Here at In Order To Succeed we’ve moved countless clients from state to state. We are at a point where not much surprises us – but every once in a while we encounter something new & add it to our arsenal of “learning experiences”.
Below five tips before you move that may not be at the top of your list, but preparing for them before an out-of-state move will save you time and ease your transition. Get these items out of the way so you can spend your time finding your favorite coffee shop, settling into to work, and enjoying your new home.
1) Utilities. Call your utilities companies at least a week ahead of your move-in date and find out what they need to make the switch. In one very significant learning experience, our client learned too late that they needed to visit the water provider IN PERSON (to get it switched on since it was a new account. The water company was a 45 minute drive away and they had no running water! Adding to that, it was 90 degrees and we had six movers, two toddlers, one babysitter, our team, and NO water which means…no operating toilets. We hope this never happens to you, or anyone.
2) Budget. Add an extra $3000 to your moving budget for the first few weeks of the move and just call it “unexpected costs”. You anticipate the big costs (moving trucks, flights, etc) but the little things add up too: tips for the movers, frequent take-out meals, babysitters while you decorate/unpack/run errands, start up fees for utilities, dump fees for garbage removal, first big grocery shop, etc. The list goes on.
3) DMV Requirements. You know you have to either drive or ship your car, but what about registration, licensing, etc. when you get there? Find out the DMV requirements ahead of time and make a plan for when you arrive. States have different requirements for registration transfers (i.e. you must change your registration within as little as 10 days upon establishing residency) so just google your local DMV and/or Tax Collector and make a plan.
4) Purge. In weeks before before you move – spend the time purging the things you don’t need: clothing you haven’t worn in years, old books, games, toys, electronics. If you aren’t using it now, you will not want to unpack it. Hire a professional organizer to help you do this. Their fees will be less than the cost to move all the items that will just to go back in storage. Unpacking is not fun for most people. The knowledge that you are unpacking only what you need and/or love is priceless.
5) Network. Join a local Social 5 prior to the move and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. This is a great way to find like-minded individuals. Be specific and you will be surprised at what’s out there (such as: New Moms, Tennis Groups, Dog Walking Clubs, Wine Lovers, Alumni Groups) and how willing people are to connect. If you don’t find what you are looking for – create it!
Finally, I’ll dispel a piece of advice I received when I left for college and that I’m still using. Say yes to everything for a while. Try new restaurants, make plans with new friends, take out that bucket list, talk to everyone, force yourself to get out there. You will make a new happy home for yourself, – you just have to say YES!