Moving can be an exciting time. It’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh and make a big change in your life. The moving process is a big undertaking, however, and it can be even more overwhelming when it involves relocating to a new state. There are a lot of things to keep in mind and to plan in preparation for your move. Not only do you need to figure out what and how to pack or donate and how to pay for the moving van, but you will also need to know how to update your car registration and driver’s license, properly file taxes, and change your address. Here are some things to keep in mind to make this big move easier.
Finances
It’s no secret that moving can be expensive, particularly when you’re relocating across state lines. The amount you’ll pay depends on the distance to your new home, the possessions you’re taking with you, and whether you hire a moving company or do it all yourself. It can cost anywhere from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars to make a big move like this, but there are things you can do to help alleviate that burden.
Lighten the load.
As soon as you know you are relocating, start saving as much money as you can, even if your move isn’t for another year. Then, consider selling your furniture or other items that you aren’t attached to as the move date gets closer. It can be easier to get new furniture for your new space than to fit all your possessions into the moving van! Whatever money you can get from selling your couch, dressers, or kitchen table can help keep your moving expenses down, even if it’s just by downsizing the van you need to rent. When it’s time to hit the road to your new state, packing your own food and drinks can go a long way toward keeping your expenses down as you travel.
Understand your new tax obligations.
Once you’ve settled into your new home, don’t forget to look into how to properly file taxes in your new state when the time comes. You may need to file for both your old and new residences the first year. And, while some states only have state and federal taxes, others have city-level taxes you’ll need to pay, as well. Simply access your state’s Department of Revenue website to find more information about your individual income taxes.
Driving and Insurance
Moving across state lines involves more than packing up the moving truck, selling your home, and buying or building a new one. It also means finding a new doctor, favorite grocery store, hair stylist, dentist, church, or gym while also finding time to update your driver’s license, car registration, and insurance.
While online reviews can be great resources for finding a new doctor or salon, your local Bureau or Department of Motor Vehicles (BMV or DMV) will help you obtain your new driver’s license and car registration. This typically needs to be done within 30–60 days of moving and becoming an official resident, depending on the state. You will also be able to register to vote at that time.
Your car insurance and renter or home insurance will also need to be updated. Contact your insurance agent before you move for assistance so they will help you switch coverage over to your new state. If your agent is not licensed in your new state, you will need to transfer your coverage to another business or agent. It’s best to take care of your insurance before your move to ensure there is no lapse in coverage.
Address Change
To keep receiving your mail in a timely manner, you will need to change your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) a couple weeks before your move. This is very easy to do: simply go to the USPS website and click “Change My Address” in the Quick Tools menu at the top of the homepage.
When filling out the form, you can fill out the exact date you want your mail to start being forwarded. From that date on, first-class and priority mail (bills, letters, merchandise, etc.) will be forwarded for one year, and any magazine or newsletter subscriptions will be forwarded for about 60 days.
Changing your address with USPS does not automatically take care of all your mail, however. You will need to reach out to notify anyone (person or business) who sends you mail that you have moved and provide your new address.
Community
A move of this scale be a little scary and very stressful. Not only do you have to start fresh in a new state, city, and home, but you also have to build a new community to help socially support yourself in this transition. While making friends as an adult can be a bit harder than it used to be, it can be easier when you move into an active adult community.
Active adult communities are made for people in similar life stages as you. They may be working full or part time, adjusting as new empty nesters, enjoying their retirement, or just simply wanting a new start in a low-maintenance home. Communities like Epcon’s also have plenty of events on the schedule to give you the opportunity to meet your neighbors and cultivate new friendships that can help support you as you adjust from this big move. Epcon’s team of home building professionals can help you personalize the perfect home for your fresh start in your brand-new state.
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