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Relocating out of state is—no pun intended—a big move.
It’s an exciting idea for most folks but usually includes a fair amount of apprehension and stress.
But how difficult is it to cross state lines into a new home?
Let’s look at tips for relocating, how to create a moving-out-of-state checklist, moving out of state on a budget, and how Home.com can help your relocation process.
How hard is it to move out of state?
Any change of address is daunting, but adding the complication of moving to a different state can make your move even harder.
Beyond the logistics, you also have to consider budgeting your moving costs. Remember, however, that the cheapest way to do something is not always the best way.
But moving out of state doesn’t have to be difficult. A new home in an unfamiliar place can be a new beginning for you.
A reliable mortgage lender, experienced with clients’ relocating, can make the process even easier.
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Let’s look at tips for moving out of state successfully and relocating as stress-free as possible.
Research your new home and new city
You may know precisely what you want in a new home and location. Or you may only have a vague idea of what you want.
Regardless of what you’ve already decided, write down what is essential for your new home and which aspects are merely “nice to have.”
You’ll likely come up with items on your list you hadn’t considered before, which will help you narrow down your home search.
Don’t overlook the following considerations when you’re searching for your new place.
Commuting times
Homeowners who must travel frequently should factor in the distances to their most important places—work, friends’ homes, social locations, etc. Make sure you know how much driving you’ll be willing to do. Or can you use public transportation?
Schools
Anyone with school-aged children will need to carefully research schools in the new area. Once you find one that meets your needs, ensure they’re enrolling new students and that your child is eligible to attend.
Crime Rates
While this isn’t something many people want to think about, it’s a good idea to research these stats for your new neighborhood. Both the FBI and the CDC have statistics that can narrow your search.
Cost of Living
Whether you’re relocating for a new job or on a whim, make sure you’ll be able to afford living there. A mortgage calculator can estimate what your monthly payment would be if you have a ballpark price for the home you’re looking at. Factor that into the rest of your monthly expenses to get an idea of what you need to spend each month.
Visit your new area
Once you’ve researched all you can online, the next step is to visit your top contender for relocation. While everything may look good on paper, nothing beats seeing a place with your own eyes.
Stay a few days in your potential new neighborhood to get a feel for what day-to-day living is like.
Use a local agent
Reach out to a real estate agent in that locale for tips on which areas and neighborhoods are worth your time. Their insight into local markets and moving tips, in general, can be invaluable. Relocating to a new state is hard enough—you don’t need to do it all alone.
Get your mortgage preapproval
Once your new neighborhood is chosen, get pre-approved for a mortgage before you begin your house hunt.
Mortgage preapproval can streamline your home buying process and show you how much of a mortgage loan you could qualify for. A pre-approval letter also shows home sellers that you’re a serious buyer and have the funds to back up an offer.
How to create a moving budget and plan for moving out of state
A detailed game plan can make moving out of state much more manageable than simply “winging it.”
In addition, a budget and plan for moving can give you parameters to work within and help you plan for the future in your new home.
Let’s look at tips for planning and budgeting for moving out of state.
Create a moving binder
A specifically designated binder or file folder for all moving documentation, receipts, and lists can save time and your sanity. If more than one person, such as your spouse, is involved in planning, you both have a place to keep track of important documents.
Relocation packages
Some companies will offer you a cash reimbursement or pay for the services of a professional moving company. If you’re offered a payment, ensure you get all the details, including your responsibilities for invoices, amounts, or accounting documentation. You should also ask about coverage for temporary housing if you don’t find a house before your job starts.
Include a downpayment in your budget
When you buy a new home, you should have enough money saved for a downpayment before you start looking. Moving expenses can quickly add up and you’ll want to know how much of your savings can’t be touched for anything else.
Don’t forget living expenses
A new job will also mean a new budget. Keep track of what you spend early on in your new location so you can adjust your budget with your new cost of living expenses. If you don’t have a job waiting for you, have at least three months of living expenses saved for costs beyond just the move itself.
Options for moving out of state
When it comes to moving, you have two choices—do it yourself or hire a moving company.
If you chose to move yourself, shop around for moving truck rentals. Look for the best price, truck sizes, and availability on your moving date.
Remember that injuring or compromising your health is not a good plan for relocating. Ensure that you are physically capable of handling it before you book that rental truck.
Moving services, especially for long-distance moves, can avoid the hassle of DIY moves but can also be a more expensive option. A cross-country move, for example, could cost you $10,000 or more.
Consider these factors:
- Does the company have experience with clients moving out of state?
- Is the quote they give you binding or just an estimate?
- Is there an itemized breakdown of the charges?
- Does your home insurance company cover moving damages?
- Does the moving company offer any coverage for damages?
- Will the professional movers transport your possessions together or in separate vehicles?
- Can you track the truck with your belongings?
- What is the movers’ estimated timeline?
Some full-service companies drop off moving containers or pods at your home and allow you to pack at your leisure before they pick up the container to be transported. Others may offer packing assistance, so be sure to ask about the services available to you.
Moving out of state is easy with Home.com
You have a lot to do when moving to a new address in a new state. You’ll need to track all those to-do items before, during, and after the move.
As part of your moving checklist, make sure you choose a mortgage company with the experience and passion for finding their clients the best mortgage at a competitive rate.
Make your out-of-state move easier by contacting Home.com today.
Together, we can get you into your new home. Start life in your new location on the right foot.
Photo by RODNAE Productions
