How To Move Out Of State
In February ‘07, I left home to seek a better life for myself.
My plan was to leave New Jersey where I had been born and raised, so that I could start a new life in Michigan with my girlfriend Cassie. At the time, it was hands down the most difficult thing I had ever planned to do, but with love as my motivator I simply could not be stopped.
When I began preparing to move, I did some research online. I was surprised that I was unable to find a decent guide explaining how to move out of state.
I went ahead with my move, learning each step of the way on my own, making a point to keep track of all the steps I took. In this article, I’ve compiled the list of steps to create a “How To Move Out Of State” checklist.
Pick your moving date, and then tell someone about it.
Before doing anything, I suggest you pick a moving date. When you plan your moving date in advance, you create a goal for yourself and begin to take action towards it. Telling someone about your goal helps to further solidify your plan, because you make your goal accountable to someone else.
When I made the decision to move, it was August ‘06. I set my moving date six months in the future, at a time when Cassie would be finished college and in a position to live with me. Six months turned out to be a perfect amount of time — it was more than enough for making the moving preparations, plus it allowed me plenty of opportunity to save some money for the move.
Trash, sell, or donate your excessive belongings.
Pruning your life of unnecessary possessions is a great way to put gears in motion. The objective is to limit the amount of things to take with you on moving day by getting rid of things you can live without.
My strategy for relieving myself from the things in my apartment that I no longer needed was:
- Designate specific rooms for storing items with similar fates. In my case, my two-story apartment had a loft area with two opposing attics. I emptied one attic, and designated it as the place for storing items I wanted to save. The other attic was deemed an area for all things still needing to be sorted. The loft area between the two attics was where I did my sorting.
- Create categorized storage bins for the items you’re keeping. As I made my selections of what I planned to keep, I was simultaneously organizing the items into four different storage bins:
- Computer & Electronics
- Hobbies & Music
- Sentimental & Pictures
- Kitchen & Bath
With exception of the last storage bin, I was able to have the boxes completely packed and ready well before my moving date.
- As you come across things that you don’t intend to save, remove such items from your sorting area. For instance, whenever I came across something worthy of being sold, I brought it to the “sell table” I had set up in my kitchen. Whenever I came across clothes I didn’t wear anymore, I added them to the plastic bags in my bedroom intended for Good Will. Trash that needed to be shredded met the paper shredder I had readily available in the sorting area, and other trash immediately met the garbage can.
- Limit yourself to sorting a certain amount of boxes each day. If you’re like me, then you have boxes of clutter that has accumulated from living in one spot for a few years. It’s much too overwhelming to try and sort through all your possessions at once — easing through it gradually means that you will beat it over time without getting stressed out. Conquering only three boxes a day allowed me to feel accomplished every time I completed my “three box goal,” and made the amount of trash I was unloading each week manageable.
Establish your new living arrangements.
Online resources like Realtor.com and ForRent.com will give you an idea of the costs involved in inhabiting a new home at your planned location. It will be necessary, of course, to visit the area you’ll be relocating to.
Since I was leaving an apartment, there was no need for me to sell my home. I was also fortunate enough to have Cassie already living in Michigan, where she was willing to look at apartments within our price range. After locating an affordable apartment, Cassie called me excitedly to share the details of where we’d be starting our new life together.
Inform all appropriate parties about your moving plans.
Once you know what your new address will be, you should:
- Contact a moving company, if you plan to use one.
- Inform your current landlord of your planned moving date.
- Plan on putting in your two weeks with your current employer.
- Schedule a change of address with the United States Postal Service.
- Submit Form 8822, Address Change Request, with the IRS.
- Schedule service disconnects for your utilities.
- Contact your current insurance providers to discuss the best method of transferring your insurance policies to your new state.
- Meet with a financial representative at your bank to discuss the best method of transferring your finances to your new state.
Before the day of the move…
- Mark your packed boxes with the name of the room they belong in at your new home.
- Consider vacuum-packing your clothes if you’re desperate for space.
- Plan your travel method and route.
- Prepare an “essentials box” for last-on and first-off the moving truck. This might include essentials from your kitchen and bathroom, a change of clothes, first aid supplies, medications, and some basic tools (hammer, screwdrivers, pliers).
- Arrange to leave your keys with the new tenants, your landlord, or a trusted neighbor.
On the day of the move…
Don’t panic. You’ve scheduled your move far enough in advance that things should go smoothly — but be sure to:
- Search every room before the moving truck leaves.
- Turn off your water heater and set down your thermostat.
After moving…
- Visit a Secretary of State, where you can get help obtaining your new driver’s license, registration, and vehicle tags.
- Send your vehicle’s former tags back to the Secretary of State or Motor Vehicle Commission of your former state. Include a note that you’re retiring the tags and want a receipt sent to your new address.
- Begin new insurance policies for any that were non-transferable. Cancel your corresponding policies once the new policies have begun.
- Locate your nearest hospital and police station.
Remember, this guide was created as a result of the exact steps that I needed to take for my own move in February ‘07. Consequently, the guide will not contain steps for all people in all circumstances. It can, however, give anyone looking to move out of state some idea of the steps involved.
31 Responses to “How To Move Out Of State”
*links for Airen*
Thanks Shaun. I only have 3 weeks to plan my move so it is going to be hectic…
@Pat
Only 3 weeks!? Yikes! I hope reading the article helped somehow — because that does sound hectic indeed!
Thanks that was helpful!
Thank You Thank YOU!! I am moving me and my kids in a few months and this was perfect!!
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Very Helpfull! Just Wondering why you would “Move to Michigan”? Considering most people including myself are moving away because there is NO WORK!
@Justin
I moved to Michigan to live with my girlfriend. We had done the long distance relationship for a year, but once she finished college I moved here to start my future with her.
How do you find a “Secretary of State”? And is it really necesary? As far as registering license plates, couldn’t you wait until your old plates expire? I ask this because my current plates come up for renewal only a couple of months before I plan to move, and I don’t want to have to shell out an additional fee only a couple of months after my renewal.
does anyone know where i can find empty boxes without paying for them….my move is next year but i have to start emptying out my house now so that i can place it on the market. Oh I live in WI.
The best ways that I found for finding boxes for moving are from groceries stores, I would call and tell them that I was moving and needed empty boxes. The dairy department would even save boxes for me. The best boxes are the ones that eggs come in they are large and sturdy. Also, liquor stores are very good, however the boxes tend to be smaller. I hope that this helps. Lots of luck with the move.
Let me say that I am in the same exact boat right now. Moving to a big scary new town in only a few weeks of planning and decisions is quite exciting yet scary.
This guide has given me the needed boost to prove that I can do it also. Not too many other guides that tell you what you really need. Thanks and I have bookmarked this blog as I really enjoy it for daily inspiration! 
Great guide- thanks!
My suggestion for boxes of all sizes- all free and very sturdy- Pier 1 Imports!
Moving in about 6 months from New Jersey to Denver, Co. Great advice, very helpful! Thanks!
Thanks!!!
Thanks so much for this. When I read you were able to do this in 6 months, I was thrilled! Because that is the time we have to be able to move before the new school year starts for my son. I laughed when you wrote go ahead and start packing boxes. My husband and I have been starting to sort out a plan for a week now and he already said lets pack. But he said it in a smart way, like the tons of DVD’s we are not watching but are keeping. Anyways, thanks so much for the help, its got me feeling good about the move!
I get to skip like 10 of these steps LOL. I dont know what Im so worried about, but I am. I think its pure nerves since I will be moving out of state.
Oh btw - grocery stores ARE an awesome place to get free boxes. But please be aware of whats IN or was in the boxes. Once I moved with my mom when I was younger. We used banana boxes (FL - PA) and the bananas were from Ecuador or someplace. And? HUGE TARRANTULAS! IN! THE! BOX!
Apparently they were eggs and then they laid lol. So dont screw with the banana boxes even though they are considered the best. You can also try the liquor store as well. Just call them up and they will leave them for you :o))
Very informative article. =)
This was very helpful as I will be moving to another state in about three months. I am very excited about moving and starting over. I have found that behind strip malls is a great place to get alot of boxes.
I honestly don’t know what to do. MY husband and I have 4 children 5 and under and we are moving from OK to Denver in a couple of months. I go to school and for 1 I can’t find a school up there that offers the same program that I am taking here. Then there is the job issue. Oh Boy this is going to be interesting..
wow…. Tarantulas… I bet you were surprised.
Did you really tell the IRS when you moved? I’ve never done that before. Is that common practice or is that just if you move out of state? I am hoping to move to CA from OH so my boyfriend can go to school- and his school has 6 campuses in CA and we need to figure out which one he’ll go to… but then we’re going to set a goal.
thanks for this information. planning a move (just got the “ok” from my manager) from CA to GA. I just heard a lot of horror stories about moving companies, and am deciding whether I should just try and tackle the move as a DIY– really no time with work and my kids, to pack and drive, so needing some advice on what are some good reputable companies today that I should call– any suggestions? thanks
Hey Nicole I’m planning on moving from CA to GA as well…..I think. Either there or TX. I just know that I need to get out of Cali as I’ve been here all of my life and it’s sure not what it used to be. Thanks for this aricle Shaun because it is quite helpful and helps me to think about what I need to plan ahead and do. Looking to move in about 6-7 months as well. Bookmarking it for motivation and encouragement. Much appreciation!
I changed my address with the IRS the last time I moved (in state) but that was because I didn’t want my stimulus check to get lost!
I think once you start getting paychecks with your new address the IRS will update their records but it’s probably smart to take it into your own hands.
My question is how do you job hunt around this time frame? Do you apply and search within the 6 months and when you get a job do the rest of the moving or do you let employers know of your moving date of six months and have them turn you down cuz they need you now, not six months. Or maybe give them a tentative moving date that keeps changing the further along the six months you get. Please reply! My husband and I have been struggling with this issue for quite a while now. Thank you.
@ Shaun… congrats on the move… please give us an update!! Thanks for the information as well!!
@ Mandy… I’m in the same boat as ya’ll (yes… I currently live in Texas) and I’m basically asking the recruiting agents what to do on my part. We are currently planning on going to Colorado (seems like everyone is!) over March break to look at various areas to settle. I work in the IT area and I want a happy medium for myself and my kids. Easy work commute for myself and the best schools I can afford for my kids.
@ others in CO… how do you like the area you are in? What is the job outlook nowadays and do you see it picking up or stagnant? I know you’re not economist, but hearing it from the locals seems like it’d be a better gauge than some talking head or bias site. Thanks in advanced!
I’m planning on moving to the Ft. Collins (maybe outside Denver or the Springs, not decided as yet)area with my family this coming June 2010 and it’s VERY scary and exilerating at the same time. I’m not a Texan by birth and the heat here pretty much sucks the life out of me for more than 6 months out of the year.
Thanks everyone and happy moving!!!!
Thank you for sharing this information with me! I hope it to be very helpful as this is my first major move without my parents! Im glad someone wrote a “How to” !
This was helpful for me as well. I’m moving from Wisconsin to Florida in a few months and I’m super nervous that I’m going to forget to do something. It’s a huge step. I just need to get away from snow!!!
Hi…I am at my wits end. My husband and I are just trying to move out of state and chose South Carolina. No reason really, just wanted to live where its warmer and start fresh in a better place than here in Wisconsin. Anyone have any clue how to just start up with this? We are looking for work and really don’t want to spend another winter here. Tired of never having any money and our daughter walking in the bitter cold to school. Things financially are scary for us but with us both in school, we do get the help of financial aid. Is it okay to move and then look for work or how do we look for work and then move? Hotel room first? I DONT KNOW…UGH anyone with any advice on how to up and move to Greenville, SC please let us know!
Hi Tara, My family and I are currently living in Alaska and we are working and attempting to save to move for most the same reasons you and your family are. A few suggestions I have are, Craigslist for apts and houses this will give you an idea of the market in that area and give you some numbers for property managers, I would suggest staying in a hotel the first week at an extended stay type place because you dont want to move into a place that you have never seen yourself ( when looking for an apt look during the day inside and come back and look at the neighborhood on a friday evening around 9 pm and agian on a saturday afternoon this shows you drug or crazy party activity at night and family activity on saturday afternoons) As far as work I would definitly check on the unemployment rate in that area if its high then I would be trying to secure some interveiws before getting there I would also look into schools there since that has been your main source of income in the past ( if it aint broke dont fix it) be prepared to get right back into the school scene if you are having issues finding work. I would also try to make sure you have your first six months of rent paid so that if your unemployed still after 90days you have 90 more days to get some school money or something together. and move with the bare minimums a trunk load of stuff skip the uhaul cause you can generally replace your belongings or most of them off the money you would have spent on the uhaul and gas to get it there you can always get cheap furniture when you get to your new location.