Relocation Checklist: How To Move To Another State

7 Min Read
Updated April 5, 2023
FACT-CHECKED
Couple hugging who just relocated into a new home.
Written By Jamie Johnson

Relocating to a new state is a daunting task, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you need to do. In addition to all the preparation, you have to deal with the uncertainty that comes with moving to a new place. But if you stay organized and put a plan in place, you can successfully execute your move without any unnecessary headaches.

If you’re looking for advice on relocating to another state, this article is for you. We’ll break down the basic costs that come with moving and outline a step-by-step guide you can follow.

How Much Does It Cost To Relocate?

For many people, one of the biggest challenges of relocating is the hefty price tag that comes with it. Whether you use full-service movers or DIY your move, there’s no getting around the necessary expenses.

According to the American Moving and Storage Association, the average long-distance move costs $4,890. However, that’s based on an average weight of 7,500 pounds, an average distance of 1,000 miles and a 2 – 3-bedroom move. So, depending on your situation, your actual relocation costs could be more or less than this.

As you’re budgeting for the upcoming move, the following factors will affect the total cost:

  • The size of the move: It costs a lot less to move out of a two-bedroom apartment than a five-bedroom house. The more items and household goods you have to move, the more you can expect to pay. Decluttering and donating any items you don’t want can help you minimize these moving costs.
  • Whether you hire movers: If you’re moving to another state, it will likely be necessary to hire movers. Many moving companies and relocation services charge a flat hourly rate per mover. Several factors can drive up the cost, including whether the movers have to navigate numerous stairs or move a lot of bulky furniture.
  • The total distance moved: The farther you move, the more you can plan to pay in moving expenses.
  • Potential storage costs: It may be necessary for you to store some of your items for a period of time, adding to the cost of your move.

See What You Qualify For

How To Relocate To Another State

If you’re preparing to relocate to another state, there’s much to consider. It’s important to get a good understanding of the area you’re moving to so you’ll know what to expect.

You can do this by visiting the location ahead of time or researching it online. Let’s look at some suggestions you might consider before relocating to another state.

1. Research The Area And Cost Of Living

One of the first steps you should take is researching the location where you’re considering a move. You’ll want to find out the average cost of living as well as the income tax requirements so you’ll know how far your salary will go in that area.

If you’re moving to a state with a high cost of living, you may have other ways you can reduce your expenses. For instance, if you’re moving to a big city, you may be able to sell your car and rely on public transportation.

If you’re planning to buy a home, you’ll want to investigate the average housing prices. And if you have kids, you’ll want to research different public school districts. But even if you don’t have kids, moving to a neighborhood in a good school district will help keep your property value high.

2. Make A Budget

Before you start looking for a place to live, it’s important to have a budget in place. This will guide you on where to look when you’re searching for a home in a new city. It will also help you determine how much you can afford.

However, keep in mind that a budget is just an estimate. If you want a more accurate idea of how much you can afford, you should speak with a Home Loan Expert who can give you more guidance on your situation.

3. Find A Real Estate Agent

Next, you should look for a local real estate agent with experience in your destination city. A qualified real estate agent can help you find the type of home you’re looking for and recommend areas where you might enjoy living.

When you’re seeking a real estate agent, it’s essential to pick someone you trust. Ask for referrals from friends or family, and make sure to vet the person you end up choosing. You’ll be relying on this person’s guidance heavily in the coming months, so you want to find the right agent.

4. Ask For Employee Relocation Assistance

If you’re moving for a new job, you might want to ask for relocation assistance from your employer. This assistance can help you financially with the move, and you won’t have to spend as much out of pocket.

Every relocation situation is different, and some employers will be willing to pay more than others or offer reimbursement. You might consider asking your employer to chip in on the following expenses:

  • The cost to ship your belongings to the new location
  • Costs associated with selling your current home
  • Temporary housing costs if you find yourself between homes
  • The cost of purchasing your new home
  • Tax assistance if the home sale causes a tax increase

5. Plan Your Move

Once you have all the essential items in place, come up with a plan for your move. This plan could include hiring movers, switching addresses and deciding when you need to be in your new city.

If you have children, it’s even more important to plan for the move. Your kids may need to switch schools, so you want to ensure you have all the paperwork in place. Make sure you send your kids’ academic records over to their new school. And don’t forget to set aside any important paperwork so it doesn’t get lost during the move.

Also, take some time to think about the services you’ll need to switch over to your new location. For instance, you’ll have to set up new utilities and find a new doctor, dentist and other service providers. You can ask your real estate agent to give you a list of the services you’ll need in your new city.

Take the first step towards buying a house.

Get started today to see what you qualify for.

Additional Relocation Tips

Relocating can be very difficult, even if you’re moving for a great opportunity. And if you’re struggling with a lot of debt or have poor credit, buying a new home may not be the best option right off the bat.

If you find yourself in this situation, a few options are worth thinking about. For one, you can consider renting a home in your new location for a while.

Renting will give you time to build up your credit and pay down any outstanding debt until you’re ready to buy a home. You might also consider discussing your situation with your employer. This can feel uncomfortable at first, but your employer likely has resources available to help you.

Even if you’re in a good financial situation, moving to a new location can be stressful. Before you move, focus on making connections in your new city. A close friend or family member might know someone in your new location. You can also join social media groups to start building connections ahead of the move.

Children can take moving especially hard, so it’s best to have a plan for how you’ll help them. According to the National Institute of Health, relocating is one of the most stressful events you can go through.

Help your kids know what to expect by mapping out their new room and coming up with a list of activities they can sign up for at their new school. They may still feel nervous, but this will help them focus on what they can look forward to.

The Bottom Line

Moving to another state can be an exciting undertaking, and it doesn’t have to be difficult. If you come up with a plan and stay organized, relocating can be easier than you imagined possible. Ask your employer about options for financial assistance and take some time to research your new area and its housing market.

Ready to buy your new home? Apply online today with and see your rates and terms.

Find A Mortgage Today and Lock In Your Rate!

Get matched with a lender that will work for your financial situation.

Share: