Did you know that more than 16% of people in the United States have never left their home state?
Moving homes can bring new opportunities and happiness into your life, but the moving phase can is also stressful.
If you want to live in a new state, there are a few factors you must consider for a smooth transition.
Continue reading to discover the best ways to prepare for moving to a new state when you aren’t sure how to proceed!
Discover Your New State
Before you even move, one of the first things to do is explore your new state.
Whether you’re moving for a job or education, there is often some leeway in your city. For example, if your job is in a big city, but you enjoy the countryside more, you can move to the outskirts of town near a freeway.
Research the best areas to move to, and consider your family’s needs and interests. Knowing what your family needs will help you find the most suitable location for your new home.
Take a Vacation
If you are doing a cross-country move, it’s always a good idea to visit the location ahead of time.
Many people make the mistake of moving to an area they’ve never been to. This can cause culture shock and anxiety as you adjust to new surroundings. Take a weekend trip to explore the cities and towns you are considering, this is also a good chance to start viewing homes.
While you’re in the area, try to take in as much as you can. Imagine yourself living in the communities to determine which will be the most appropriate fit for your family.
Handle Moving Details
Whether you’ve got 10 weeks or a year to plan for your move, it can feel just as overwhelming.
Too many tasks for moving are contingent on the next, making it easy to get stuck and feel rushed. Developing a plan can help make the move easier on everyone and prevent important details from getting overlooked.
Below are some of the most essential tasks regarding your move that you need to have a plan for.
Create a Timeline
When you move cross-country, your timeline can feel much shorter than if you were just moving across town.
You must create a timeline for your move since there are so many factors in play. Not only will you need to pack and sell your home by a certain time, but you’ll also have deadlines for starting a new job.
Write down the most important dates. If you don’t have anything scheduled yet, you can still put them on the timeline in a reasonable order. It’s easy to adapt your timeline once it’s created, but if it isn’t detailed, you run the risk of being unprepared.
Hire a Moving Company
Once you know when the move is scheduled, you can contact a moving company to assist with the heavy work.
Hiring Cross Country Moving Companies can relieve anxiety and ensure you’re items get home safely. Packing and driving to the new state will be exhausting enough, moving the items in and out can lead to another level though. Instead of risking injury and feeling stressed, a strong team can help you transport belongings, no matter how big they are.
Research the best moving companies that can work within your needs. Some moving companies have locations across the country, making them practical choices.
Get the House Clean
Getting a new home can be exciting, especially if you’re ready to turn it into your home.
Many people recommend driving to the house ahead of the moving company. This will allow you time to prepare the home by cleaning it up and painting. It’s much easier to get these tasks taken care of when it isn’t filled with boxes and piles in your home.
Pack cleaning supplies and a vacuum to get the most essential cleaning done ahead of the moving company’s arrival. If you don’t have this option, you can hire a cleaning company in the area. You can discuss with your real estate agent if they will let the cleaning crew in for a few hours one day.
Find a Job
Nearly 45% of working Americans consider themselves to be looking for new jobs.
The Great Resignation has taken a toll on business owners all over the country, but for some, it’s beneficial. If you aren’t happy with your current job and can’t find other chances in the area, you should broaden your search.
Start looking for jobs in the areas you’re considering a few months in advance. This will allow time to find the best job postings and apply to the ones you’re interested in. Keep in mind that the interview process may also take time, so you don’t want to leave this task to the last minute.
Fortunately, there are many open positions in every industry, making now the best time to pick up and move.
Start Making Friends
Making friends can be one of the most challenging parts of moving to a new state.
If you’re used to having a strong support system living nearby, you’ll have to recreate it. Depending on your situation, you may have built-in opportunities to make connections. If you have family or friends living nearby, for example, you’ll have them as support.
It’s common for people to make new friends at their jobs or school. These are great places, but don’t forget to find friends that have the same passions as you. Read further to discover some friend-making tips in a new state.
Come With an Open Mind
If you’re used to being around the same people and don’t like change, moving can seem overwhelming.
Keeping an open mind and staying positive will help you make friends in your new area though. Introverts often find themselves lonely because they’re worried about getting hurt in friendships. With an open mind and fresh perspective, this negative mindset will disappear.
Try to surround yourself with people that inspire you and make you a better person.
Join a Club
Clubs are a great way to meet people with similar interests as you.
Fitness, crafting, book, and sports clubs are fun and exciting. Clubs can help you adjust to your new surroundings since you’ll put yourself in an environment that is comforting. You’ll be around like-minded individuals, making it easier to strike up a conversation and relationship.
The best part about joining a club is that you’ll get to discover more about yourself with new friends.
Find Local Facebook Groups
The internet can be a risky place for making friends, but if you look at community Facebook pages, you might find relief.
Local pages are great for learning about the community and connecting with future neighbors. If you’re a new mother, for example, you can join a parent or mom page in the town you’re moving to. They host public playdates and start conversations on Facebook that can help you feel involved.
Make Your Home Feel Like Home
When the new house is a blank canvas and there’s nothing on the walls, it can feel a bit dull.
Try to make your home feel comfortable as quickly as you can to adjust to your new state. When you have decorations and family memories all around you, it feels less like you’re staying at a hotel or Airbnb. As you unpack your belongings, try to find a practical space for them.
The first few nights of sleeping may also feel restless. It can help to listen to white noise machines or calming videos as your body learns the sounds of your new home. Don’t be afraid to hang items where previous owners had decorations until you can repaint them.
Manage Your Move to a New State
Moving to a new state can cause a lot of stress for everyone in the family.
Changing jobs and schools is difficult for most, but with enough planning, you can feel comfortable. It helps to visit the areas you’re considering moving to, especially if you’ve never been there. As you look for a new job and friendly community, you can learn more about your future.
Don’t be afraid to get help from moving companies and other people you know. If you have a family or many items, it can be challenging to coordinate them yourself.
There are so many states and areas to consider, keep your family’s wants and needs in mind while you make your decision.
If you want to learn more about how to move to a new state and start over, read our blog for the newest info!
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