Many statistics show that moving to a new state is considered one of the most stressful events in one’s life. But we don’t need statistics to acknowledge that this statement is true. Whoever moved at least once knows that moving from one state to another can be overwhelming and an exhausting experience. Even if this is so, there is no doubt that moving state-to-state can benefit you in many ways.
There are tons of reasons to move like there are tons of pros and cons people may come up with when relocating. But the experience of moving out of state alone is totally different than when moving out of state with a child or family, and advantages and disadvantages can differ too. Keep reading and find out answers to many questions that are probably on your mind. Like, how to move to a different state? What things to consider when moving to a new state? What is the cheapest way to move from state to state? And most importantly, what are the pros and cons of an interstate move?
Pros Of Moving Interstate – What Will Await for You
Let’s start with the bright side of relocating to another state. First thing first, remember that relocation to an entirely different location can get the best out of you. This will be an ideal opportunity for new excitement and adventures. Just a change of scenery will help you feel more alive and gain a fresh perspective. But there is more to it.
Diversity and Personal Growth Are Waiting for You
One of the actual benefits of relocating to another destination alone is the fact that you’ll be on your own, especially if you’re relocating for the first time. You will have to take care of many obligations personally, from paying your bills to providing meals. This experience will introduce you to a grown-up life much faster. Also, being in a different environment without your usual circle of support will make you more responsible and resourceful. Getting out of your comfort zone will force you to become more self-reliant. Going to a different city alone, and being surrounded by unfamiliar faces, will drive you to be more independent, braver, and robust.
You Will Get a Fresh Start
The idea of starting over is probably one of the most appealing things about relocating to another destination, and for a good reason. You will get to meet neighbors and co-workers and make friends. Not to mention that a change of scenery will benefit your physical health. You will get to decorate your home, explore your surroundings and create different routines.
Relocation can rejuvenate your mind and body and draw you to set fresh goals. Not to mention that some of the best beach towns can cure the winter blues, especially if you moved there from a colder climate.
Don’t Forget About New Job Opportunities
One of the advantages of relocating from a small town to a big city is plenty of job opportunities. But even if you don’t relocate to a big city, living in a small town will definitely bring along another job. Change of surroundings may spark interest in pursuing a different career you never knew existed or something you always wanted to do but never have the guts to do it. Relocation is an excellent opportunity to make all your dreams come true. Check this video to see how to get a job when relocating.
There Will Be a Chance to Purge
Another good reason to relocate to another destination is the chance to purge your life. And we don’t mean only to get rid of your old pots and pans or to downsize your home – cleanse your personal life as well. You will get a chance to distance yourself from toxic people in your life and from everything that bothered you in your old town. A fresh start will give you an opportunity to meet different cultures and people with different points of view.
Cons of Interstate Moving – Know All Disadvantages in Advance
Like in any big life change, there must be some things that are not so good. And when it comes to relocation, one of those things is the possibility of depression after relocating. That is a real thing that can happen to anyone who relocates, whether you move the family to another destination or move alone. It happens because people are creatures of habit, and different environments can make us anxious, sad, and feeling like we’re not in control of our lives.
There is another symptom that can follow this condition, and it is called adjustment insomnia. But do not worry. These conditions don’t last long, and feeling sad and blue will quickly be replaced with excitement and happy emotions.
You Will Miss Your Friends and Family
Saying bye to friends and family is never easy, and this is probably one of the biggest cons of relocation. You will feel nostalgia and sadness, but in the end, you will meet friends if you keep yourself open to people. Also, saying buy to friends with modern-day technology has never been easier. You can easily stay in touch if you all adjust to different circumstances.
There Will Be a Lot of Stress
Organizing a move will bring a lot of stress, from packing your dishes to booking your state-to-state movers for moving services. But booking movers is just one of the things to do when moving to a new state. You will have to find a place to live, get a new job, and, of course, organize packing for your entire house. And not to mention unpacking and settling in. But if you’re organized, this whole process can be as stress-free as possible and without too many hiccups.
Fresh Start, Fresh Documents
Another huge part of relocation stress goes on a bunch of required paperwork. And, like there is an option to outsource packaging to your company by paying for packing services, only you can finish the paperwork. For example, if you plan to book an auto transport service, you will have to register your car and take local plates once you arrive. Also, you will have to go to the local DMV and change the address on your license.
Bear in mind that different states have different tax regulations, and you might end up with tax deductions, but in order for this to happen, you will have to inform the IRS. Not to mention that not doing so is illegal. But aside from that, there is an extensive list of entities you need to notify about your move. Here are some of them:
- Utility providers (water, gas, electricity)
- Internet and cable providers,
- Post Office,
- Car insurance company,
- Bank.
Also, don’t forget to inform your employer because relocating between states will demand a change of health insurance. But if you’re relocating without a job and you had previous employment, you will be covered with your old employer insurance for a while (though not for long.) So make sure you get this paperwork done before you move.
Moving to a New State Checklist to a Perfect Budget
Want to know what to do before relocating to another territory? The first step will be to make a relocation budget, and the best way to do so is to follow your checklist for moving out of state because many things you need to do will find a place on the list of expenditures. One of the things to do before moving out of state is to check the cost of living in your city of choice.
Do this couple of months in advance, so be sure you have enough time to save money for at least three months of living expenses. You can go to the website Numbeo and check living costs in your town of choice and start your financial plan from there. Here are other things you should put in your budget:
- Hiring movers,
- Renting a place to live,
- Travel arrangements,
- Car shipping.
And if you wonder what is the average cost of moving to another state, you should know that most reputable companies will give you an online quote for your move for free. All you need to do is make an inventory list of everything you plan to bring with you, and you will have a more accurate assessment.
How Much Should You Save to Move Out of State?
When it comes to relocating long distances, a lot of unpredictable things can happen. For this reason, it is always better to be prepared for any circumstance. For example, you can pay for rent, but your place is not ready yet. Or even worse, you bought a home, but renovations are still ongoing. You can end up alone in an unknown environment with all your belongings and no place to live.
For this reason, it is important to always have plan B. First, save enough money for living expenses (at least three of your full salaries) and put some extra money on the side for rainy days or any unexpected situation. If possible, book movers with storage service and keep your belongings there until you’re all settled in.
Take with you a bag of essentials with all the things you need for a couple of weeks, and this way, you can be mobile and rent a small place for less money until you move into your home.
Find a Home in Best Neighborhood
The logical course of action and one of the most important things to do before moving out of state is to find a place to live. But finding a place to live from a long distance can be tricky but not impossible. There are tons of websites where you can rent an apartment and finish everything with a couple of clicks. But buying a house is a completely different story. You will want to get familiar with the neighborhood well and to find the most affordable place. And one of the best long-distance relocation tips in this matter is to buy a property in person.
Furthermore, one of the things to do when you move to a new state is to find a good neighborhood. You can do this online – just go on Niche or AreaVibes and search through your town of choice.
Declutter and Make a Packing Schedule
If you wish to know how to move to a new state most efficiently, the answer would be in light packing. So be sure once you have arranged everything else, it is time to create a packing and decluttering schedule. Do the decluttering first, a couple of weeks before your relocation day, and leave the packing for the last week if you have time.
When decluttering, get rid of everything you haven’t used in more than two years. Everything that is broken and damaged should be thrown away. Also, if you have an idea of the size of your place, maybe you will have to let go of some furniture as well. Plan ahead and pack only things you’re certain you will have use for. And once you declutter, your packing will go much easier. Start with a room and belongings you don’t use that often and build your way up to the most frequent room.
Book Interstate Moving Company to Help You With Your Move
So what to do when moving to a new state? As you can see, there are tons of things you will have to think about and do when relocating to a different destination and only a few things you can actually outsource to professionals. So why not do so? In the end, the quote for your move is free so contact the company of choice and ask them about the price. Depending on the amount of items you are bringing and distance, your relocation can be pretty affordable. You will need help with your move, especially if you are relocating alone. So stop searching and book your movers today.
