By Meghan Belnap
Over the past year, more and more Americans have begun to expand their horizons when it comes to their careers and families. That horizon will often expand beyond their state's borders and into another state. Moving is stressful enough, but moving out of state can be a nightmare.
Related: Tips for Moving Out of a Storage Unit
Everything from legal paperwork to where you're going to stay is going to be on your mind. Below are a few important steps to remember when moving out of state:
Choose the Right Moving Service
Unless you're willing to give away 90% of your belongings, it's likely that you're going to need a professional moving service. However, homeowners often ignore or simply forget that not all companies are the same and thus will provide you with different levels of service.
For example, some moving companies don't work with animals, which means you may be left dealing with your pets all on your own. It's especially important to keep in mind the distance a moving company is willing to drive, as some will not cross state lines.
Arrange Mail Forwarding
Perhaps the most tedious aspect of moving from one state to another is having to transfer your mail service. Not only is it difficult to remember every single account you have connected to your address, but it can also be a risk to your finances if certain mail, such as credit card bills, keep ending up at your old home. A mail forwarding service will ensure that important mail is sent to your new residence.
Research Your New Location
Being new to a state is never easy, but with today's technology, at least you won't be lost as well. This is why it's highly recommended to research your state and city as much as possible. This research should include things such as state law and requirements, as well as where the nearest hospital and grocery stores are located. If you have children, you can set up a virtual meeting with their new school to figure out the best route to take and where they're allowed to be dropped off in the mornings.
As you can see from the information above, there are many things that you should keep in mind before moving out of state. Of course, there are more steps that you can take to make your move even easier, so continue reflecting on your or your family's needs.
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being outdoors and researching new topics that help to expand her horizons; you can often find her buried in a good book. Belnap recommends a contacting a professional mail forwarding service when you're ready to move out of state.
