Moving cross country is a pretty significant change for anybody. Whether you have a family or friends, it’s a stressful period in life. But, moving to another state alone is a bit more work and pressure. You’ll have to spend a decent amount of time getting prepared, but the end result is well worth it. Though it may seem difficult at first, moving on your own can present many opportunities and teach you some valuable life lessons. Not only that, but you always have resources and people that are willing to help you along the way. To help get you started, check out these tips for relocating across the country by yourself.
Is it Hard to Move to a Different State
To know the general answer to whether or not relocating to another region is hard or not, the simple answer is yes. It can be difficult for even the most relocation savvy people, because there are several common factors that go into relocating out of state. However, it is doable, and with the right tips, you can get settled in your new region.
What to Expect When Relocating to a New State
If you’re wondering what to expect when relocating to another region or country alone, you should learn about what’s required. For a successful move on your own, there are few things you should get taken care of before you go. For whatever your reasons to move are, you can always take the time to get yourself prepared to go. The last thing you want to do is leave yourself open to potential trouble in the near future. Here is a list of tasks you should handle before you make your move.
- Change your address information for any subscriptions, services, insurance companies, etc.
- Secure a job to be able to sustain your life in a new region.
- You will have to get a different driver’s license or ID.
- You’ll have to start saying goodbye to friends and family.
- There will be a certain level of anxiety about moving out of state. To help ease some of that moving stress you can plan a moving away party. It’s a great way to say goodbye and give you some needed closure.
- Depending on where you’re relocating, it might be harder to find an area you want to live in, so make good use of online resources to help you find the perfect area for you.
How Much Does it Cost to Relocate to Another State
One thing that is quite important to understand is the cost associated with relocating to another region. Unfortunately, there’s no single number we can give as it depends almost entirely on which region you’ve chosen to move to. Several factors are included in the cost of living in a city and region, and each of them differs. You’re going to need to develop a plan of action to gauge the total cost of your relocation.
Set a Budget for Your Relocation
What you need is a reasonable budget for your journey to your home, so you can get to your destination without having to go too deep into your savings. You might even find some of the cheapest ways to move out of state while budgeting. Here are a few tips you can follow to help you get started on your relocation expenses checklist:
- Write down all of your travel expenses down first. This includes train or airline tickets, gas if you’ve hired a moving service, food for the road, overnight accommodation, etc.
- Add your house or apartment expenses such as deposits, down payments, first months rent, and other associated costs and fees
- Add auto transport service to your budget if you’re using other means of travel.
How to Budget When Moving Out Alone
Drafting a budget can help you keep track of all your expenses when moving on your own and keep you from overspending on anything.
Tips for Finding a Good City in a New State
When searching for a city and region to live in, most people often start searching by word of mouth. Though it’s not a bad start, you need to make sure you have a firm understanding of what different regions offer. Remember that each region is different and whether you may think you’ve found the perfect place, you should always double-check things to do with that region or do some research and get a second opinion from the people who live in the region you chose to move to.
Match Up Your Needs
There are several questions you should ask while you’re looking at different parts of the country. What is the cost of living, what kind of jobs can I get there, what is life like there? You have to have a firm understanding of your needs and wants when it comes to relocation to a region, and you’ll have to match your needs up to different cities and states. You might have your heart set on Portland, Oregon, but after doing some research, you might find that Chicago, Illinois, is better suited for your wants and needs – unless you’re moving for love in a long-distance relationship.
How to Properly Time Your Journey
Whatever your means of travel are, timing is crucial, especially when relocating to a new state alone. The last thing you’re going to want to do is to spend most of your time on the road; it can be very exhausting and stressful. Depending on how far you’re traveling, having to pay for overnight accommodation can add up and, not only that, but toll roads add up as well if you’re traveling by car. Your best option is to plan a travel route before going for a smooth ride to your destination.
Life After Moving Out Alone
Having successfully moved to another state alone, the world is your oyster. You’ll have the freedom to go where you please, when you please, and be the master of your own new world. However, it’s not all rainbows and sunshine, in fact life on your own in another state means you have just as many drawbacks as you do benefits. Think of the old adage “freedom comes at a cost” and you’ll want to be familiar with these costs if you want to enjoy the fruits of a good life in your new state. Here is a short list of pros and cons of living in another state by yourself.
Pros:
- You set your own schedule and you don’t have to work around anyone else’s
- You’ll have your own personal space and privacy
- You decorate how you choose
- You’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet or be as loud as your neighbors will tolerate.
- You’ll get to meet new neighbors
Cons:
- Bills, rent, and other expenses will all be on you
- It’s much easier for you to get lost in your new city
- It can get boring if you don’t have any friends
- You’re on your for unpacking, organizing, and cleaning
Now that you have a better idea of what life is like when you’ve moved to another state on your own, you’ll be able to manage your out of state life a little bit easier.
Hiring Movers Can Make Your Move Easier
One way to help you get to your destination quickly and smoothly is by hiring a reputable international moving company. There are many services you can choose to help you get your things to your new home in a different region. Loading and unloading services are particularly useful and best for relocating across the country. If you stick to these tips, moving to another region by yourself will be much easier.
