Moving out of state is a big deal.
Moving out of state is a big deal. That is to say, it can be a very big deal. We’ve met people that have moved from state to state so many times they’ve practically made it an art form. For moving novices though, moving is not something to take lightly and it can become quite overwhelming if not researched ahead of time. To help you “count the cost” of moving out of state, we’ve put together a list of key points that we think will help you determine if you’re heading in the right direction.
Don’t move until you’ve visited the new state
This might seem obvious but you’d be surprised how many people wing it. Visiting the new state and the community where you’re proposing to move will help you get a feel for the area and to see if it fits your current lifestyle choices. Find a church, check out retail options, visit grocery stores, look at gyms, explore parks, etc. Essentially wherever you go in your current city, look for an out-of-state counterpart.
We should also mention that researching school options are a major must-do before you commit to a state, a city, or even a neighborhood (where you think your child would go might not be the case given school zoning).
Find out how much it costs to live there
Have you been offered a new job with an amazing benefits package but have to move to accept it? Before you accept the position, be sure to research the cost of living in the new city. You might be surprised by what you find out. For example, it’s 24.7% more expensive to live in Hoover, Alabama than in Indianapolis, Indiana. Food costs more, the median home cost is substantially higher, and the average cost of health care is 21.6% more. Use the cost-of-living calculator here to run your comparison.
Start your home search well in advance
Whether you are house hunting during the height of the spring homebuying season or a housing market high, offering for and having your home offer accepted can be difficult. Many realtors caution their clients that it could take a few offers before one is finally accepted. We say all that only to illustrate the need to start searching for a new home or even apartment early on. You don’t want to depart without a destination confirmed.
Determine what you are going to do with your current home
If you’re currently leasing an apartment or home, you’ll simply need to review the terms of your lease and give the proper notice. If you own a home and want to retain it, you’ll have to make sure you have a plan for maintenance and upkeep. If you would prefer to sell it, you’ll want to connect with a realtor as soon as possible. In a perfect world, the house will be sold before your move but it’s better to prepare for the opposite.
Decide if you’re ready to tackle a move of this magnitude
Uprooting your life is exciting but it takes a lot of physical, mental, and emotional work. You may be prepared to pack up your belongings but may not realize the emotional impact it could have on you. Are you ready to say goodbye to family and friends? Can you leave the only home your children have ever known? Did you realize just how many memories a home can hold? It can be overwhelming, to say the least. Make sure you take some time to reflect on how this move will affect you in ways you may not anticipate.
Getting your belongings to the new state
When it comes to moving – whether it’s across town, across the state, or out of state, you’ll have to decide whether or not to hire professional movers or rent a truck and do it yourself. We’re biased (of course, we’re a moving company) and would highly recommend the professional mover option for several reasons including:
- No heavy lifting on your end
- They use the proper equipment
- They have the know-how to move your belongings -from grand pianos to sensitive electronic equipment
- They’re more careful than your recruitments (i.e., anyone who will work for pizza)
- It’ll save you time and energy
Experienced movers serving the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros
If you’d like to learn more about Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., and how our locally owned and family-operated moving company can help with all your moving and packing needs, please contact us today. We specialize in local, intrastate, and interstate moves and have been offering residential and commercial moving services in the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros since 2003!
