pets Safely

Moving out of state with pets requires extra planning. Ensure they have updated ID tags with your new address, and if you’re flying, make the necessary arrangements with your airline. If driving, plan for breaks to give your pets food, water, and bathroom breaks along the way. Some states also require specific vaccinations for pets, so check those requirements before moving.

13. Research Healthcare Options

Don’t forget to find a new healthcare provider in your new state. If you’re employed, review your company’s healthcare options in your new state, or if necessary, find new doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. Request copies of your medical records and transfer any prescriptions to a pharmacy in your new area.

14. Get to Know the Local Laws

Each state has its own set of laws, from traffic rules to alcohol regulations, and even gun laws if you’re a firearm owner. It’s important to familiarize yourself with local regulations in your new state to avoid any surprises.

15. Learn About the Job Market

If you’re moving out of state for a job, congratulations! If not, it’s important to research the job market in your new area. Look into the industries that are booming in your new state, and start applying for jobs as early as possible if you don’t already have one lined up.

16. Prepare Emotionally for the Transition

Moving out of state is more than just a logistical process—it’s an emotional one, too. Leaving behind friends, family, and familiar surroundings can be difficult.

Stay connected with your old community through phone calls, video chats, and visits. It also helps to immerse yourself in your new city by exploring local attractions, joining clubs, or attending community events to build new connections.

17. Be Patient with the Adjustment

It can take time to feel settled in a new state, especially if it’s culturally different from where you’re coming from. Give yourself time to adjust to the new surroundings, and remember that it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and homesickness during this transition.

18. Consider Temporary Housing

If you’re unsure of where exactly you want to live within the new state, consider temporary housing (like a short-term rental or staying with friends or family). This gives you time to explore different neighborhoods and get a better feel for where you want to settle.

19. Be Prepared for a Fresh Start

Moving out of state offers a great opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a chance to reinvent yourself, experience new things, and step outside your comfort zone. Approach the move with an open mind, and you may find yourself falling in love with your new home in ways you never expected.

20. Don’t Forget the Little Things

In the flurry of big tasks, don’t forget to take care of small but important details. Whether it’s canceling your gym membership, returning library books, or collecting spare keys from neighbors, make sure you’ve tidied up all loose ends before your departure.