We have another really great guest post to share with you this week. Considering Moving to a New State? Read This First, by Laura Pearson. Thank you Laura for providing this awesome article for us!! We really enjoyed it and appreciate the time you took for us!!
Moving to a new state can be exciting, especially if you’ve lived in the same place for a while. There will be new things to do and places to explore. But there can be some unknowns that can make the move a little daunting, too. Once you’ve settled on your new city and state, follow these tips from Living 4 You Boutique to ensure you’re prepared.
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CONSIDERING MOVING TO A NEW STATE?
READ THIS FIRST
Photo Credit: Nelson Gono via Unsplash
The Cost of Living
There can be significant changes in the costs of living across the United States. In fact, even within the same state or city, you can find surprisingly large differences in what things like houses or gasoline or even groceries cost. Before you move, start gathering information on how much general necessities cost so you can be prepared for any significant differences.
Look into transportation-related expenses, too. In some cities, like San Francisco, CA or New York, NY, it doesn’t make financial sense to drive your car. Whereas in other places, you may feel incredibly stuck without an automobile. Research public transportation options and call your auto insurance company to see if there are any rate changes for your new location.
4 Tips for Moving to a New State
1. Use Virtual Tours to Explore Housing
Virtual tours are a boon when you’re moving to a new state, allowing you to explore properties room by room to decide if they’re a potential fit. While many real estate and rental sites offer virtual tours on most properties, you can still take one even if a tour isn’t pre-loaded on the site. Simply ask your real estate agent or the property manager to give you a tour over a video call, as most are happy to oblige.
Once you’ve found the right house, it’s time to get the basics established. You may not have chosen a turnkey home, so some repairs might be in order. You’ll need to decide if you’re going to do the work yourself or hire a contractor. It’s also important to get homeowner’s insurance. If you’re still determining whether the price is justified, remember that major repairs and some home appliances are covered. If your new home is older, homeowner’s insurance is likely the way to go.
2. Handle Your Relocation Like a Military Move
When the military re-stations families, they separate the move into two shipments. The first is considered unaccompanied baggage and contains critical items that you’ll need right away. The second is household goods, which consists of the remainder of your belongings.
When you pack, separate your must-have items from the rest of your property. That way, you know what boxes contain your crucial belongings, making it easier to find the essentials once it’s time to unpack.
3. Start Your Job Search Early
It takes time to find a new job. Since that’s the case, begin your search before your planned arrival in your new state. If you get an interview offer, let the hiring manager know that you’re in the middle of relocating and request a video interview. Often, for strong candidates, they’ll consider the request, particularly if you could still begin working by their preferred start date.
If you are moving because of a job, or have already secured one, let them know when you are moving so that you can make specific arrangements. Even if you’ve been working from home, there will be glitches and delays during a move. According to the Muse, it’s important to be honest about the hours you’re working during the move, and to stay as organized as possible. Let your coworkers know that you’ll be moving, too, so they’re not surprised if there are delays or if you’re harder to reach, especially on travel days.
4. Spend a Day Like a Tourist
Once you arrive, spend at least one day acting like a tourist in your new city. Explore the local attractions, find the hotspot restaurants, and wander the major shopping areas. It’s a fun way to get your footing. Plus, the people working at tourist locations are often willing to chat about the city, making them a great resource.
Starting a New Business
Relocating can be a great time to start a new venture. If you’ve had a business idea brewing, take some steps to see if it’s feasible before you launch into your move. Ask yourself if there’s a market for what you have to offer. And make sure that you can explain how your goods or services are different from others that may be out there.
If you decide to move forward with launching a company, start by writing a business plan to increase your chance of success. In a business plan, you should describe the company, outline how you’ll sell products or services, describe your company structure, discuss your required funding, and detail financial projections. That way, it serves as a functional roadmap. You’ll also need to determine a name, register with the state, apply for any license or permits, and join the local chamber of commerce. Every state has different requirements, so make sure you have conducted state-specific research before moving forward.
Starting a new chapter is exciting, and your new state no doubt offers many opportunities and adventures. But it’s best to go into a major life change with some information in hand. Do a little due diligence before your big move, and you’ll be living like a local in no time.
We at Living 4 You Boutique love travel, and we’ve written up some tips on many different states. Visit our website to see if we have information on your new home state!
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