Are you thinking of moving to a new state? If the answer is yes, there is a high probability you are an American. According to move.org, over 30 million Americans move annually. If you are moving on your own, or your employer needs to relocate moving to a new state can be challenging, so it is essential to plan accordingly.
Determine Cost
The most important thing you should do before moving to a new state is to make a budget and start saving money. Having the funds to relocate is an essential thing to do before moving because without money, it’s virtually impossible to do anything. At this point in your plan, you want to make a list of everything it will take to move and determine costs. Moving can get expensive, very fast. Factor in all traveling expenses, this includes gas money, food for the trip hotels, movers moving materials. Failing to anticipate these expenses accurately can blindside you and put you back financially before you even get started. The budget can vary tremendously depending on if your employer is footing the bill or if you are moving at your free will. If your employer is relocating you, it is essential to understand what they will pay for or reimburse you. For example, your employer may cover all the entire processes, including movers, and all traveling expenses. In many cases, your employer may foot the bill for breaking your lease, hotels, and virtually all cost associated with the moving process.
What Are You Moving?
After you have determined the cost of the move, next, you should learn what to move. One of the hidden benefits of moving is it presents an opportunity to do some spring cleaning. By sitting down to make a list of things you have to move, you will surely discover a few things that are more suited for the trash can or recycling bin. While making your list of things to move sure to stir clear of the chest of old clothes, that old computer you had since college or that box in the crawl space filled with newspapers. By taking a few moments to make a list of items to be moved can save you money, time, and effort during this process. When making this list, it’s a good idea to organize it by room. Be sure and sit in each room as you survey the contents within to be safe not to miss anything.
Taxes
An often-overlooked aspect of moving to a new state is filing your state income taxes. With so many things on your plate from the move, it can be easy to forget about individual state income taxes. When it’s time to file taxes, you will have to file two state income tax returns to cover the time lived in each state assuming, of course, you earned wages in both states during the same year. With the new TurboTax Live, you can have access to an online tax CPA from your own home in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, or any other US city.
Determining Your Method of Moving
When moving, you have three options, hiring professional movers, rent a truck, and do it yourself, or use a shipping service company.
Professional Movers
Professional movers by far are the easiest way to move in my opinion. Let’s not kid ourselves moving is lots of work, and professional movers take most of the work out of the equation. Each moving company offers its unique services, but overall, you can pay the movers to pack and move your items or move items you have packaged and prepared for moving. Before deciding to go with a particular moving company, get recommendations if possible and read customer reviews. Investigate the company’s history to determine how long they have been in operation. Professional movers with at least three years of experience are a significant factor to decide whether they will do a good job. I would only decide on a new company if I got personal recommendations. Ensure the company is fully insured and is licensed to be in business. Notably, when hiring movers to travel between states, they must be registered with the US Department of Transportation. The USDOT has a free, searchable resource, that is available to the public to identify the state the moving company is registered. There are also many resources online that allow you to search for reputable moving companies.
Renting a Truck
Deciding to rent a truck and move may be a challenge if you don’t have any experience driving a truck. For example, rental vehicles don’t have a rearview mirror; something car drivers are typically dependent. Typically, rental companies will charge you for the size of the truck and the number of miles you plan to travel. Most rental truck companies offer optional truck insurance you can buy to cover any damage during your move.
Shipping Service Company
Shipping companies are convenient as you don’t have to move your items, you have to pack them. The shipping company will drop a large crate at your home, and you are to fill it with your packed items. After you have filled the container with your contents, you are required to purchase a lock to lock your personal belongings, and the company will pick them up and ship them to your desired location. If for whatever reason your living situation isn’t settled in the state you are moving to, and you aren’t quite ready to unpack your items, some shipping companies will allow you to keep your crate on their premises until, for a monthly fee, until you are prepared to move in.
Paperwork
The paperwork aspect of moving includes utility bills, notifying your bank, obtaining drives license, and ensure your address is officially changed so as not to miss essential documents in the mail.
Banks
Banks, including private banking institutions and credit cards. With many instances of identity theft, you want to ensure all your major credit card companies and any banks you use that you will be moving. Most credit and debit cards use your registered zip code to ensure transactions are authorized. Most companies allow you to change your address online.
Driver License and Registration
Make sure to change your address online if possible before seeking a new license, because you will also need to register your car at your new address. Driving laws vary widely from state to state, so become familiar with local laws.
Conclusion
Moving to a new state can be a stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to be. With proper planning and effective budgeting, and a little bit of due diligence moving can a smooth stress-free experience.