If you want to move to a new state then you need to be aware that it is not just a question of packing a case and going. There are several factors that you will need to take into consideration before you go.
First of all, have you visited the place that you are thinking of moving to? For some people the thought of moving to California or Florida has been fueled by what they have seen on TV; however, the reality is likely to be different and you need to take this into consideration when you move. Make sure that you pay a couple of visits beforehand to see different parts of the state and figure out where it is that you want to live. Los Angeles may look great, but do you want to live in such a busy city? You may prefer one of its quieter neighbors.
You also need to take into consideration whether you can afford to make the move. Will you be able to transfer your job to the new location? Ask your current employer about transfer opportunities if it has a base in the area; otherwise, you will need to find alternative work. Make sure that you have a firm job offer before making the move unless you have plenty of money saved to fund your new life for a few months while you look for an opportunity.
Planning an interstate move also means considering the cost of living in the new location. This is different in every state, as each has its own rules on taxation and different areas have different house prices and rental costs. You should also consider the cost of day-to-day items, such as buying a coffee. You may think that you have plenty of money saved but it could be that this will not last you as long as it would in the place in which you currently live.
Once you have decided on a state you need to find a neighborhood in which to live. Every city has good and bad points, and you do not want to find that you have left a good neighborhood in one state only to have to live in a poor neighborhood in another because you have not planned the move properly. Find out as much as you can about the different areas – visit a few and talk to some of the locals. This will give you a lot more information than you can find on the internet and you could stumble upon a gem of a neighborhood that you have not considered.
Once you have made your decision, you can start your packing and find a moving company. Talk to a few to find out whether they can help you. Some are quite happy to take you right across the country, while others will only operate within a certain distance from their depot. Getting more than one quote is essential to make sure that you get a good deal.
