Moving to a new home is exciting, although it’s a tremendous amount of work. Moving to a different state, however, adds a few layers of complexity. Fortunately, with adequate planning and a little strategy, your move can go smoothly. Here are some tips from Home by Designs to get you started.
Have a Budget in Place When Buying a Home
Ask friends and family for references to good realtors in your target area, and begin working with the person you choose well ahead of time for your move. Of course, you can do your own searching online and send your realtor a list of properties you wish to see. It’s also a great idea to research the cost of living in your new area. As you create a budget for the move, it’s important to factor in the costs of all expenses, both one-time things, like closing on a house, and ongoing regular bills, including utilities, taxes, monthly rent or mortgage payments, transportation, and food.
Another expense that should be factored in is insurance. You will need either homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. Homeowner’s insurance covers damage to the home itself, and theft or damage to your belongings, while renter’s insurance will cover loss or damage of your property. A home warranty, meanwhile, can cover appliances, and your HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Different policies cover different things to varying extents, so it’s important that you start by checking out reviews on home warranty companies. While you may have had homeowners insurance and a home warranty in your previous residence, these policies and laws can vary depending upon the state you live in, so take the time to do your research before moving.
Have a Plan in Place for Work
If you already have a job in the new area, your employer may be willing to help with the costs of moving or provide information about the area. If you plan to find a new job, begin the search before you make the move. Of course, you can use online services, such as Indeed and LinkedIn, and be sure to tell your friends, family, and business contacts about your job search, as personal connections are often the path to rewarding employment.
If you left behind your job and don’t have a new one, you may be thinking of starting your own business in the new area. Ideally, these plans should begin long before the actual move. It’s important to have a business plan that states the objective of your business, describes how it will be set up, and what products and/or services the business will offer. Although it can be difficult to know in advance, it’s important to estimate the amount of funding you’ll need and how you plan to generate it, as well as the income you expect your endeavor to generate.
Have a Strategy in Place for Settling In
Once the boxes have been unloaded and you’ve unpacked in your new place, it’s time to learn your way around the new town. Devote a day or two to finding landmarks that you’ll use frequently, like the post office, library, coffee shop, grocery stores, pharmacy, and schools or places of worship, as appropriate. If you’re going to a new workplace, plan your transportation and route to get there, and figure out the parking or subway situation in advance. Find a restaurant that offers your favorite cuisine, and treat yourself to a meal out as you explore.
Next, don’t forget the basics – like changing your address, setting up utilities, and getting started with a new doctor. Luckily, these days, all of that can be done online, including getting set up with a virtual doctor from the comfort and privacy of your new home.
After that, start introducing yourself to your new neighbors, and ask each person for information on some aspect of your new town. Your questions will be an easy conversation starter, as well as help you to learn your way around. Remember, getting to know the new area will take some time, so be patient with the process.
If you have children or pets, it’s important to help them make adjustments to the new place, too. Individual reactions to the relocation can vary tremendously. Remember to be patient with the process–it’s not going to happen overnight. Although there are probably a thousand things that need to be done to set up in your new place, spending time with children and/or pets can help to reassure them that all is well, so make that a priority.
There are many different components of making a successful interstate move. If you begin your planning well ahead of time, you’ll be able to find a great new home, pack and move your belongings in an organized way, creating a successful beginning in your new location.
