If you’re ready to move to a new state to start a new life, you’re not alone. Every year, about 10% of Americans pack up and move house, whether it’s across town or across the country.
Moving out of state lets you start over fresh with new opportunities and new experiences. Even though you’re excited about relocating to a new state, it can be an overwhelming process.
Keep reading for tips on how to move to a new state and start fresh.
Choose Your Destination
Relocating to a new state means you’ll get to experience new cities, new cultures, and new activities. If you’re relocating for work, you likely already know your destination. But if you’re moving to start a new life and don’t have a job yet, your options are more open.
Consider how you want your new life to look and what location supports that. If you love being active and exploring the outdoors, consider a location near lots of natural beauty, such as mountains, forests, or oceans. If you love fast-paced life, moving to a larger city is a better option.
Research your location to calculate the cost of moving and living in that location. Consider things such as crime rates, transportation, and job opportunities.
Sell Your Home Quickly
Before you can move on to new adventures in your new state, you have to cut ties with your current location. Selling your house before leaving makes moving out of state much easier and less stressful. It can be challenging to communicate with your real estate agent, negotiate, and handle the closing when you’re in another state.
If your home isn’t selling quickly, consider using a We Buy Houses for Cash option. These companies give you a quick cash offer on your home. This allows you to move on without the attachment of a house on the market, so you can start your new life faster.
Find Accommodations
Your out-of-state move is much less stressful when you have accommodations waiting for you. If you can’t visit ahead of time to look for houses, consider renting for a temporary option until you settle in. Renting also gives you a chance to explore the community and decide which neighborhoods are ideal for you before you commit to buying.
If you’re relocating for work, consider the proximity to your work location and the commute options. A short commute or easy access to public transportation makes a home more convenient. If you have kids, research the school districts in different areas to find a safe, quality school for your little one, and limit your housing search to that area.
When calculating the cost of moving, don’t forget to include the real estate costs. Even if you rent, you’ll have to pay a deposit, and you might have to pay an application fee. If you buy, you have closing costs, and you might need to buy tools or handle repairs when you move in.
Decide What to Take
When moving to start a new life, it’s sometimes easier to take very little with you. Starting fresh with new furniture and decor reinforces the new life and adventure you’re taking on. You’ll also lower the cost of moving when you take less with you.
Sort through your belongings to get rid of things you no longer need. You can donate, toss, or sell those items, depending on their condition and how much work you want to do.
For things you’ll need in your new home, such as furniture and dishes, consider the condition of your current things. If you love them and they’re still in good condition, keeping those items might be worth it. If you’re not attached or your items need to be replaced anyway, now is a good time to get rid of them.
Set Up Your New Home
Moving out of state seems exciting when you’re planning it, but you might feel nervous, homesick, or anxious once you move. Give yourself a comfortable space that’s yours as soon as possible by arranging your furniture and unpacking boxes.
Setting up your new home quickly helps you feel settled and gives you something to do that can distract you if you’re feeling anxious. It allows you to have the comforts of home that you brought along to help calm you. It also gives you a safe, comfortable base if you start to feel overwhelmed in your new city.
Explore Your New City
You moved to a new state to experience new things, so don’t wait to check out those options. Dive in to exploring your new city, whether that means driving yourself or taking public transportation.
Your explorations help you get the lay of the land for an overview of what the city has to offer. Once you get the overview of your new home city, you can make note of spots you want to visit longer.
Stop at local stores, restaurants, and other businesses while you explore. This helps you get the local experience and can help you meet new people in the community.
Make Social Connections
Long-distance moving means you’re starting fresh with local friends and acquaintances. It can be tempting to withdraw if you’re feeling anxious or nervous about the move, and it can be challenging to meet new people if your introverted. Make a plan to meet new people before you move, so you can get into the social scene right away.
If you have a new job waiting for you, your coworkers could be a potential social connection. Even if you don’t make fast friends with them, they might be able to introduce you to other people or invite you to social gatherings.
Look for groups that meet in person and share your interests. You might join a social fraternity or a group related to a hobby. Local online groups can also help you meet people and talk to them before meeting in person.
Simply going out and exploring the community can also help you make connections. If you meet someone while doing something you enjoy, you already have that interest in common.
Move to a New State for Adventure
Are you ready to move to a new state? Go into the process strategically to make the move easier while holding onto the excitement and possibilities of your new life in a new state.
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