Moving Out of State? Get Ready for the Big Move!

Preparing for and getting through any move is hard work, but moving out of state means taking on a whole other list of important pre-move to-do’s. Millions of people relocate to another state every year, with the most common reasons being change of employment, retirement, marriage or moving closer to family.

All big life events are made even bigger when facing a major move. However, with some advance planning, you can take a lot of the culture shock out of your move. However, there are a few simple things you can do now to help your interstate move go smoothly.

Do Your Research Early

• Google all the need-to-knows: Look up the city you’re moving to and find out about its history, landscape, neighborhoods and culture. Zero in on local TV stations to learn about the area’s traffic and weather patterns. Basically, become a local! I had one client move closer to family this year, and one of the things she regrets the most is that she did not realize how different the landscape was. The shock of moving from the Puget Sound region to the flatlands of North Dakota almost put her on a moving truck back to Washington!
• Scope out the schools: If you have children, this one is important! Peruse the Internet to review and evaluate schools in your new location before you move. Websites like GreatSchools and SchoolDigger can help you choose a great school ahead of time.
• Find out the location of where you’ll be working: This is huge, especially if you’re moving to a large metropolitan area. Depending on the city’s traffic and demographics, where you live is tied to where you work. You might think your 20-mile freeway commute is a short one, but if the traffic tends to be very heavy during rush hour, your total travel time could easily double.

Get Help with House Hunting

• Is your employer paying for your move? Check out what other relocation services may be available to you through them. Many companies have relocation departments with great connections in real estate, corporate housing, schools and much more. They’re there to help, so use them!
• Are you planning to purchase a home? Get a realtor on board early. They can be your eyes and feet on the street when it comes to screening houses, locations and other options. They can also provide detailed area information on neighborhoods and schools.
• Are you planning to lease? Most major real estate firms have leasing divisions and will set up tours of multiple lease properties for you to visit. You can usually find them via online searches for “property management” and “corporate housing.”  Websites like Craigslist, Redfin, Zillow and Trulia also have lease/rental divisions.

Prevent Issues with Finances & Benefits

• Cost of Living: Compare the cost difference between where you are now and where you are moving to. How far your salary goes can vary greatly, and it’s best to get this figured out early so you can better maintain your lifestyle later.
• Banking: Check to see whether your bank is located in the state you’re moving to, especially if you use something local like a credit union. Your funds might not transfer, so it’s a good idea to go online and create an account at a bank in your new town. That way, you’ll have immediate access to funds when you arrive in your new home.
• Medical Coverage: If you’re retired or self-insured, make sure your existing medical coverage will cover you in your new city. If it doesn’t, you may be eligible for a special enrollment period.
• Other Insurance: Contact your policyholder and ensure your auto and homeowner’s policies will move with you to your new state

Take the NextStep

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