Moving states can be a burden, but if you plan ahead and take into account the additional costs and contingencies, you can make the most out of the situation!
Extra Costs
This is no surprise, but extra costs can be incurred when moving state-to-state. Moving out of state can cost 4x the amount of moving within your same state.
Some costs include:
- Movers
- Cleaners
- Moving Supplies
- Automobile Shipping
Flying or Driving?
Are you shipping your belongings or personally driving them to your new home? Either way, consider the differences in cost, accommodations and security that you will need with each option.
Driving can be cost effective, but you will want to make sure the moving truck arrives around the same time as you do. If you fly, you can send your belongings ahead of time and fly to meet them at your new front door.
Make sure you have researched affordable hotels and accommodations at each major city before leaving via flight in case of delays.
Forwarding Your Mail
Don’t forget to forward your mail! USPS has a form for forwarding your mail and changing your address online: Change of Address Form
Taking Time off Work
Packing up your entire home is bound to take up a significant amount of time. If you don’t have paid time off, make sure to take into account the cost of staying home a few extra days. If that’s not financially possible, see if you can arrange your schedule to better suit your moving dates.
New License and Registration
Once you have moved you will need to get a new driver’s license and register your vehicle under your new address. Some states require an annual vehicle tax, others charge by the weight and age of a vehicle, and some don’t charge at all.
Travel Restrictions
Research any travel restrictions in the states you will be traveling through. If you are driving, you may come across cities still in quarantine to some degree. Make sure you can rent a hotel room in the cities you will be stopping in.
Welcome to Your New Home!
Greet your neighbors, settle in and make sure all your belongings arrived safely. Welcome to your new home state!
