20 Tips on Moving to a New State

Moving to a new state feeling like a lot? From finding the right place to live to getting settled in—yeah, it can be intimidating.

But here’s the thing: with some prep work and smart planning, your move can go pretty smoothly. (Let’s be real, there will be a few bumps along the way. That’s just how life works.)

To help make your relocation way less stressful, here are 20 helpful tips for moving to a new state.

How common are interstate moves in the US?

According to ConsumerAffairs’ moving statistics, tens of millions of Americans relocate each year. In recent years, around 8% to 9% of the U.S. population moves annually. Most moves are local, but a meaningful share are interstate—roughly 1 in 5 moves—crossing state lines for reasons like job changes, affordability, family, or remote-work flexibility. In other words, interstate moves aren’t unusual, but they do involve more logistics than in‑state moves, which makes advance planning even more important.

1. Research the new state

Beyond housing costs, weather, and schools, pay close attention to the job market in each state you’re considering.

What industries are thriving? What’s the average pay like? How does your new state handle LGBTQ+ rights, or reproductive rights? Whether you’re moving one state over or across the country, this research matters.

If you need help finding a great place to grow your career, check out our spotlight on the Best Cities for Young Professionals. Compare metrics like unemployment rates, median wages, and median rent, plus state and local tax rates, to make an apples-to-apples evaluation.

2. Visit the state

If you can swing it, plan an actual visit to any state and specific area you’re thinking about.

There’s really no substitute for being there if you want to get a feel for a place’s personality, energy, and overall vibe.

Can’t make it happen? Lean on digital tools. You can book virtual apartment tours, work with a local real estate agent for virtual home tours, and use StreetView to explore neighborhoods. Even a focused 48–72 hour scouting trip can give you a solid read on neighborhoods, commute times, and amenities.

3. Determine your moving budget before moving to a new state

Major moves can be pricey. Get a realistic handle on what you’re looking at.

• Consider the cost-of-living differences between your current state and the new one. This gives you an idea of how much you’ll need to adjust your monthly expenses. Even a 10% difference can seriously change your budget.
• Factor in moving costs, whether you’re hiring a company or renting a truck yourself. Don’t forget about storage unit costs if needed. DIY truck rentals and supplies can run a few hundred dollars; full‑service interstate moves can hit the thousands, depending on distance and how much stuff you have.
• If you need to travel to your new state, consider flight or rental car costs. Book these well ahead to avoid last-minute price spikes. If you’re driving to the new state, account for gas and lodging. As a rule of thumb, book flights 30–60 days ahead, and if you’re driving 800–1,200 miles, plan for 2–3 days on the road with overnight stops.

4. Establish job prospects

You don’t need a job lined up before moving—sometimes those logistics get tricky—but you should at least have an idea of what your job prospects look like.

Start researching local companies you can apply to and network virtually with professionals in your area. It doesn’t hurt to start applying; just be upfront about your ideal start date.

5. Research schools in your new state

Whether you have kids or hope to have them someday, you probably want them to go to good schools.

Researching which communities have the best schools when moving to a different state can help you narrow down where you want to live and make sure you feel comfortable with your child’s education options once you move.

6. Learn more about local healthcare

Before moving to a new area, research the local healthcare facilities to make sure you have access to quality medical services. If you have specialized health needs, you probably don’t want to move somewhere if the nearest hospital is 100 miles away.

Pay attention to the availability of medical specialties that meet your needs, like oncology, cardiology, or pediatrics.

Also check if the facilities accept your insurance, or if they offer affordable out-of-pocket rates. You can check safety and quality ratings of different healthcare facilities and physicians by consulting sites like Medicare.gov.

7. Narrow in on a neighborhood

Once you have a better idea of where you want to live, do some research on what neighborhoods are right for you. If you’re a 55-year-old parent, you might not want to live in a district known for loud bars and pub crawls. And if you’re a 23-year-old who loves nightlife, you probably don’t want to be stuck in an area where everything shuts down at 8pm.

List what’s important to you in a neighborhood (walkability, public parks, proximity to that really great bookstore) and tailor your search accordingly.

8. Create a moving timeline

Let’s be honest: Moving sucks. Give yourself some major mental relief by creating a written timeline that breaks down what you need to do each week or daily (depending on how far off your move is) before moving day so you can slowly chip away at everything on your list. Many people start 8–12 weeks out, which gives enough time to compare movers, lock in housing, and handle paperwork.

Here’s an example of how to structure and plan a comprehensive moving timeline that ensures you don’t miss any small details.

9. Find a new apartment

Wondering when to start looking for an apartment when you’re moving out of state? Ideally, give yourself four to six months before the move to score your dream rental from afar.

Not surprisingly, finding the right apartment is the biggest hurdle you’re likely to face. If you’re able to look during an in-person visit: Great! Be methodical, check out small details, and use our handy apartment walkthrough checklist so you don’t miss anything.

If not, use online resources like real estate websites, social media groups, and online classifieds to get an idea of what’s available.

Consider working with a real estate agent who can offer more personalized help and guide you through the local market. Finally, be ready to act quickly when you find a suitable property—the housing market can be competitive and properties may not stick around long.

While a virtual apartment tour isn’t quite the same as an in-person one, you can still ask your future landlord the same important questions to make sure the place is right for you. Be prepared to submit an application within 24–48 hours when you find a strong fit.

10. Research state laws and regulations

The last thing you want after a move is to accidentally rack up fines, make tax mistakes, or break laws (marijuana edibles are legal in Colorado, but they sure aren’t in Alabama).

Spend some time researching local state laws and regulations to make sure you’re up to speed on things like vehicle registration or driver’s license requirements (check your local DMV website for these details) and local tax laws.

If you have a dog, look into whether pets need to be registered where you’re moving. Many states require you to exchange your driver’s license within 30–60 days and register your vehicle within a similar window after establishing residency.

11. Collect important documents

Moving gets messy fast and that’s why this is one of the most important tips for moving to another state. Before you start packing up all your belongings, locate all your most important documents like your birth certificate, social security card, passport, and medical records.

Put them all in a safe place (these do not belong on a hired company’s moving truck) and have a plan for securely transporting them. This can save a lot of panic down the road when you’re trying to unpack everything you own at once. Make two paper copies (where appropriate) and keep secure digital backups so you’re covered if something gets misplaced in transit.

12. Find & book a reputable moving company

We’ve all heard moving horror stories. To avoid living in one, start by asking for moving company recommendations from friends and family who recently moved.

Check for reviews and complaints on sites like the Better Business Bureau and Yelp. Look for a company that’s licensed and insured, which means they’ll have the necessary protection in case any accidents or damages happen during the move. (If you’re confused about how insurance works when you’re moving, read this.)

Get a detailed estimate in writing from the company before hiring them, outlining all moving costs and services included in the move. A reputable moving company will provide clear and upfront pricing, have professional and well-trained movers, and be responsive and communicative throughout the moving process. Request at least three written estimates and clarify whether each quote is binding or non‑binding.

13. Downsize and declutter

Do you really need to bring that full collection of SASSY magazine from the late ’90s, or six boxes of old Nike sweaters? Probably not. The fewer belongings you have, the easier packing and unpacking gets. As an added bonus, moving less stuff will save you time if you’re doing a DIY move and money if hiring professional movers. As a realistic goal, try to reduce your load by 10%–20% before packing.

14. Create an inventory of your belongings

If you hire movers, they’ll usually work with you to create an inventory of all your belongings. Even if you’re renting your own truck and moving on your own, it’s helpful to do this so you have an exact idea of what you own and what you need to move.

15. Update your address

No matter where you move, it’s important to update your new address with all the important organizations and institutions in your life. This helps you avoid any disruptions and ensures that important documents or packages get delivered to your new home. It’ll also save your old neighbors from dealing with your mail.

These organizations include your bank, credit card companies, utility companies, and the postal service. Updating your address quickly can also help prevent identity theft or fraud, since your personal info won’t get sent to the wrong location. Submit your USPS change‑of‑address at least 1 week before move‑in to reduce missed mail.

16. Transfer utilities

When you move to a new house or apartment, transferring utilities is essential. It involves transferring or establishing services like electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone for your new home.

The trick here is to schedule the transfer early to ensure that utilities are ready on the day you move in and to avoid unnecessarily paying for double services or experiencing a disruption in your essential services. Aim to schedule shut‑offs and turn‑ons 1–2 weeks in advance.

17. Set up new services

Setting up essential services like internet, cable, and home security isn’t something you want to put off. Researching and comparing providers and their plans can help ensure you get the best deals and services that fit your needs, and scheduling installations ahead of time can save you time and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.

18. Pack your belongings

Packing isn’t fun, but it has to get done. Many people find it helpful to go room by room. Set aside any must-have essentials you’ll need until the last minute, but otherwise, get your boxes and tape ready. Labeling moving boxes by room will make it super easy for your movers or yourself to know what goes where, and you’ll be able to easily unpack everything right in the room it belongs in. Keep individual boxes under 50 lbs when possible and label at least two sides for faster sorting.

19. Do the actual move, and try to relax

You’ve come this far, so give yourself a hand! Picking up your whole existence in California and shifting it to Maine is no small feat.

Moving your belongings yourself from point A to B with some hefty items? Check out our complete guide on how to move heavy furniture with ease.

Expect that you’ll face some unexpected challenges in transit, and try to roll with it. It’s rare that a move is completely free of friction, snafus, or minor headaches. Just remind yourself that you’ve got a new chapter in your life waiting on the other side. Build a 10%–20% time and budget buffer so surprises don’t derail your plans.

20. Settle in and celebrate

Socializing, checking out local nightlife, getting to know your new neighbors! It can take a while to get settled in a new home, especially after a major out-of-state move.

One way to speed things up is to give yourself a hard deadline for feeling or at least looking settled—put a housewarming party on the calendar. You’ve earned it.

Oh yeah, and don’t forget another vital step: Getting renters insurance to protect your valuable stuff in its brand new home! Click below to get a quote in just minutes.

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A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states.