Moving is always complicated and stressful. Relocating to a new state is even more so, with many more things to keep track of. You may be excited about your new luxury home, but you must ensure you don't forget any of these important things.
Know your new state
Whether you're moving for a work opportunity, for family, or because you like the idea, research your new city, state, and neighborhood well ahead. This includes both local things and broader ones. For example, if you're a keen gardener, study the climate of the new state. You might be in a different frost zone or be moving from the wet northwest to the not-so-wet southwest. You can make yourself less stressed and more excited about the move by looking for exciting day trips in your new state.
Time to declutter
Any move is an opportunity to get rid of things you no longer want, and a long-distance move makes it even more important. If you have been considering replacing a piece of furniture, now might be the time to pull the trigger. You can sell or give away the unwanted piece and then purchase a new one in your new neighborhood. Shopping for new things gives you even more to look forward to!
If you're moving to a smaller place, of course, now is the time to get rid of anything that will not work there. Also, remember that some things can be challenging to move. Large house plants, for example — you can't fly with them, and movers may not take them, so unless you plan on driving the entire way, you should find them a new home.
Pick the right movers
If you have not done a long-distance move before or in some time, remember that the movers that did a great job moving you across town may not be the best for long distances. However, it's worth asking them for recommendations.
Read reviews and make sure you have enough insurance. Always get multiple quotes and check the services offered. Consider transporting heirlooms, irreplaceable jewelry, and other small, valuable items yourself.
You will also need to find a car shipping company. Driving to your new state might be a fun road trip, or it might be more time than you want to take. If you have multiple cars or cars that are not daily drivers, you should ensure they are shipped properly.
Plan your taxes
You will be filing and paying taxes in two states for the year of your move. If you normally file your own taxes, this is a good time not to do that. A good accountant can help you with the transition and make sure you avoid any double taxation and get the best deal.
Make sure you know what property taxes you will be liable for on your new home and that you properly close out the account in the state you're leaving. Again, it's a good idea to talk to your accountant about all of the tax details, especially if you run a business.
Some states, such as California or Georgia, will charge you a tax based on the value of your vehicle to move it.
Move your business
If you're an employee, then you don't have to worry about this. But if you have a business, consultancy, or side hustle, you will need to close it in your current state and register it in your new one. In some cases, you may face different licensing requirements. You may find that you did not need a business license and now do. You may discover you're now liable for tangible property tax.
Don't forget to register for sales tax in your new state if you need to.
If you have a professional license, you will need to check your new state's rules for transferring your license.
Make a change of address checklist
Make a list of every single place you need to change your address. This includes all online vendors you use, magazine subscriptions, grocery delivery, etc. Notify your insurers. You should talk to your homeowner's insurer well in advance. Make sure they do business in your new state. If they do not, you will need to get a new policy quickly; they may be able to recommend somebody.
Cancel your local paper if you still get a newspaper delivered, and research newspapers in your new state so you know which one to get instead. Doing a checklist reduces the risk of something being delivered to your old address. Setting up mail forwarding helps, but be aware that it does not work for packages delivered by courier or the company itself.
Make a cancellation checklist
Gym membership? Club membership? Make a list of all the memberships and subscriptions you have that are local to you and need to be canceled. Check what kind of notice they require. In some cases, you may be able to transfer to a location in your new state. If that's not the case, then make a second list of things you want to research, such as the best golf club in your new neighborhood.
Plan for your new driver's license
Check the rules of your new state, which will typically require you to get a new license within two weeks. Some states require a vision test for transferring licenses. All states require that you bring your current driver's license as well as proof of residence. Check the requirements for your state here.
Plan for income and expenditure changes
If you're moving for a job, your income might go up or down. But the important thing to budget for is changes in the cost of living. Moving from a cheaper state to a more expensive one can result in sticker shock on everything. Ideally, research the cost of living before you decide exactly where to move to.
You should also budget for the move itself, especially if your employer is not providing relocation assistance. Always ask if you can get help.
Don't forget the kids
If you have kids, notify their current school of your moving date. Make sure that their new school gets all of their academic and medical records. You may also want recommendation letters. Check with the new school what your kids need, such as textbooks or clothing items, and get a list of extracurriculars. You can use that to help your children get excited about the move. If you're divorced and have joint custody, you will need your ex's and the court's approval to take the kids to another state. Get a lawyer well ahead of time.
Discuss the move with your children ahead of time. Include them as early as possible, even if they are young. They may not want to leave their friends. Look for stuff about the new place that you can get them excited about.
Talk to your realtor
Getting advice from your luxury realtor can help with the move. If you're moving to Texas, McAlister Realty can help you with everything you need to know and do to make your interstate move smooth and successful. Contact us to find out more about the things to do when moving to a new state!
Recommended reading: The 8-Step Process to Selling and Buying A House
