To many people, moving out of a state can be intimidating. It can also be a logistical nightmare if you don’t prepare in advance. Below are some simple steps that you can take to make your move to a new state go as smoothly as possible.
1. Research Your New State
Before you decide to move out of Illinois, you should take some time to do as much research on it as you can on the new state that you’re moving to.
For example:
- Find out how much you’re going to pay taxes in your new state.
- Learn how cold it gets in the winter and how hot it gets in the summer.
- Research school districts if you have kids.
The idea of up and leaving Illinois and moving to a new home might sound glamorous to you at first, but you need to do enough research to know you’re making the right move.
2. Search for a Home
Once you have decided that moving to a new state is the right move for you, you should start looking for your new home in that state. If you need a referral for a Realtor in your new state, contact me. I’ll be happy to refer you to a top agent in any state in the nation. You should not plan to move until you have secured a new place to live.
3. Use the Move as an Excuse to Purge
Before you move and leave your old home behind, you should to go through it and get rid of all the items that you don’t need to take with you. You will be glad you did it once you start the moving process into that new state!
4. Always Pack Properly
Following your purge, start packing everything that you’re planning to take with you to your new home.
Since you’re going to be making a long-distance move, it’s very important for you to pack your things properly. You should wrap your china and breakables up nicely, and avoid putting too many items into one box. Also, remember to label all of your boxes. You never know when you’ll have to try and find something quickly during your move.
5. Hire a Reliable Moving Company
There are quite a few moving companies that specialize in long-distance moves. Make sure you do your research, get 3 quotes, and use the best company available. You should also check out some storage facilities near your new destination if you are planning to downsize.
6. Forward Your Mail & Let Your Friends and Family Know You’re Moving
You can contact your local post office and have them start forwarding mail to your new address immediately. It will prevent you from missing anything important in the mail. You can do this in person or online.
Remember, before you leave town, you should make it a point to let your friends and family know you are moving. It’s also a nice idea to try and get together with them before you move.
7. Obtain a New Driver’s License When You Arrive
When you move to a new state, one of the first things you should think about is obtaining a new driver’s license and license plates. You don’t have to do this as soon as you cross the border. But I recommend doing it sooner than rather than later to avoid potential legal troubles.
8. Take Time to Explore Your New Surroundings
Whether you’re moving to a new state by choice or because you had to move, it’s a good idea to make an effort to make the most of it. Go and see everything your new area has to offer. It’ll help you make some new memories in your new state right away.
9. Contact me! Let’s start your home selling process today.
