Moving to another state can be both exhilarating and exhausting, so it’s important to plan for it all well in advance. Have a look at this checklist of some things you need to know before you make the move and learn from it so you can have an easy time and enjoy the process.
Check Out the State’s Website
Before you get moving, it’s a good idea to have a look at the website of the state that you’re planning on moving to. Doing this will help you learn a few things about the state and prepare you mentally. You need to know things such as how soon you need to apply for a new driver’s license in the new state and also establish a domicile for purposes of paying taxes and more. You will find out details like the fact that Alabama is an at-fault state. This means that if you were to be injured in a car accident, the driver who is at fault is responsible for compensating all of the injured parties.
Talk to Your Whole Family About it
It’s also important to all be on the same page about your move, so take time to talk to your family about it. Involve your kids as well, and allow them to express any feelings that they may have so that they will more easily accept the fact and settle faster in their new environment when they get there. Apart from giving them ample time to process the move, you will also make it possible for them to say their goodbyes to friends and teachers so they don’t leave before they’ve had a chance to do so.
Look at the Floor Plan of Your New Place
Another important thing you need to do is to get a new home in the state where you’re moving to. Once you’ve found one that you’re ready to call home and possibly even paid for it, look at its floor plans in detail. This will help you see in advance how you can organize it when you get there. You will therefore know whether you need to buy new things or dispose of some of the things you have. You don’t want to start struggling to fit huge appliances and furniture in a small space, so take the time to understand the sizing details of your new place. If there are spaces that you feel might work better if they were different, you could plan on doing a renovation. About 28% of people who own property say that this is a more affordable option for them than buying a property that’s more aligned with their needs.
Cancel Memberships and Notify Schools
Don’t forget to cancel any memberships you have, including gym and cable services that are specific to your current address. You will need to set up new ones when you settle in your new home, so put the ones you currently have to a stop. Talk to your utility companies and let them know you’re moving so you can settle any balances, and forward all your mail to your new address. Also, let your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors know that you plan to move out so that you don’t forget about it until after you’ve crossed a few state lines!
Budget Well
Finally, budget for your move and set aside some money for emergencies and miscellaneous issues that may come up. From transportation to paying for new subscriptions at your new home, you need to have enough money so that the move is as comfortable as possible. If there are any renovations you would like to do in the near future, keep in mind that you can hire a design-build firm. They have one team of experts who are capable of working on an entire home project from the top to the bottom.
This information should help make your move to another state stress-free and manageable, so keep it in mind.
