If you’re considering moving to a new state, you’re not alone. The Census Bureau reports that approximately 7.6 million Americans moved to a different state within the U.S. in 2018-19, which is 1.5% of the population. Whether it’s the call of the wild or the call of Madison Avenue, there are many factors to consider when moving to a new state, including the employment outlook, housing market, tax considerations and proximity to family and friends. The best thing you can do is to arm yourself with information so you can make the right decisions when planning your move. Show
What to Do Before Moving to Another StateIf you're considering a move to a new state, find out how much it costs to live there. Seeing how your current state stacks up against your new state will help you determine what kind of salary you need in the new location to maintain your current lifestyle, as well as transportation and housing costs, employment outlook, industry salary averages and more. Examine the Employment OutlookPeople commonly move for work, whether for a job transfer or better opportunities in the job market. While employers in big cities typically offer higher compensation, there are other considerations, such as cost of living, so it's essential to weigh all of your workplace options. MoneyGeek analyzed the top job markets across the country to find the best and worst cities for job seekers.
The downside is that you might have a longer gap in employment if you quit your previous job and move before you secure a new position. The typical job search is about three months but can be six months or longer for executives at the vice president level and above. The Estimated Cost of Moving (Dallas, Texas, Chicago, Illinois)Moving Truck $525 Interstate Movers $3,500 Storage Container (includes moving pads and 1 month of rental) $1,750 plus delivery fee ($79-467 depending on delivery method) Boxes $500 Total $1,000-$4,000 Budget and Save for Your MoveThe average cost of a cross-country move is $3,500, which is based on an average weight of 7,000 pounds (seven rooms) and a traveling distance of 1,000 miles. The cost varies depending on factors like the size of a household and the traveling distance. When saving for any large purchase, it's a good idea to start with a budget and a timetable. So, if you're planning a move in six months and anticipating moving costs of around $3,500, you should expect to save about $600 per month. You can save money by using a storage container or renting a moving truck and driving it yourself. Adults with families and larger households likely will have more expensive moves and less disposable time and income to DIY a move. In contrast, singles and married couples without kids may have less stuff to move and more time to rent a moving truck and handle the logistics themselves. Don’t forget to plan for additional costs like:
Prepare to Leave Your Current HomeYou're excited to move to your new state and put down some roots there, but first of all, you've got to plan for and execute your departure from the state where you currently reside. The steps you'll take to prepare for your departure will depend on whether you currently rent a home or own your home. If you’re a renter, you’ll need to evaluate your current lease, which includes the following considerations:
The laws vary from state to state, so research the rights in your current state by going to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) website. Typically, you’ll need to give 30 days’ notice to move out in writing to your landlord. If you’re a homeowner, you have a couple of options.
Examine Housing Options in the New StateIf you’re moving from a more expensive place to a more affordable one, you can use the sale proceeds — deducted from what you owed on the last house — as a down payment for a new place and for any necessary repairs or updates. If, however, you're moving to a more expensive area — the San Francisco Bay Area, for example — immediately purchasing a home may not be possible. The median sale price for existing single-family homes in the city of San Francisco, California, was $1,460,000 in January 2020, according to the California Association of Realtors. In pricey cities such as San Francisco, renting may be your best bet. Find out how to protect yourself as a renter, and make a wish list of your non-negotiables in a new place. Narrow down the various neighborhoods in which you're most interested and consider details such as:
If you decide to buy a home in your new state, calculate what you can afford. If you’ve always been a renter and are curious about buying a house, consider whether you have a nest egg for emergency repairs, the state of your credit and current employment and whether you plan to stay put for a while. Deciding whether to buy a house, sight unseen, before your move, is tricky. Highly edited real-estate photos can be deceiving, and you can’t determine whether a house has nuances like an odd smell or a crumbling house next door. Waiting to purchase until after you move means storing your belongings while you house hunt. For couples, one partner can move to the new location and take home tours while the other partner wraps up details from the old location. Single-family homes aren’t the only option, either. Purchasing a condo or townhouse is a great option for smaller families or for people who aren’t into gardening or landscaping — aka pulling weeds, mowing the lawn and trimming rose bushes every weekend during the summer. Learn About Taxes in Your New StateAccording to Intuit, the top 10 highest income tax states in 2019 were:
Seven states have no personal income tax. You’ll still be on the hook for your federal taxes but won’t pay additional income tax in:
Your Checklist During a Move to a New StateThey say the devil is in the details, and while missing a detail or two won’t ruin your move, paying attention to most of the big tasks ahead of time can make things easier for you once you’re trying to settle into a new state. When you move, the cost will be calculated based on the weight of your belongings, so the more you get rid of, the less it will cost you to move. Consider giving away heirlooms and antiques to family members, and sell items that aren’t worth the cost of moving them. Traditional storage or innovative self-storage options like Neighbor can provide a place for larger items that you wish to leave behind or aren't ready to take with you. If you’re doing your own packing, start by tackling small tasks at a time. Ask brick-and-mortar retailers — like liquor stores and grocery stores — for the cardboard boxes they discard or recycle. Check out websites like Facebook Marketplace to see if anyone in your area is selling moving boxes. Post call-outs to your social media accounts asking if people have storage boxes they’re no longer using. Sometimes, U-Haul stores will have used boxes at the front of the store that have been donated by movers and are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Home improvement retailers sell moving box kits starting at 10 boxes and going up to 97 boxes for $52–$470. Start by packing the non-essentials — books, family heirlooms and china, rarely-used kitchen equipment and items currently stored in the garage. You’ll need to let certain entities and establishments know you’re moving out of state, including:
You’ll also need to cancel newspaper services or set up forwarding, alert neighbors, close and empty out any bank safety deposit boxes and give notice to any household contractors such as gardeners or house cleaners. Collect Documentation and PaperworkMake sure to secure essential paperwork and documents separately from moving boxes, etc. These items should be kept securely but easily accessible in a file folder. Upload important documents to a secure cloud drive, such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Essential papers and documents include:
Decide if You Need to Hire a Moving CompanyHiring professional movers is mostly a budgetary and logistical consideration. If you have the time to move yourself, that’s the cheapest way to do it — rent a truck, have a moving party with friends and call it a day. If you have more money than time, hiring movers likely is the best option. Hiring Movers vs. Renting a Truck If you’re thinking of hiring a moving company:
If you choose to handle the move yourself:
If you want to travel light: Consider selling your furniture, shipping what few boxes you have, buying a plane ticket and flying to your new home destination If you're willing to part with your possessions, sell them and drive across the country with whatever you can fit in your car. You'll pay for gas, hotels and food, but you'd end up with those expenses even if you moved your belongings with you. PROS
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Ultimately, whether you hire movers or handle everything yourself depends on the size of your budget and any time constraints you may have. Financial Steps to Take After Your MoveOnce you and your belongings have safely arrived in your new home state, it’s time to start unpacking and getting into the flow of life in your new surroundings. Your checklist for settling in should include the following: The first thing to do is contact any entities you’re still doing business with or expect final bills from and let them know your new contact info. As soon as possible, you’ll want to secure service for your new place from the following providers:
Update Your Driver’s License and Vehicle RegistrationMake an appointment to secure a new driver’s license and to register your vehicle at your new Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. You’ll likely have to surrender your old driver’s license and possibly your old license plates as well. The good thing about this tedious trip to the DMV is that it’ll give you a chance to update your voter registration as well, so make sure you do that. Update Your Car InsuranceYour car insurance rates are based on several factors, including where you live. An address change to another state will most likely result in new insurance premiums for your auto insurance, though they could go up or down depending on where you're making your new home. For example, car insurance rates in Michigan are about three times more expensive than those in Maine. You may have to find a different auto insurance provider altogether, if you find the rates to be too high or if your old insurance company doesn't do business in your new state. It's a good idea to get some quotes for car insurance in your new state. Crowdsource colleagues at your or your partner's new company or ask trusted friends for primary care doctor recommendations, and find out if they're in your healthcare network. If co-employees are recommending them, they are most likely on your insurance plan. To be sure, you'll need to call the doctor's office and make an appointment to establish yourself as a new patient. As part of your initial intake, they'll ask for insurance information and can usually tell your right away if they accept your insurance and are taking new patients. Bring any hand-carried medical records to your new provider's office and inform them of your former doctor's contact information so they can transfer your files as necessary Make Connections in Your New CommunityOnce you’re settled into your new home after moving out of state, it’s time to start exploring your new community. Here are seven ideas to get you started:
Special Considerations for Moving to a New StateActive-duty military members, military veterans, senior citizens, students and people with a criminal record may face additional challenges when moving to a new state. Here are some important considerations: Moving to a New State for Military MembersActive-duty military members who live off-post should consider the fluctuating basic allowance for housing (BAH) rate, which is set based on rank. This rate changes based on the cost of living for your location. For example, if you move from Augusta, Georgia to Seattle, Washington, your BAH might go from $900 to $2,000 a month. But the same would happen in reverse so that it would feel like a pay cut. Your monthly BAH will be divided in half and paid out from your paycheck bimonthly. Moving to a New State for Veterans and Military MembersFor active-duty military members transitioning to veteran status, the military will pay for a move to a new state, as long as the service member is honorably discharged. Active military members that are required to relocate are afforded several allowances and assistance as mandated by Congress in the Military Relocation Readiness Program. While each branch of the military has its own way of aiding active members in relocation, the Army offers the following assistance:
Additionally, many organizations that serve veterans also offer relocation help for those who are planning a move to a new state. Veterans Affairs provides some housing and relocation help for those who qualify, and nonprofit organizations that help veterans also offer counseling and assistance. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask any relocation vendors you're researching if they offer discounts for veterans. Moving to a New State for SeniorsRetirees move for several reasons, including a more attractive cost of living, warmer weather or lower taxes. Florida, Arizona, South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina are the top five states retirees have been moving to based on 2014 Census data. Start to plan and do your research on the cost of living in the state where you’re considering moving. If you’re planning to move a family member or yourself to an assisted living facility, it’s important to thoroughly research the facilities and laws governing these facilities in your new state well ahead of time. Moving to a New State for StudentsFirst, check with your university to see what kind of relocation resources it offers when you’re moving to a new state. If you’re bringing your car, you will need to find out the laws in your new state to see if you’re required to license your car there. Likewise, there may be requirements as far as getting a driver’s license there as well. Enlist a friend or acquaintance to drive across the country with you if they’re heading in the same direction. You likely won’t be transporting a ton of stuff, and you can split expenses this way. Channel your inner Jack Kerouac and explore the country — it’s a pretty great way to spend a few days weeks. Once you arrive on campus, make some new friends and learn all about your new hometown. Moving to a New State With a Criminal RecordFor felons who have completed their probation, relocating to a new state is a possibility, however, for those still serving probation, they may be required to stay in their current state until that obligation has been satisfied. Research laws about mandatory sex offender registries, firearm restrictions and voting laws in the states to which you're considering relocation. Make sure to check with your probation officer before you consider a move to a new state. Moving to a New State for a Job RelocationMost companies will pay for some relocation charges if the relocation is required or requested by your employer. Hotels, meals, your rental truck and mileage can be negotiated, especially if you’re moving for a new job. Ask your employer if there’s a flat fee for relocation costs. If, say, your company offers $3,000 for moving to a new state, you’d want to weigh the pros and cons of moving yourself versus hiring a moving company. Make sure to save any receipts and invoices from your move, as you’ll need to submit them as expenses to be reimbursed. Expert Advice on Moving to a New StateDenise HallerbachBroker-Owner of Intero Real Estate Services What are the main things to consider as a homeowner when moving out of state?Denise Hallerbach: Lifestyle: Ideally, we all want to be as happy as possible wherever we live. Be sure that your personal interests align with what your potential new hometown can offer. Indoor and outdoor activities, sports, restaurants, shopping, festivals, farmers market, arts, and culture should all be considered. Career Path: If you are still a member of the workforce, you’ll likely need to find a job that helps carry you toward retirement. Does the state you are considering have companies who will hire you? Affordability: Determine if you can financially qualify to purchase a home in the new location. The first step in the mortgage loan pre-approval process is to consult with a reputable loan officer. If you have an experienced Realtor in your life, he/she can recommend a seasoned loan expert to take you through the pre-approval process. This step is essential prior to shopping for a home and presenting an offer. Is it easier to sell your old house and then buy a new one, or vice versa?Denise Hallerbach: Unless you qualify for a loan for the replacement house that is "non-contingent" on the sale of your old house, you will need to sell your old house first, or at least get an accepted offer and the deal into escrow. In today’s competitive market, where multiple offers are common, the further along you are in the process of selling your old house, the better. As a general rule, non-contingent offers trump contingent offers. If you qualify to purchase the new property as a secondary residence, this non-contingent approach should give you a competitive edge when in a multiple-offer scenario. Then after the sale of your old house, the new one becomes your primary residence. There is a risk in this approach, which is the unknown length of time and cost of owning more than one property concurrently. Are there specific tax considerations when moving out of state?Denise Hallerbach: Yes. It is best to contact a tax professional in the state that you are considering moving to. Tax considerations may include personal income tax, corporate income tax, gross receipts tax, franchise tax, inventory tax, tax on corporate shares, inheritance tax and property taxes. What's the best way to find a Realtor in your new city of residence?Denise Hallerbach: Consult any Realtors you know and trust in your old area. Realtors know other Realtors, even in other cities and states. We can either refer you to the best candidate or do some research to find that person. Also, read the reviews and testimonials. Get a good sense of your future Realtor’s strengths and characteristics by diving into their reviews and testimonials on Zillow.com, Realtor.com, Yelp, etc. Visit the Realtor's website to read through the “about me” page, and get to know that person. Finally, conduct a phone interview, which will give you a good sense of how you will work together through your relocation process. Ask about what services the Realtor offers to make your transition as smooth as possible. Your potential agent may be able to offer you tools and resources that are superior to what you have been using and make your search a lot easier. What's the basic timetable of moving out of state? How long does it typically take to buy and sell a house?Denise Hallerbach: If you need to sell your home in order to move, the total length of time to complete the relocation process depends greatly on how long it takes to sell your home and how quickly you can find your replacement home and move in. When selling your old home, several factors play a part in how quickly it sells. Pricing the property at or near market value is one of the most important first steps in the process. Addressing deferred maintenance, cleaning thoroughly (inside and out), staging with the help of your Realtor or a stager, engaging a professional photographer and implementing a solid marketing campaign can all help speed up the selling process. The length of time from an accepted offer to closing escrow varies depending on the means by which the purchase is made. Cash transactions can close in as few as 14-21 days. Financed offers generally take about 30 days to close. Some government-backed loans such as FHA and VA can take 35-45 days from accepted offer to closing. 10 Resources for Moving to a New State50 State DMV Links Chamber of Commerce Military OneSource Realtor.com The Nation’s Report Card U.S. House of Representatives: Find Your Representative U.S. News Best High Schools U.S. Senate: Senators of the 116th Congress VR&E Does Pay for Moving Expenses What Is the Average Time to Sell a House? There are plenty of considerations to think about and plan for, but ultimately, moving to a new state is a great adventure. You’ll meet different kinds of people, taste regional cuisines, have new experiences, and, most of all, start a new adventure. Your journey awaits. How do you move away when you have no money?How to Move with No Money. 1 Relocate to a town with a low cost of living.. 2 Apply for a driveaway company.. 3 Move to a place with a relocation initiative.. 4 Borrow a friend's car.. 5 Move with a friend.. 6 Lease a sublet.. 7 Couch surf at someone else's place.. 8 Stay at a hostel temporarily.. How much money would you need to move to another state?How Much Does it Cost to Move to Another State? Depending on a variety of factors, it could cost anywhere from $3000 to $7000 to move out of state – and even more if you're moving cross country or moving a home that has more than 5 bedrooms.
Can you move to another city with no money?It isn't enough to simply move to a new city without any money. You need a plan in place for how you're going to thrive when you get there. For most people this means getting some form of income so they can support themselves.
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