Guide 2023 - How to Find an Apartment

Moving out of state? From packing belongings and finding a place to live to considering moving options and making new friends, moving to a different state is a time-consuming process that takes patience and planning. If you’re not sure how to move to another state, we can help. Our moving-out-of-state checklist makes moving to a new state easy and seamless. Here’s how to move out of state smoothly and efficiently.

1. Visit your new state and city before moving to another stateBefore moving to a different state, we highly recommend making at least one trip to your new city. This way, you can get a good feel for the location and various neighborhoods. Bring a guidebook with you or head to the town’s visitor center for brochures, maps and recommendations. If staying in a hotel, ask the concierge for suggestions. In addition to the city’s tourist attractions, we recommend seeking out local hotspots and under-the-radar hangouts.
2. Research your new neighborhood remotelyCan’t visit your new location or want to do your homework before you make the trip? You should also be able to find plenty of information on your new city and state through internet research and review sites. Check Walk Score to see how navigable your new city or town will be on foot, by bike or by public transit, sign up for Nextdoor to meet your future neighbors and get the hyper-local feel of your new neighborhood, and find out the livability score on AreaVibes. If you want to dig deep and don’t mind paying for the subscription, Neighborhood Scout will provide information on real estate, demographics, crime, schools, trends and forecasts, and more for your new area.
3. Visit surrounding areas using Google Street ViewWant to see what the neighborhood looks like but can’t do it in person? Get the feel of the area using Street View in Google Maps. Google collects Street View imagery with special cameras that simultaneously collect images in multiple directions. The images are later overlapped and stitched together into a single 360-degree image. When you type the name of the neighborhood or the exact address in the Google Maps search window, click on the image on the top left. Those are not always exactly up to date, but still useful. When you click on the image, another window opens up. After clicking on “Street View & 360°” you can zoom in and rotate the view.
4. Research schoolsHave school-age children? Make researching schools in your new city or state a high priority on your moving out-of-state checklist. If you plan to send your child to public school, determine which neighborhoods are associated with your schools of interest. To find top-rated schools in your new neighborhood, use Moving.com’s School Ratings, which includes GreatSchools ratings and other helpful information.
5. Budget for your moveMoving out of state won’t be cheap. The average cost of hiring professional movers for an out-of-state move is $4,890 (for a distance of 1,000 miles). Keep in mind that even if you’re planning a DIY move, you’ll have to pay for a truck rental or container, moving supplies and various other expenses. To figure out your budget, start with how much you are willing and able to spend on the move. Then list all necessary moving expenses. Remember to put a bit of extra money aside for unexpected expenses.
6. Budget for any cost-of-living changesThe next budgeting step should be figuring out your cost-of-living changes caused by the move. The expenses to think about are your new mortgage or rent, monthly utility costs, what you’ll be spending on car insurance, transportation, groceries and new furniture/decor. If you’re buying a house, include homeowners insurance, repairs and maintenance, and property taxes. This cost-of-living calculator tool can help you determine how affordable your new city or town is. Just plug your projected income to find out. (And here’s another one, from CNN Money.) Also, check out Numbeo to get information on housing, crime rates, quality of healthcare, and more. You can even see how much it is to eat out, what the groceries will cost, the monthly costs of utilities, childcare, rent, and so on.
7. Budget for the changes in tax amountsFor the year of the move, plan to pay taxes in two states. To establish residency in a new state, you’ll need to file your tax returns in that state, and, likely, in your old home state. It may be a good idea to hire an accountant during the first year to help with the transition, though these days any tax software can guide you pretty well too. The one scenario where you won’t need to pay taxes in two states is when you are moving to a state without an income tax. If you bought a property, you’ll need to find when to start paying property taxes on your home. Property tax rates vary state by state, so the difference should be budgeted for as well.
8. Research employer relocation assistanceIf moving for a job, be sure to check whether or not your employer plans to cover your moving expenses. Though it’s not a requirement, many companies offer some sort of job relocation package to employees. A job relocation package typically covers part or all of an employee’s moving expenses when moving for work-related reasons. And these packages can be negotiated more often than not. Whether you’re a new employee moving for the job or an existing employee who’s being transferred to a new location, it’s in your best interest to negotiate a job relocation package with your employer. To start the process, ask your company whether they are willing to offer you one and read our breakdown on what’s included in a job relocation package to help you stay informed and to negotiate.
9. Create a moving fileFiling all the documents you’ll need in a moving file or binder is a great way to stay organized and sane. (If could also be a bin or a box, of course.) We know it’s probably not fun, but it’s necessary. There will be moving-related documents like your moving estimate, a bill of lading, inventory documentation, your copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, federally required to be provided to you by your mover, and so on. Then you’ll need to file the paperwork and the documents related to changing your billing address (credit cards, utilities, memberships), updating your driver’s license and voting registration, then the school records, pet-related documentation, and mail forwarding. Some could be updated before the move, others will have to wait till you’ve relocated and need to establish residency in a new state.
10. Find a place to liveIdeally, you’d like to find a new place to live before you move. Unless you know the area well already, we recommend renting for the first six months while you get a feel for the city. To find a safe, budget-friendly place to live, hire a reputable Realtor to show you homes in your choice neighborhoods. A knowledgeable real estate agent should be able to guide you in your house-hunting process. They should also know the market inside and out and be able to help you with all legalities and paperwork. To find a real estate agent in your new state, check Realtor.com’s network of realtors.
11. Calculate commutesYour commute will matter as it directly impacts your quality of life and maybe even your health. Test your future commute route you’ll be using almost daily to get a feel of what to expect. It doesn’t matter if it’s by car, bike, on foot, or by public transit. Preferably, do it at times you’ll be going to and from work, and consider your preferred routine. Are there any places along the way to grab coffee and breakfast? Groceries or takeout for dinner? Are there tons of traffic lights that might slow you down? School zones? If you are taking public transportation, is it going to be crowded at the times you’ll be using it? All this will be good to know in advance so you can set your expectations accordingly and not be late on your first day of work.
12. Find your nearest grocery stores/shopping placesSo you don’t stress from feeling overwhelmed upon arrival from having to find the nearest grocery store to fill that empty fridge, if you have time beforehand, research what grocery stores are available in your new area and how far they are away from your new home. The same goes for other kinds of shopping – find the information beforehand as you’ll likely need to stock up on cleaning supplies and hardware, buy some new decor, and so on.
13. Find new doctors and pharmacies for you, your kids and your petsResearch physicians and any specialty doctors that you’ll need in your new area and make any doctor or dentist appointments for everyone in your family, if necessary, in your old area, because making new appointments might not be a priority and will involve some wait time. Don’t take any chances and fill the prescriptions for you, your family and your pets. Again, changing doctors (and pharmacies) will take time. Also, look into veterinarians in your new area and check out their reviews. It might be a good idea to take your pet for a final checkup with the old vet, especially if they have any health issues or need a refill on a prescription, or if you are not sure if your pet is up-to-date with the shots.
14. Research moving companies and hire a reputable oneMoving to a new state is hard to do without professional movers. If you do decide to hire a moving company to help with the move, make sure it’s a reliable and trustworthy one. When researching moving companies, check out company reviews and ratings on Moving.com’s Moving Company Directory. This directory includes customer reviews, the moving company’s U.S. DOT number, Better Business Bureau rating, any official complaints filed with the FMCSA, and whether the moving company has any association with the American Moving & Storage Association.We recommend contacting at least three to four moving companies to obtain a quote and to make sure they have all the moving services you require. Note: Movers should perform either an in-person inspection or a video survey of your belongings before giving you a quote. If the mover gives you a quote over the internet without looking at your belongings or gives you a quote that seems too good to be true, sound the alarm. These are two major red flags that shouldn’t be ignored.
15. Consider cheaper alternatives to hiring a moving companyBad news: Hiring a moving company for an interstate move is expensive. Good news: There are cheaper alternatives to hiring professional movers that will keep your moving costs low. For one, you can rent a portable moving container. These moving containers also double as temporary storage containers when moving. Renting a portable moving container for an out-of-state move may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $3,000 per month, however, the cost depends on the rental duration and size of the container.A second alternative is to rent a moving truck and drive your belongings to the new state yourself. Not only are truck rentals a big money saver when it comes to moving, but they’re also easy to come by. Several truck rental options to choose from include U-Haul, Budget, Enterprise and Penske. Finally, if moving a household of belongings a long distance, consider using a large freight moving trailer instead of a moving company. Popular freight trailer companies include U-Pack, Estes SureMove and Old Dominion Household Services.
16. Choose a moving dateTime to choose a moving date! When moving out of state, make sure you consider moving company availability, your work schedule, family concerns and weather when selecting a moving date. Believe it or not, when you move can also affect the cost of your move. Those moving on weekends, holidays or during the summer will likely run into greater demand, less mover availability and, therefore, higher moving rates. On the other hand, if you choose to move during a weekday when it’s not peak moving season then you’ll likely have a less expensive move.
17. Order all moving suppliesFrom moving boxes and foam pouches to bubble rolls and packing tape, you’re going to need plenty of moving supplies. Make sure to order your moving supplies at least a month before the move so you can start packing as soon as possible. To figure out how many boxes you’re going to need, check our packing calculator for an estimate. And check out our definitive list of moving supplies before you shop for them.
18. Come up with a strategic packing planBefore boxing up your things, come up with a timeline and a plan for packing. If you pack strategically, it will make unpacking in your new home a lot easier. We recommend packing all non-essentials first. Non-essentials are anything you won’t need in the weeks leading up to the move, including books, home decor items, and electronics. Pack essentials last. These should include kitchen items, dinnerware and toiletries. To make your packing easier, donate items you won’t need in the new home to a local charity. Better yet, donate to the one that will pick up your donation for free, like Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill.
19. Make the necessary travel arrangementsMoving long distance almost always involves making travel arrangements. Just make sure to arrange your travel plans well before the move. Examples of travel arrangements to consider include booking a plane ticket, booking a car rental, making a hotel reservation or other overnight plans if needed. Oftentimes, it takes moving companies a week or more to deliver belongings. So, make sure you also have plans set for temporary housing.
20. Cancel or transfer all membershipsUnless you want to get stuck paying for a gym you no longer use, we recommend canceling or transferring all memberships as soon as possible. This also goes for community clubs. Many monthly membership programs need at least one month’s notice before canceling an account. If the city that you’re moving to happens to have locations in the area, then make sure to transfer the membership before moving so you can access the club.
21. Transfer your professional licensesAre you a licensed professional? A doctor, a nurse, a lawyer, a teacher or a realtor? Every state has different licensing requirements and transfer policies. Research those in advance so you won’t have any employment gaps.
22. Notify schools of the move and transfer recordsMoving with school-age children? You’ll need to notify their current school of the move. When enrolling your kids in their new school, you’ll also need to transfer school records as soon as possible. Other important documents you may need to send to the new school include recommendation letters, medical records and evidence of immunization. Make sure to ask the new school for a list of any textbooks needed as well as extracurriculars offered by the school.
23. Figure out child custody laws and child support in a new stateIf you have joint custody, moving out of state generally requires obtaining permission from the other parents and court approval. Without those, you can face fines, changes in your custody agreement, and even jail time. It’s probably best to consult an attorney who knows child relocation laws well ahead of time. The same goes for child support. It’s enforceable once approved by the court and until the child reaches 18. If one parent moves out of state, the obligation doesn’t change. Penalties for non-compliance can result in fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, not being able to travel internationally due to passport denial or cancellation, and wage garnishment.
24. Arrange a car shipping service for your automobileUnless you’re planning on driving your car to the new home, you’re going to need to arrange for a car shipping service to do it for you. There are multiple shipping options to consider, including shipping the car via Amtrak’s Auto Train, hiring a professional driver to drive it for you, or using an auto transport company. Those using an auto transport company to move their cars can choose either an open-air carrier or an enclosed carrier. The most popular option is the open-air carrier, which holds multiple cars and is usually more affordable than the alternative.
25. Empty your storage unitMoving away for good? If you don’t plan on returning, make sure to empty your storage unit before the move. Check your storage company’s website for guidelines on what to do when you cancel a storage unit. Oftentimes, they’ll ask you to clean out the unit, leaving it in its original condition. They’ll also want you to inform them as soon as you’ve vacated the unit. Once you’ve moved your belongings to the home, go ahead and pack them with the rest of your stuff.
26. Discuss the move with your childrenThose moving with children should discuss the move with their kids ahead of time, so there aren’t any surprises. Including your children early on in the conversation will help give them time to process the big move. It will also give them plenty of time to say goodbye to friends and teachers. Those with young children may also want to consider reading them children’s books about moving.
27. Study the home’s floorplan before ordering furnitureMake sure you have a detailed copy of your new home’s floor plan before the move. Not only will this make it easier to plan what goes where, but it will also help when ordering furniture and other household needs. Furniture can take weeks (sometimes months) to arrive, so you’ll want to order any necessary items before the move. Having a floor plan with the correct measurements will make this easier to do and will ensure that what you order will fit in the home.
28. Confirm moving date and arrival time with moversSeveral days before the move, be sure to confirm the moving date and arrival time with your moving company. Chances are good that the moving company will call to confirm details with you at least a week before the move. Regardless, we recommend following up that week to ensure that movers arrive at the correct address on the correct moving date. If nothing else, this should give you peace of mind and will make the move less stressful.
29. Schedule and transfer your utilitiesBefore you move, be sure to contact your utility companies to let them know you are moving. Utilities include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, and security system. If you already have a new address in your new state, go ahead and schedule a transfer or installation date.
30. Forward your mailFortunately, forwarding your snail mail is easy and can be done well ahead of time. All you have to do is go to USPS.com and choose the date you wish to begin forwarding your mail. Thinking of renting a P.O. Box in your new city? Check out Moving.com’s guide to setting up a P.O. Box when you move.
31. Let others know you are movingDon’t forget to let your friends, family, neighbors and coworkers know you’re moving! Chances are good that you won’t have time to sit down with everyone in person to tell them about the move. Instead, try sending a simple email with your new mailing address and any other additional details about the move you wish to share.
32. Arrange for cleaners to conduct a move-out cleaningUnless you plan on cleaning the house yourself, you’re going to need to hire someone to conduct a deep clean of the home. If you’re renting, you’ll also need to make sure that all repairs have been completed before the move. Oftentimes, landlords want walls repainted and holes repaired before the tenant moves out. Make sure to check with your landlord about what needs cleaning and changing before moving away.
33. Pack a suitcase and essentials to take with youMoving long distance means you likely won’t receive belongings for at least a week after the move. Even with a DIY move, most everything you move will be in boxes, making it difficult to find what you need during and immediately after the move into your new house. We recommend packing a suitcase with at least one week’s worth of essentials. This should include clothing, shoes, toiletries, a first aid kit and snack. Here’s what else you’ll need in your moving essentials bag.
34. Give the keys to the new owners or landlordOnce you’ve moved out and no longer need the keys, it’s time to hand them over to the new owners or landlord. If selling your home with a Realtor, you can usually rely on the real estate agent to handle this process for you. We don’t recommend mailing the key, as items can get lost in the mail.
35. Ask for an ETA from the moversAre the movers already on the road? If it’s been a few days since you heard from them (or saw your belongings), we recommend calling and checking in with the mover to get an ETA (estimated time of arrival). This way, you can plan your schedule around your move-in date and arrange to be there when the movers arrive.
36. Establish a domicile in the new stateIf you’re moving to another state permanently and making it your main place of residence, you’ll need to establish a legal domicile for tax purposes. To find information on the various ways to establish a domicile in your new state, check out the state’s website.
37. Work on making new friendsMeeting people and making new friends takes time and energy when you first move to a new city. We recommend starting with neighbors and coworkers. Introduce yourself when you see someone new and let them know you’ve just moved to the area. Other ways to meet new people in a new city include taking classes, joining a club, getting involved in the community, volunteering and (of course) saying “yes” when potential friends ask you to join them for dinners, events, etc.
38. Get a new driver’s licenseWant to drive in your new state? You’ll need a new driver’s license from your state’s DMV. Be sure to check your state’s requirements, as many states require new residents to obtain their driver’s license within a specific time window after moving. Keep in mind that while requirements for transferring a driver’s license vary from state to state, you’ll most likely need a driver’s license, proof of residency, proof of your social security number and an additional form of identification.
39. Register to voteUpdate your voter registration as soon as you move. This way you can vote and participate in any and all upcoming elections. There are usually multiple ways to register to vote, including in-person voter registration, mail-in registration and online registration.
40. Purchase a pet licenseGot a pet? You may need to register them with your city or county. While requirements and deadlines vary depending on the state, many places require owners to register their pets within a month of acquiring the pet or moving. This is mainly to ensure that animals receive their necessary rabies shots for public safety purposes.
41. Schedule a handymanMoving to a new home often involves hanging art, hooks and other items on the walls. It also might mean making simple repairs or switching out fixtures. Make sure to find a reputable and reliable handyman once you move, so that you can get these to-dos taken care of as soon as possible. Here’s how to find a good handyman after the move.

Important things to consider when moving to another state

Here are just a few very important things to think about when you’re considering a move to a new state.

Weather-related challenges and natural disaster risks

Disaster preparedness should be part of your moving plan. Weather can affect your everyday plans, lifestyle and mood, not to mention your utility bills. Research the place you’re moving to in terms of the weather changes (and the related cost of the heating or cooling bills), average seasonal temperatures, and whether it’s prone to any natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes. If you know the risks, you can choose the homeowners insurance that will help cover the costs in case a natural disaster strikes. You can also factor in the costs of making your home less vulnerable. 

Cost-of-living differences

The cost of living varies greatly within the U.S. What can buy you a lavish lifestyle in one city won’t even cover your mortgage in another. To see how far your money will go in your new city or town, compare the cost of living in different cities and see how yours stacks up compared to the national average score of 100. If a city’s cost of living is considered below the national average, it will have a score lower than 100. If the city’s cost of living is higher than the national average, it will have a score above 100. Don’t be blindsided by the cost differences in things like housing, transportation, food and clothes. 

Housing market and real estate prices

While someone making $60,000 a year can afford a three-bedroom home in Raleigh, NC, they may have to settle for a small walkup apartment (and several roommates) in New York City. Research home prices before moving to avoid sticker shock. Check Realtor.com for real estate prices in your new area, including property types, median listing home prices, median days on the market, the median price per square foot, and median rent cost.

The job market and the overall economy

Some cities make better choices for a fresh start thanks to their robust job markets and opportunities. Find out how your new home ranks, especially if you don’t have a job lined up. These include job opportunities, employment growth, starting salaries, unemployment rate, median annual income, commute time and real estate affordability, among others.  AreaVibes, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.com are good places to start. WalletHub also regularly publishes reports on the best and worst places to start a career, the best cities for jobs, and so on.

The culture and lifestyle

All work and no play… You know the rest. Of course, you’ll want to know what your new home is like in terms of music, art, food, sports, etc., and whether it’s a good fit for you. Want more peace and quiet? Maybe the suburbs are the right choice for you. Crave a lively sports culture? Think Texas. Want to live near a beach? Florida might be calling your name. Find things to do in your new home state and city before you move: the festivals and the unique events, where to eat, what the arts and culture scene is like, and so on.

Healthcare quality: How does the state compare?

The quality of healthcare is one of the most important factors to look at when deciding where to move. From the healthcare providers (i.e. the quality of the doctors and practitioners) to the healthcare facilities (i.e. the hospitals and medical offices), all aspects of healthcare should be evaluated before moving to a new city or state. 

Be sure to also consider your specific healthcare needs. Does your condition require a certain type of practitioner? Does your family need excellent pediatric care? Is there a quality hospital nearby? These are the types of questions to consider before making a move. There are many resources online that rank and rate the quality of healthcare per state or city. You can also find local resources in your new area for referrals and healthcare provider advice. 

Schools and family-friendliness

Some states are just better for raising a family than others. If you have school-age kids, look for places that offer top amenities, strong community ties and family-focused services. AreaVibes and Niche.com are good resources to start with, or use Moving.com’s school ratings from GreatSchools. Just type in the zip code or city and state of your new home and then choose whether you want to filter information by district or by the school. We’ll pull the school report information most important to you from our database of nearly 90,000 public and private schools serving grades kindergarten through 12th grade. And the GreatSchools rating on a scale of 1-10 gives you a handy way to rate a school at a glance.

Moving to another state FAQs

Keep reading to find answers to the most commonly asked questions about moving out of state.

How do I prepare to move to another state?

If you’re sure that you have enough reasons to move, that now is a good time, and that you can afford it, then follow the checklist above to execute a seamless move to another state, even if you are on a tight budget. 

Is moving to another state difficult?

It can be, but with careful planning and hard work it can be done. The main thing is to properly budget and stick to the schedule. Use our cost calculator to get moving estimates and the moving checklist to help you plan your move.  

How much should you budget to move out of state?

It depends on how you move. If you hire a professional moving company, the average cost of a long-distance move is $4,300, based on an average weight of 7,400 pounds and an average distance of 1,225 miles. The more cost-efficient, semi-DIY solution is using a moving container. According to HireAHelper’s price comparison, renting a U-Pack ReloCube costs on average $2,535 for an interstate move. If renting a moving truck, the rates will depend on the day, distance, and even time of day. We got a quote of $1,840 to drive a 10-foot U-Haul truck from Miami to New York City. For a 26-foot U-Haul truck, it will cost $2,420 to rent.

What is the cheapest way to move between states?

The cheapest way is to DIY it. Or you may end up renting a moving truck or a moving container, or using a freight moving trailer. You also might want to ship your belongings or hire moving labor for the moving day only. The best way to move between states will depend on your individual needs and budget. 

How do I organize to move out of state?

Follow our checklist above and see these 94 moving hacks for faster, easier and less stressful moves. From advice on how to declutter and pack your stuff to the moving-day hacks, we got you covered.

What is the best city to relocate to?

It depends on what you are looking for. Based on the cost of living, job market, housing costs and quality of life, some of the best cities to move to now include Pittsburgh, PA; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; and Salt Lake City, UT. 

What is the best state to move to?

According to the U.S. Census data, this year people are flocking to Utah, Idaho, Texas, North Dakota, and Nevada, among other states. The reasons are many, ranging from moving somewhere more affordable to wanting more space and a nicer climate.

What paperwork do you need when moving out of state?

You’ll need to keep track of moving-related paperwork like your moving estimate, a bill of lading, inventory documentation, your copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, and more. Then you’ll need to file a change of address request with the USPS and all the paperwork and the documents related to changing your billing address (credit cards, utilities, memberships), updating your driver’s license and voting registration, school records, pet-related documentation, and mail forwarding. And here’s what you’ll need to do after you move, to establish residency in your state.

What items are not worth moving?

You might want to sell, donate or throw out some of your belongings before you move and then just buy them again. We recommend ditching your old appliances, outdated furniture you are not attached to for sentimental reasons, clothes you don’t wear anymore, surplus linens and towels, and anything else you just don’t use anymore. The questions to ask yourself before you decide whether to keep it or to ditch it are: Does it work well? Is it cost-efficient to move? Do I use it? And, does it have sentimental value?

Ready to move?

Find the best moving company to handle your next move. Best of luck and happy moving!

Sources

Google Streetview
Turbo Tax State Tax Tips
Professional Licensure
Custodial Relocation
Child Support Enforcement Across State Lines
USPS Movers Guide
Filing Taxes After Moving to Another State

More information: https://www.moving.com/tips/your-checklist-for-moving-to-another-state/