Moving across the country can be very exciting, but also very intimidating. A move this big presents new opportunities, but also new challenges. You get to explore a completely different part of the country, but you’re also probably likely moving away from friends and family.
Even moving to another house in the same city is stressful, so a cross-country move presents even more stress and more planning. Successful cross-country moves happen all the time, and they can even be less stressful with thorough planning. Here are a few things to consider when moving across the country.
#1: Research Your New State
Whether you’re moving because of a job opportunity, or just because you desire something new, it’s super important to learn about the new state you’re moving to— especially if it’s in a different region of the U.S.
The Job Market
Even if your cross-country move is for a job, it’s still a good idea to research the job market statistics of your new home. You’ll need to do some research to see if your new state/city has room for growth in your industry. If your move is not due to a job, then it’s even more important for you to research the job market. It can be harder for you to find a job in your profession, or it can be easier.
State Laws
Even though the United States is one single country, certain laws vary from state to state. A general example would be car insurance. If you’re moving from a state that doesn’t require car insurance, either Virginia or New Hampshire, then you’ll need to make sure you have car insurance, as all of the other 48 states require it. There are several other laws that vary among the states, such as gun laws, marriage/divorce laws, and business laws.
#2: How to Move
On average, it costs around $4,890 to complete an interstate move using a professional moving company. Depending on how far you’re moving from your original location, it can cost more or less. First and foremost, you’ll have to figure out how you’re going to move all of your things from one state to another. This can be with the help of a moving truck, a freight trailer, or even shipping your belongings to your new location. When moving across the country, it would probably be best to have everything shipped.
Another thing to consider is your car. If you have a vehicle, you can definitely make a drive across the country, but it may be easier to have your car shipped to your new home. This again, depends on the distance you’re moving, how much your moving budget is, and even personal preference.
A move across the country for some is the perfect opportunity to see the United States. Shipping your car is definitely easier to do than driving it across the country, but it is also more expensive. The average cost to ship a car is close to $1,000.00.
#3: Tie Up Loose Ends
Before you move, don’t forget to do small things, such as forwarding your mail, arranging a key drop-off, and collecting all health and personal records. These small details are easily forgotten during a big move. It’s also a good idea to cancel any active local memberships so you won’t be charged for them later. Because moving is expensive, you don’t want any unnecessary charges later.
Two other very important things to have before a big move (or any move) are to have a moving budget and a checklist. You don’t want to end up spending more money than you have to, and you also don’t want to forget anything— which can also potentially cost you more money.
Any kind of move, big or small, can be very stressful. Having a solid plan can help relieve a lot of that stress. Carefully planning a big move can help you feel more prepared, and when you’re more prepared, you’re more confident.
