Moving to a new state can bring a wealth of joy and excitement. However, it can also draw out feelings of uncertainty and anxiety.
Taking part in a bit of self-reflection on practical details like moving costs and vehicle transportation is a great way to quell your worries, replacing them with greater certainty about what’s ahead of you.
1. Will I ship my car or drive it myself?
While your epic road trip playlist may be widely renowned, an out-of-state move involves a substantial time commitment that can stir panic in even the most even-keeled vehicle owners.
After all, the last thing you want to do after spending weeks packing up your belongings is to hop in the car to dedicate even more hours to your move.
If you’re looking to cut costs wherever you can, driving your car yourself may be the right choice. Overall, shipping your car to another state is a safer, more convenient alternative that helps drivers steer clear of wear-and-tear.
Unlike professional auto transportation services, strapping in for a multi-day road trip translates to additional miles, damage to tires, and greater potential for an accident, which can add up to a less than ideal situation.
Meanwhile, shipping your car allows for out-of-sight, out-of-mind bliss. Weigh the fiscal costs and time commitments to determine the best choice for you and your wheels.
2. How much will the move cost?
Moving is expensive. This near-universal truth can be a difficult pill to swallow but shouldn’t put a damper on your new adventure. By determining exact costs, you can plan your finances accordingly.
For example, you may be sure of the bills attached to your plane ticket, moving truck, and new home. However, it’s vital to dig into the hidden costs, like the cleaning fee from your old apartment or renovation efforts to sell your previous home.
3. How will I find a new social circle?
Spreading your wings and flying to a new city out-of-state can be incredibly daunting for many reasons. For those homeowners looking to blossom into social butterflies, start building up your new social circle shortly after moving day.
Though it’s easier said than done, breaking out of your shell and hitting up local hotspots to meet like-minded individuals is a great way to ease the isolation blues. Create an action plan before you head out on your new adventure.
This strategy could include developing a new hobby, joining a book club, trying out a mixology class, or connecting with a pickleball team.
4. What is the difference in the cost of living?
As if moving costs weren’t enough, every state has a different cost of living, which can drastically affect your budget once you arrive in your new home.
It’s far better to be prepared for these changes, so do ample research on state tax rates, rent prices, and even the cost of food.
Mainly if your new home is in a larger city, the differences in prices can be drastic. Search the menus of a few local restaurants to figure out how much a meal will cost you, and peruse real estate sites to stay ahead of the cost of living changes.
Additionally, consider a cost of living calculator to directly answer the differences between your hometown and new abode.
5. How will I stay connected with my family?
While moving to a new area can release a kaleidoscope of pre-move butterflies in your stomach, you will likely always have a soft spot in your heart for your hometown and the family that still lives there.
While it’s essential to dive headfirst into your new home, it’s okay to feel a bit sad sometimes about what you’ve left behind.
If you’re moving away from your folks, be sure to allocate money for trips back home. A little nest egg for a plane ticket may feel unnecessary at first, but your homesick future self will thank you.
Additionally, plan for weekly video chats and virtual happy hours to stay connected with those you love most while getting to know your new state.
6. Will I quickly find a new job?
If your current position does not accommodate an employee transfer or remote work, analyze how challenging it will be to gain new employment. Check job boards and contact any professional connections in your new state before packing your bags so that you can have a solid idea of what the employment scene looks like.
Different states have different job markets, especially if you work in a specialized field. With these differences in mind, try to factor in a few weeks or months of unemployment into your moving budget just in case your search doesn’t go perfectly to plan.
Before you go
Moving to a new state provides countless new opportunities, which is undoubtedly something to be excited about. However, it also comes with plenty of responsibilities and unknowns.
Be sure to consider hidden costs and transportation options before setting off on your new adventure.
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