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A green sign that says Residences at Forestdale.

Moving to a New State

Moving to a New State

Moving to a new state has many challenges, but we will discuss those issues and how to overcome them in this post. 8.4% of Americans moved in 2021, and 39% of residents were considering a move in 2022. Some top destinations for people are Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee.


Moving Your Possessions

If you are moving from California to Texas, you obviously must move all your physical possessions there, which gets expensive. You have a few options on how to do this:

  • hire a professional mover who specializes in moving to a new state (more expensive)
  • rent a moving truck (cheaper)

    • Also, remember that some employers may be willing to pay for your move, so be sure to ask!

    Don't forget your cars if you have them! Some people drive their cars to their new home while others use a company such as Montway Auto Transport to move their vehicle (especially if you have more than one). A great way to save money moving more than one car is to ask a loyal friend for help. They tend to have lower rates (like being paid in pizza or gas money) than professionals.

    MOVING TO A HIGH-COST-OF-LIVING STATE

    If you are moving from a low-cost-of-living state like Illinois to someplace with a slightly higher cost of living, such as North Carolina or Colorado, it can be challenging to get started. Rent or mortgage payments will be higher, and you might not be earning bigger paychecks yet.

    Moving in with friends or family can help with this. However, you might not be able to do that. In that case, it's wise to build up a nest egg of 3 months' expenses in the new state. (Remember to calculate your costs in the new state, not your current one.) Figuring it out this way will help protect you from any unforeseen problems.

    FINDING A HOUSE OR APARTMENT

    Another challenge of moving to a new state is the inability to tour apartments before committing to a new apartment. If you cannot visit your new location before moving, dont fret! There are options that can help you feel more comfortable with an apartment without being able to see it first physically.

    Some apartment communities provide robust virtual tours so you can see what you are getting. If this is not an option, try asking the leasing or real estate agent to walk through the home with you on video chat. Its not as good as being there in person, but it can give you a good idea of your potential new home. You can also always request to see your new home before you sign the paperwork, but that can be very stressful because you dont have time to find another option, so we suggest reaching out beforehand.

    Its also important to look at an apartment communitys online reviews. I suggest comparing it to other communities in the area. Generally, apartment complexes will have lower ratings than other businesses, so dont be discouraged. Apartment reviews are more negative because if you have a problem with where you live, its tough to forget about it. Also, some people really enjoy reviewing restaurants online (but that doesnt happen with apartment complexes).

    CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS

    Once youve moved in, its time to change your address. You should update your address with the United States Post Office and register to vote.

    As you settle in, you should update your address with everyone. The Post Office can forward your mail for 6 months (and you can extend it to 1 year), but eventually, that will stop.

    two parking meters sitting next to each other on a street

    ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

    It might be warmer or colder than your previous home or even more humid! Usually, it takes about two weeks for your body to adjust to new weather conditions, but it can take longer mentally. You might need to buy new sheets or clothes, so make sure you budget for these expenses before you move.


    THE CULTURAL CHANGE

    It will take some time and effort to adjust to a new state. It would help if you talked to someone you know who lives where you are moving, and they can help you.

    You can start with your neighbors. Its a good idea to know your neighbors, especially in case of an emergency like losing your phone or keys. Be mindful that your definition of being neighborly might be different in a new state. This is part of the cultural change. Talk to those around you to get an idea of the new culture.

    COMMUNITY

    It's crucial to build an interpersonal community in your new state. Moving to a new state means you will likely lose most of the relationship capital you've developed, and small things like getting someone to watch your pets may be more challenging. It's also essential to become friends with people with whom you share hobbies, interests, or beliefs. Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new friends and network. Post about your move on social media! You might be able to reconnect with some friends or relatives that you didn't know lived in your new city.

    two women sitting at a table laughing with a laptop

    CONCLUSION

    Moving to a new state can be daunting, but you can overcome these challenges if you take things step-by-step. You will be in a new climate, cultural environment, and community, so research your new location before moving.