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While moving to a different state is a big step, it comes with learning new things and the fun of watching a new life come together. If it’s your first big move, you’ll find yourself with newfound confidence as you navigate the challenges of settling into your new home.

Of course, there are some considerations to moving so far away, so it pays to know exactly what you’ll face and make a plan ahead of time:

Making new connections: One of the most isolating parts of moving out of state is losing family, friends, and the community you’ve lived in until now. Try joining some local clubs to find new people to connect with.
It’s time-consuming: When you move from one state to another, you will bring your whole life with you — which means a lot of time spent packing. You’ll also have a significant investment in packaging materials, fuel, and other necessities, especially if you make the move yourself.

Should You Move Out of State?

You’re not alone if you’re wondering if you should move to a different state. Keep reading to learn about the common reasons others choose to move out of state.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in your current state or hometown might not be sustainable in the long term for your family, especially if it’s growing. Housing prices, taxes, food, and other essential expenses are all vital considerations when debating if moving out of state is right for you.

Job Market

If you work in a niche industry or don’t have considerable job opportunities in your area, it makes sense to want to move somewhere with a thriving job market. Once you find the perfect workplace in another state, it may be time to consider moving.

Crime Rates

Sometimes, moving is a matter of your and your loved ones’ safety. High crime rates or other problems threatening your family’s livelihood are always reason enough to start a new chapter somewhere else.

Weather

The weather in your hometown or state can significantly impact your mood and affect any asthma or allergies you or a loved one may have. Moving to a different area with a more favorable climate may be necessary to enhance your quality of life.

Family

It’s challenging to live far away from your family and friends. You may want to move closer to a family member to care for them or be near them in emergencies. You may also simply prefer to be closer to your support network.

School and College

You might want to move out of state to attend a university or send your children to a promising school system. Education is crucial for shaping your and your family’s future, so moving to an area that offers your preferred study programs makes sense.

How to Move Out of State

When you’re preparing to move to a new state, keep these tips in mind to make the process as simple as possible.

1. Plan Early

Establish a moving budget as soon as you can. This number should include moving expenses and about three months’ worth of income for any issues that may arise. As you think about moving costs, you’ll have to decide how you want to move. Using a moving company might look more pricey, but since companies often include packing services and streamline the moving process, it might be the best option for you. If you’re looking to hire a professional mover, it’s recommended to get estimates at least 2 months in advance!

2. Do Research

Before you move to a new state, try to visit the area at least once to get an idea of your new home. See what stores and restaurants are nearby and meet some community members. If you have kids, check out the school districts and which ones will be the best fit for your children. If you can’t make it to the area in person, do a Google street view search and explore that way.

3. Donate Unused Things

Your future self will thank you for decluttering and downsizing before moving. Consider things you don’t use in your current household — will you really use them in the new place? Some donation centers will even pick up your donations for you!

4. Update or Close Accounts

Updating subscriptions and amenities can quickly fall to the bottom of your list with everything else that accompanies a move. When informing your electric and water companies about your move, remember to update your mailing address and cancel any local memberships. You will also have to update your license and voter registration when you get to your new home.

5. Keep Your Valuables Close

Whether you’re moving or with the help of a moving company, your most precious items should always stay close to you. Jewelry, money, electronics, pets, and any other sentimental objects should always travel with you, not in the back of a truck. You’ll also likely need a “move-in bag” with clothes, food, chargers, and any other items you’ll need right away at the new house.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State?

Moving to a new state is an exciting adventure, but with every adventure comes its expenses. How much it costs to move out of state will ultimately depend on how you transport your items. You can transfer your belongings safely from A to B in several ways, including using professional moving companies, moving containers, and truck rentals — all of which will have unique price tags.

Moving Containers

The price of hiring a moving container depends on the size and number of containers and the distance you plan to travel. The number of trips and whether you or a hired professional will transport the containers will also impact the final cost.

Truck Rentals

The price of renting a truck to move your possessions mostly depends on factors such as:

The truck’s size.
Fuel costs.
Insurance.
The moving date.
Distance traveled.
How many trips you’ll take?
Whether you or a professional drive the truck.

Depending on the number of personal items you need to move, hiring a dedicated moving company may be more cost-effective. In this case, knowing what you can and can’t pack is essential when hiring a moving truck.

Professional Moving Companies

The cost of hiring a professional moving company typically depends on the shipment’s weight, mileage traveled, and labor and insurance costs. A licensed, trustworthy moving company should allow customers to request a free binding not-to-exceed estimate to protect themselves from receiving a quote that is too good to be true only to find it wasn’t accurate later on.

While hiring a moving company can be more expensive than renting a truck or moving container, dedicated staff will lift the burden of packing and transporting your items from your shoulders. A professional moving company like David McCarthy includes packing services to make moving out of state a convenient, hassle-free experience. So you can focus on the rest of your moving to-do list items and leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.

How David McCarthy Moving Can Help

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your big move, contact David McCarthy Moving. We’ve assisted people in moving all over the country for over 30 years. Our services include packing and unpacking, handling valuables and fragile items, and air-conditioned temporary storage for your possessions. Talk to our moving experts today to learn more about our residential, commercial, and long-distance moving services.

Moving Out of State: Pros, Tips, & Cost