Whether you’re running away from your problems, chasing down a dream, or looking at an irresistible piece of land in a town far away—once you’ve made the decision to begin a new life chapter, you might find yourself wondering how to move to another state.
Will it be difficult? How much will it cost? What will the expenses entail? And is there some handy dandy how-to list that breaks down moving so you can check off and move on?
Yes, there’s a lot to consider when moving to another state, but the good news is: anything’s possible with the right mindset and approach.
Is it Hard to Move to Another State?
Generally speaking, moving to a new state is a lot of work, and planning for it might need to happen well in advance so everything stays on track.
The person who’s moving can consider things like what it will be like to live in the new area, such as neighborhood, crime rate, school system, transportation options, and walkability. Before they move they probably will want to think about what they’ll sell, donate, or keep, whether to hire professional movers, what their moving budget should be, and if they have enough money saved to cover relocation costs.
A Simple Checklist For Moving Out of State
Sometimes, a good old-fashioned moving checklist is the easiest way to ensure things get done:
1. ⃞ Find a place to live. It seems obvious, but there’s step 1.
2. ⃞ Select a moving date. If you’re hiring movers, rates are typically cheaper on weekdays versus weekends, and in the mornings versus the busier afternoons and evenings.
3. ⃞ Select a professional mover (if using one). This decision might be formed after requesting a few quotes during the dates and times you whittled down above.
4. ⃞ Build a budget based on the common moving expenses previously listed and any other cost considerations unique to your move.
5. ⃞ Take stock of and sort your stuff about one month before the move. What needs to come along? What should be tossed? What can be given to charity? Start sorting, selling, packing, trashing, and donating accordingly.
6. ⃞ Cancel old services/start new ones. Schedule the stoppage of utilities like cable, internet, gas, and electric and set up installations at your new location. It could also be a good time to update or cancel gym memberships, delivery services, subscriptions, etc.
7. ⃞ Gather up boxes and packing supplies. About three weeks before the move, start securing boxes, rolls of packing tape, bubble wrap, and other supplies. This will ensure there’s plenty of time left to … (see #8).
8. ⃞ Pack it all up. You might wait until moving day to get the toothpaste into the “personal items” box, but the two weeks before the move can be spent packing belongings and gathering important documents like leases, moving contracts, and moving expense receipts.
9. ⃞ Say farewell. It might sound cheesy, but giving a thoughtful goodbye to any home that held you can be helpful for moving ahead. Perhaps the last pie from your favorite local pizzeria is in order.
How Much Money Should You Save to Move Out of State?
When planning how to move across the country, knowing how much to save to cover moving expenses is an important initial step.
The average cross-country move typically costs somewhere between $2,500 and $6,500 according to HomeAdvisor , with the average amount being around $4,500.
Several other factors can influence how much someone should save to move out of state, such as the number of items they’re moving, how far they’re going, and whether they plan to move themselves or hire professionals. In some cases, long distance moving costs could reach $10,000 or more.
Common Moving Expenses
To decide how much money to save for a move out of state, knowing the most common moving expenses can be helpful:
• A deposit on the new place, which is typically first and last month’s rent/security on an apartment, or a down payment on a new house.
• Moving costs, or the amount of money it takes to physically move items—whether with rented equipment or professional movers—from point A to point B. As previously mentioned, they average $4,500 for an out-of-state move, but this figure can vary depending on the distance of the move and the company hired.
• Transportation costs for traveling to the final destination. A fuel cost calculator can be a helpful tool to get an idea of how much to budget for this expense.
• Packing supplies like boxes, packaging tape, bubble wrap, packing peanuts, markers, etc. A packing calculator is another useful tool.
• Cleaning supplies can get overlooked, but several surfaces might need scouring. From trash bags to all-purpose cleaner, carpet cleaning for pesky pet stains, mops, and more, having some funds saved for a clean slate can prove helpful in the moving process.
• Repair and maintenance costs might arise from issues like holes in the walls from hanging artwork, a broken light fixture, a torn screen, etc. Setting aside home improvement funds ensures things can be up to snuff in both abodes.
• Furniture and home decor can help warm up your new home and come in pretty handy when you want to relax and enjoy a post-move meal.
• New driver’s licenses and registrations can cost anywhere from $10-$89 for a license and up to $225 for a registration .
Ways to Save When Moving to Another State
It’s clear to see it can take a lot of time and energy to move to a different state. Luckily, there are several ways to save money in the process:
• Using cash for moving expenses instead of racking up credit card debt can save significant money over time.
• Selling unwanted items is a great way to create space, remove clutter, and acquire some extra moving funds.
• Packing with free supplies like used boxes or bubble wrap from friends, family or even the town “free stuff” page can help save lots versus buying brand new.
• Getting help from friends can be a great way to save time which, in turn, can save money. They can help with sorting, packing, cleaning, and even selling old items to their network.
• Asking an employer to help with relocation costs can potentially be negotiated, especially if you’re sticking with them in the new state.
• Relocation loans can be a solid saving option when you need quick cash to move to another state. They can cover a wide range of moving costs—from deposits to storage to professional movers, transportation, and even hotel stays.
Using a SoFi Personal Loan could be a way to fund an out-of-state move. Applying is quick with an easy online application.
The Takeaway
Moving out of state can be a comprehensive process that requires detailed planning, preparation, and considerations—like what it’s like to live in the new location, opportunities for employment, how to sort and pack belongings, how much to save in advance, whether to hire professional movers, what the moving budget is, and how to secure funds for moving costs.
Some of the most common moving expenses include a deposit for the new dwelling, professional movers or moving equipment, transportation and fuel costs, packing and cleaning supplies, repair and maintenance costs, furniture and home decor, and acquiring a driver’s license and registration in the new state.
Ways to save for a move to another state include using cash instead of credit, selling unwanted items, packing with free supplies, asking an employer for relocation assistance, and asking for packing and moving help from friends.
SoFi Relocation Loans and personal loans are a quick and convenient way to gather up some extra moving funds and settle into a new living situation with ease.
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