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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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:
    1. Computer & Electronics
    2. Hobbies & Music
    3. Sentimental & Pictures
    4. 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.

  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. Contact a moving company, if you plan to use one.
  2. Inform your current landlord of your planned moving date.
  3. Plan on putting in your two weeks with your current employer.
  4. Schedule a change of address with the United States Postal Service.
  5. Submit Form 8822, Address Change Request, with the IRS.
  6. Schedule service disconnects for your utilities.
  7. Contact your current insurance providers to discuss the best method of transferring your insurance policies to your new state.
  8. 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…

  1. Mark your packed boxes with the name of the room they belong in at your new home.
  2. Consider vacuum-packing your clothes if you’re desperate for space.
  3. Plan your travel method and route.
  4. 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).
  5. 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:

  1. Search every room before the moving truck leaves.
  2. Turn off your water heater and set down your thermostat.

After moving…

  1. Visit a Secretary of State, where you can get help obtaining your new driver’s license, registration, and vehicle tags.
  2. 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.
  3. Begin new insurance policies for any that were non-transferable. Cancel your corresponding policies once the new policies have begun.
  4. 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.

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84 Responses to “How To Move Out Of State”

#1 Helen on 06, May, 2007 at 9:45 pm

*links for Airen*

#2 Pat Munns on 25, May, 2007 at 12:49 am

Thanks Shaun. I only have 3 weeks to plan my move so it is going to be hectic…

#3 Shaun Boyd on 25, May, 2007 at 7:10 am

@Pat
Only 3 weeks!? Yikes! I hope reading the article helped somehow — because that does sound hectic indeed!

#4 Bianca on 31, Jul, 2007 at 5:56 pm

Thanks that was helpful!

#5 Carol on 03, Sep, 2007 at 9:02 pm

Thank You Thank YOU!! I am moving me and my kids in a few months and this was perfect!!

#6 cassie » How To Move Out Of State on 29, Oct, 2007 at 12:21 pm

[…] Read the rest of this great post here […]

#7 Justin on 26, Mar, 2008 at 6:19 pm

Very Helpfull! Just Wondering why you would “Move to Michigan”? Considering most people including myself are moving away because there is NO WORK!

#8 Shaun Boyd on 26, Mar, 2008 at 6:30 pm

@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.

#9 Peter on 01, Apr, 2008 at 1:43 pm

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.

#10 Finally getting out of here!!!!!!!! on 15, Jul, 2008 at 9:29 am

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.

#11 Linda on 15, Aug, 2008 at 11:09 pm

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.

#12 Amber on 22, Nov, 2008 at 3:56 pm

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! 🙂

#13 Me on 13, Dec, 2008 at 3:31 pm

Great guide- thanks!

My suggestion for boxes of all sizes- all free and very sturdy- Pier 1 Imports!

#14 Meg on 23, Dec, 2008 at 11:26 am

Moving in about 6 months from New Jersey to Denver, Co. Great advice, very helpful! Thanks!

#15 Nathan on 08, Jan, 2009 at 6:00 am

Thanks!!!

#16 April on 22, Feb, 2009 at 8:02 am

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!

#17 Kristi Ambrose on 27, Feb, 2009 at 1:26 pm

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.

#18 Kristi Ambrose on 27, Feb, 2009 at 1:28 pm

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))

#19 Lee on 17, May, 2009 at 10:35 am

Very informative article. =)

#20 Barbie on 02, Jun, 2009 at 8:04 am

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.

#21 Shanna on 14, Jun, 2009 at 7:32 pm

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..

#22 Liz on 25, Jun, 2009 at 10:45 am

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.

#23 nicole on 03, Sep, 2009 at 5:34 pm

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

#24 LD on 13, Oct, 2009 at 3:43 am

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!

#25 spencer on 19, Oct, 2009 at 11:13 pm

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.

#26 Mandy on 21, Oct, 2009 at 11:24 am

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.

#27 Andy on 08, Nov, 2009 at 4:35 am

@ 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!!!!

#28 Amanda on 11, Jan, 2010 at 5:11 pm

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” !

#29 Ashley on 11, Jan, 2010 at 6:55 pm

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!!!

#30 Tara on 17, Jan, 2010 at 8:10 pm

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!

#31 Miranda on 19, Jan, 2010 at 7:02 pm

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.

#32 Hannah on 02, Apr, 2010 at 1:08 pm

Wow, this is amazingly helpful. I’m trying to move in with my boyfriend who lives down in Florida, I’m glad someone else has had a similar experience and is willing to give advice on it.

#33 Mike on 19, Apr, 2010 at 4:54 pm

I don’t if you would answer this, but how old was you when you planed on moving with your girlfriend, and when did you actually move out of New Jersey?

#34 Sherry on 23, May, 2010 at 3:56 pm

I am looking to move from Raleigh, NC to Virginia Beach. I want to move there because I love the beach and now because I have a sick brother and he is stress out where his at. He has a bad heart and he don’t need that kind of stress. My lease is up in Nov.2010 and I do have time to reseach. This is my first time to move to another state and I am excided because for one the beach. Someone here did ask a good question about the job because I currectly work in retail….how you go about looking for another job in that state. I currectly work at Macy’s and I was going to leave because of hours, but I thought about getting a second job for the weekends and days I don’t work at Macy’s. Maybe I will have luck transfering to a Macy’s in Virginia Beach. Do you all think that’s a good idea?

#35 Sherry on 23, May, 2010 at 3:59 pm

Of yeah, I’m all about packing now also. I’m packing the things I don’t use that much. Now I’m looking more at moving my belongins and the cost.

#36 JUSTICE on 07, Jun, 2010 at 1:26 pm

I’M RELOCATING FROM GA BACK TO NY IN 6WKS, AND I ALREADY STARTED DOING SOME OF THE THINGS ON THE LIST. MY PO BOX ENDS THE END OF JUNE, SO I WILL BE FORWARDING MY MAIL BACK TO NY AT THAT TIME. UM I HAVE STUFF IN STORAGE, BUT WILL PAY STORAGE AND CAR INSURANCE A COUPLE OF MONTHS IN ADVANCE. WILL MOVE FURNITURE WITH UHAUL ONCE RATES GO DOWN, LIKE AFTER THE SUMMER. WILL CHNGE CAR INSURANCE AT END OF YEAR, WON’T BE DRIVING, AS NY IS SUBWAY TERRITORY BUT NEED PLATES TO PARK ON THE STREET. WILL COME LATER IN THE YEAR TO MOVE REST OF FURNITURE, AS SON IS STILL IN COLLEGE IN GA. BUT NEEDED TO MOVE WITH LESS STUFF AS POSSIBLE, JUST MY CAR AND CLOTHES. RENTING A ROOM TIL 7/15, SO NO FURNITURE THERE BUT A BLOW UP BED.
PEOPLE MOVING TO GA BETTER CHECK THE LAWS WHICH ARE OUTDATED…..GOOD LUCK

#37 JUSTICE on 07, Jun, 2010 at 1:34 pm

MIRANDA COMMENTS HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD, I WOULD SUGGEST THE SAME FOR GA, BECAUSE YOUR IN FOR A LOT……

#38 advice moving out of state « movers web on 27, Jun, 2010 at 12:50 pm

[…] to web 1.Moving Out of State Moving out of state is a fast-growing trend. In my hometown in North Carolina, we had more […]

#39 Michelene on 04, Jul, 2010 at 12:25 pm

Im moving from NC to WI in August with my two children. Im prepared mentally but not physically. I have our winter clothes packed and ready to go but I still have so much downsizing to do. Im driving due to the cost of airfare. Has anyone had problems adjusting or regret they left there home state. Love is my motivation and August cannot come fast enough.

#40 Ashley on 13, Jul, 2010 at 3:24 pm

Thank You for posting this. My fiance and I are moving from WA to AZ at the end of August. Its our first huge move and we weren’t sure how to do thinks like: change tags/plates on cars, insurance stuff, etc. If you have any other tips we would be glad to hear them. Thanks!

#41 jackson frank on 03, Sep, 2010 at 9:19 pm

this seems like alot just to move

#42 I will have moved at least five times by the end of 2010 « The Sleeper Hit on 26, Sep, 2010 at 11:06 pm

[…] found this helpful guide to moving out of state recently and am trying my best to follow its advice. Who knew moving to […]

#43 Kelli on 21, Oct, 2010 at 10:17 pm

Hello,
My mom and I desperately want to move out of state form NY to DE. I want to move to DE because I’m going to college but….they don’t have dorms.Also, I can’t get a job at the college until Jan of next year because that’s when i start. and right now it’s only October still. Can I explain this to the college? Will they have any sympathy on me at all? My mom has a job here in NY but I don’t. We need money to move so my plan was to get a job here work for a few months than transfer, problem is its incredibly difficult in this area. We could stay at hotels in DE before we get an apt. but we would need the money to even for one week any advice at all? Also, any advice on how to have a job and somehow talk to an employer about getting like two weeks off so we can decide if we like it down there for sure so we can then find an apt. then move? Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated.

#44 Harry on 18, Nov, 2010 at 2:03 pm

I just lost my job 1 week ago, and my plan was to move from Maryland to Texas in June 2011, but I am a firm believer things happen for a reason. My lease is up in February, and I think I will be making the move sooner than expected. I think I will move to Dallas in February. Not sure where I am gonna live or work, but I feel if I don’t do it I will never do it.

#45 Nicole on 07, Jan, 2011 at 12:36 am

Hello. I am trying to move from Arkansas to Gulf Shores Alabama but I dont know what steps to take as far as getting a job before I get there or getting a place to stay first. Me and my fiance have a job here already in arkansas but Im afraid for us to quit our job in arkansas and move to Alabama and will be without a job. Please help me. I also have a five year old and i don’t know if i should let my mother keep her until I get situated with a job and a place to live or if I should take her. I really don’t want to leave my baby

#46 Sheila on 13, Mar, 2011 at 12:52 pm

Moving from MI to TN. I just want to get the hell out of Dodge:) I’ve never been to Tennessee but I can’t take another bad winter! I have a house and plan to put it up for sale/rent. I work in the banking industry and my company doesn’t have any locations in TN so a transfer is out of the question. I don’t know where in TN I want to go, just out of Tornado Alley at least so probably South East. I want to live close to work so I think it would be better to find work first and then housing. I would like to move this summer (3-4 months from now). How do I explain to a potential employer that I would like to start work in 3-4 months?

#47 Amanda on 16, Apr, 2011 at 8:03 pm

Great tips! I’m in the beginning phases of moving 1,000 miles south (well, only just made the decision that I’d like to within the next year!) so I have bookmarked this informative post.

#48 Lexi on 09, May, 2011 at 3:48 pm

This was a great article. I actually dont need half of it like many of us on here. Luckily. Im moving in with my Boyfriend in Denver, CO. I live in Phoenix, AZ now. Not a bad distance. But I dont have a car here, making this move tedious. So, I’m flying, the whole way with everything. Im so nervous my boyfriend said he would pay for all the travel expenses (because he just wants me there already) but I keep putting it off till I know Ive found the cheapest way to ship everything there, for his sake. Im leaving ALL furniture behind a storage bin for kitchen/Bathroom, 2 roll away suitcases (just the normal size not the huge ones), and a duffle bag. Please help. Thanks!

#49 Jenna on 09, May, 2011 at 7:29 pm

Any advice on how much money to save up for a move? I’m moving to Boston from Houston in August and scared out of my mind! I’ve heard about 3 months of expenses, but the cost of living is quite different in B-town.

#50 Ryan Duty on 23, May, 2011 at 12:40 pm

You did excellent on this guide. Things would be a tad bit more complicated if you owned a home. I just can’t understand why you’d give up NJ for a life here in Mich. Michigan sucks. I can’t wait to move down south or out west. It’s always raining or snowing 9 out of 12 months. Lame!

#51 Joseph on 20, Jun, 2011 at 4:24 pm

Well love is my motivater as well but i seemed to fail 2 times and i dont wanna stay here living with my parents is bad and i just wanna be free i am 20 years old and I want to live in el paso i would do anything to be with her i have enough money for a bus ticket but my biggest needs are job finding and i just feel like i cant be without her anymore

#52 sherry on 26, Jun, 2011 at 8:25 pm

Thank you so much for posting this information. I am trying to get myself organized to make the move from Kansas to California. I have no clue where to start. I am overwhelmed. I have a house that I need to list when I get closer to moving and many cats that need homes. I have some help on the other end to send me pictures and information about an apartment but I also need to locate a job. No one said it would be easy, but I am making it difficult for myself by being unorganized. Again..thank you.

#53 nerissa on 17, Sep, 2011 at 6:56 pm

thanks moving in a week from MD to MI for school . I been planning this for 4 months and was looking on the web to see if I cover everything. Thanks for the post.

#54 AMANDA on 19, Sep, 2011 at 10:05 pm

Very helpful. One question…. How would you go about having a job in your new location?

#55 Laina on 22, Sep, 2011 at 5:43 pm

My residence and things are currently in New Jersey. I go to colleg in New York. My boyfriend goes to college in Florida, but has an apartment there. So we plan on living together in the apartment when I graduate this May. Unfortunately, I’m a bit at a loss of what to do in order to prepare for the move since I’m not home often to organize things and I have horrible cell phone service where I dorm. Any ideas on what I could do?

#56 j on 04, Oct, 2011 at 2:10 pm

I live in Vegas and have been out of a job for a year! I’d like to move to southern California and try to get into a teaching program…the scary thing is…I’m single with two dogs and I am scared shitless of living in my car with my two college degrees in liberal arts and not being able to find a job…even a waitressing job! I heard its tough lately…

#57 Natosha king on 05, Oct, 2011 at 3:05 am

This is great! I am 24 years old currently living in bend oregon where i have lived for 1 year.. I moved here from eugene oregon and now feel i need to move farther… I have no tie downs and am venturing to Arizona I have picked a general area but like most of you the unknown of where will i work and will i be able to afford it …. Freaks me out…Its october now and I am planning on starting the new year out new… seems like its taking forever… but yet i think all be appreciative of the money i can put away in the free time… life is all about taking risks its just scary… and its scary going at it alone… but in the end maybe the best thing… good luck to everyone else on there journey..

#58 Lena on 11, Oct, 2011 at 1:43 pm

Hello All, I too am planning on moving….3000 miles away(FL to OR)!! So thank you for this information!!! I needed a jumping off place and a little guidance. I hope you are Carrie are doing well! Any other information you may have would be greatly appreciated. I am moving with a child, while I am in school and looking for a job…. a little busy! LoL Good luck everyone and many blessings!

#59 adele on 25, Dec, 2011 at 7:37 pm

@notasha king
I too am going to be venturing out to AZ from KY alone and know how scary it can be. I am so sick of the KY weather and economy here. I just have to move! Better opportunity in AZ for sure. I will be moving out in a year and a half and cannot wait. I’d leave now but I want to finish my degree first.
@shaun
I hope you and Carrie are doing wonderful. Your list was a great start as to what I need to do. It’s funny, my friend can pack up her whole apt in a day. Me, well, it takes me awhile because I get so overwhelmed.
Everyone good luck with your ventures!

#60 adele on 25, Dec, 2011 at 7:38 pm

Sorry my website was entered in wrong. It is updated now.

#61 Jessica W. on 09, Jan, 2012 at 12:59 pm

I have a BIG ????? Do you have any advice for someone who just had all there things (Car, Clothes, belongings) distroyed and has only days to find a new state to live in?

#62 marie on 01, Mar, 2012 at 11:17 am

I’m moving to new york from michigan to live with my boyfriend. My question is, since neither of us have a car, and i have to fly there, what am i allowed to take with me on a plane? How much stuff, and what is/isnt allowed? Any help is appreciated because im in a bit of a panic and i dont know what to do 🙁

#63 mish on 28, Mar, 2012 at 1:27 pm

Thanks for this. I’m planning a move from MD to FL and I had no idea where to start.

#64 Ron on 06, Apr, 2012 at 11:46 pm

Great article Shaun ! I am planning a move from CA to NV and I’d like to make it happen by the end of this year. Your list is a sensible set of guidelines that will hopefully eliminate “burn-out” or stress that such a move could cause !
Thanks again
Ron

#65 Tom on 22, Apr, 2012 at 5:18 pm

Thanks very much! i find myself in a similar situation that you were in, a guy stuck in NJ who is trying to move closer to my girlfriend who lives in Milwaukee. Love is the ultimate motivator and really the only thing that keeps me going and dealing with the daily grind and this current, rather unhappy situation. Your inspiration was much needed and very appreciated!

#66 Tia on 22, May, 2012 at 1:35 am

Thanks I’m actually doing the same thing but I’m moving to florida with my boyfriend in a year so I have some time but I didnt wanna wait till the last minute and he has a house down there so Itll be a little easier moving

#67 Person on 31, May, 2012 at 2:48 pm

Great article! I’m moving from HI to unknown location in 6 months, so I was looking for anything to help make it easier. My fiance has a potential job offer in WA and is searching elsewhere too. I’m job searching and sending resumes to employers already explaining the potentially moving in 6 months, with no nibbles yet. I have 3- 6 months salary saved now but we are probably going to be broke after paying off car and wedding loans. I moved out to HI with two suitcases, it’s totally possible! For people in school moving- look for research grants and paid internships, and ask for school credits at the same time! I did both and it helped me graduate on time without credit card debts at least 🙂

#68 Kim on 01, Jun, 2012 at 7:19 pm

Thank you!!! This was very helpful. I plan to move from IL to GA in October. This will guide me a bit.

#69 Jocelyn on 21, Jun, 2012 at 10:45 am

Moving to another state is never easy no matter how much a person tries to make it easy. The only non-stressful way to move to another state is to get rid of all of your belongings & move with just the things you need. The bottom line: You always have to make sure you have enough money to make it happen.

When I moved from CA to TX I had left my things at a friend’s house. When I returned to pick up & move my things, I decided that it would be easiest to ship my stuff thru Mail Boxes Etc. I gave my furniture away & a few big items I did not want anymore but I kept the small items that can be shipped to my new address in TX.

From TX, I had to move to WA State for school, job. I only brought a few things with me & left the rest of my things with my sister who also lives with her own family in TX. The scary part was that I moved to Washington State alone with no help (even though I did ask for help) & believe me no members of my cold-hearted, lazy family (parents, sister, brother, relatives) wanted to help me move (no joke). Also there were just too many selfish people all around me.

In a nutshell, I suggest that if you absolutely need to keep your big items & you do not want to sell them or give them away, you should put them in Public Storage first which would allow you to make monthly payments on their website for a while till you’ve settled in your new place. Then later, you can either use a reputable moving company that you trust or do a road trip & move your stuff yourself, if you can, which varies depending on which state you’re moving to & if you have someone to go with during your move.

Moving by going on a road trip can be fun if you have the time, the right vehicle, & bring your own food (store in portable cooler with car adapter) or know in advance where the food & gas stops are located along the way.

#70 Beth on 26, Jun, 2012 at 11:36 pm

Thank you so much for this article! I am moving from IL to KS in July because I found out in May that I got job that starts August 1. I have come back to this list several times and it is really helping me to stay organized and on track! Thank you!

#71 kryssy on 13, Jul, 2012 at 4:49 pm

Nicole on 07, Jan, 2011 at 12:36 am
Hi Nicole, I plan on moving from CA to Arkansas and I wanted to know what was you’re reason for moving from arkansas to alabama? Is Arkansas a good place to live? And what about the jobs? I’m nervous and excited at the same time. Any information will help. Thanks Kryssy

#72 Shannon on 18, Jul, 2012 at 8:11 am

This was so great and appreciated. 😀

#73 Niya on 02, Aug, 2012 at 12:20 pm

My husband, four kids, and myself would love to relocate from Florida to another state to provide better for our family, raise my children, and be stable. Is there anyone one out there that can help us? I notice Nebraska unemployment rate is 3.8%, Oklahoma is around 4%. Anyone please help us.

#74 mike on 15, Aug, 2012 at 4:23 pm

My biggest concern and one that has been holding me back wasn’t covered here. That is: securing a new career or job remotely in the new location before the move.

#75 Lindsey on 15, Sep, 2012 at 12:23 am

I’m only 18 and my goal is to move to San Franciso within the next two years (I figured thats a good safe amount of time since I’m so young). I’m kind of stressed out about the whole thing since I’ve never really been on my own or lived out of the state I was rasied in. But this checklist, as you put it, really helped calm down my craze a little, especially since I’m a ”plan-ahead” type of person. thank you so much for writing this.

#76 Vaneice on 02, Jan, 2013 at 1:33 pm

@Niya…Yes, Nebraska has a lower than average unemployment rate and the cost of living is on the low end here as well. That being said, you must factor in the lifestyle change from Florida to Nebraska. It is COLD here…like below 0 during some winters and it SNOWS like nobody’s business. There is also not a lot to do here in comparison to some other places and diversity is…almost non-existent in this state. Please understand that I am not trying to dog Nebraska, because I moved here for the same reasons as you (better employment, better schools, more opportunities, etc) but I think you should know what you’re getting into before coming here. Fortunately, Nebraska has provided me with some stability financially and I have since obtained my degree. I consider Nebraska a stepping stone for where I want to be and as a result, I’m looking to relocate soon. If you have any questions or need clarification on anything, please feel free to contact me.

#77 Tiarra on 21, Jan, 2013 at 10:32 pm

I plan on moving to NC from MD, and and anted some advice or any suggestions…. I currently live with relatives, I am planning on purchasing all new things for when I move so I can officially start over. I like that he broke the list down step by step, but what if you dont need any moving companies to move your things? Was it a hard transition after moving as far as adjusting to a new state? I do not have any relatives down there, just my best friend but dont plan on staying to close dont want to invade

#78 David Johnson on 13, Mar, 2013 at 2:22 pm

This is a great out of state moving guide, thanks for sharing! As a professional mover, I’ve done this day in and day out for over 10 years now. The one thing that makes moving smoother than anything else is downsizing your load. If you are moving to a new state or across the US, most of the time its easier and cheaper to sell of all your furniture and heavy, bulky items before your move. It’s actually cheaper to do that, and buy them new at your new destination in a lot of cases due to high gas prices and truck rental costs. If you can stay under 150lbs of belongings, Amtrak or Greyhound are usually the cheapest options for shipping or transport. Just my two cents!

#79 Yvonne on 03, May, 2013 at 2:22 pm

Thanks for the great and helpful read. I’m moving from the midwest to the South, and this is a helpful piece of advice.

#80 Justin on 15, Jun, 2013 at 11:50 am

Thanks for all the great moving tips! Some other things to consider after you move to a new state are setting up new electric service, turning on utilities, and changing your phone service provider (if necessary). I know a lot of service providers are not nationwide, so you may have to change your number after you move.

#81 jon on 02, Jul, 2013 at 1:43 pm

Moving from Orlando, FL to Las Vegas, NV in 6 months. This article did help me a lot and I am definitely looking forward for the move.

#82 Eric on 12, Jan, 2014 at 11:51 pm

Appreciate you taking the time to detail all this. Planning a move in 7-8 months w/2 kids and 2 cats. Should be fun!

#83 Cherrell on 06, Mar, 2015 at 12:19 pm

Thank you so much. My family and I trying to move next year. Very helpful. We haven’t picked a day until you said its good to pick a day. Its June 2016

#84 Pinch Me, I’m Stressed | Blue Shoes & a Garden on 14, Mar, 2015 at 10:23 am

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