How to Move to a New State Like a Pro
By Cindy Aldridge
Moving to a different state is exciting, but it can also be a scary task. It’s exciting because you get to start fresh in a new place with endless possibilities, but scary because there’s so much to think about and plan for it. Today, Andrea Dunlop shares some of the key things to research and plan for when moving to a new state, including the cost of living, finding the right home, starting a business, and more. Let’s get you moving!
Researching the Cost of Living
One of the first tasks to handle when moving to a new state is researching the cost of living in your prospective destination. Doing so will help you determine how much money you need to live comfortably in your new home. Living costs can vary significantly from state to state — and even from city to city — so it’s essential to do your homework before making the move. Once you have a solid idea of how much it costs to live in your new area, you can begin to plan your budget accordingly.
Use Change to Pursue Goals
Using your move as an opportunity to switch careers and pursue your passions can be a transformative experience. For instance, by earning a nursing masters degree, you open doors to advanced career paths in the healthcare field such as nurse education, informatics, nurse administration, or advanced practice nursing. Online programs provide the flexibility needed to balance your studies with work commitments, allowing you to advance your education without pausing your professional life — give this a view. This path not only enhances your qualifications but also positions you to meet the increasing demands for specialized nursing skills in a variety of settings.
Finding and Purchasing a New Home
A major step of relocating to a new state is, of course, finding and purchasing your new home. Working with a real estate agent who knows the area well is essential for finding a home that fits your budget and needs. Be sure to research the latest real estate trends and costs in your target area. In addition to using online resources, work with a pro like Andrea Dunlop to help you navigate the market on a more one-on-one basis.
Customize Your Home’s Decor
Customizing your new home's decor is an exciting process that allows you to infuse your personal style into every corner of your space. It's a chance to create a living environment that reflects your tastes, lifestyle, and the people who live there. Websites and home decor blogs are reputable online sources for decor ideas. Additionally, online home decor retailers often feature styled rooms in their product listings, providing real-life examples of how items could look in your own home.
Starting Your Business on Solid Ground
If you’re an entrepreneur or small business owner, relocating to a new state presents an opportunity to launch from a clean slate and get your business off on the right foot. Small business administration (SBA) and many other resources are available to help you get started. The SBA operates in every state and can provide assistance with everything from business planning to mentoring and financing.
Protect Your New Home with a Warranty
Investing in a home warranty can be a useful resource for homeowners looking to save money on potential costly repairs. This annual renewable contract offers peace of mind by offering home appliance coverage to critical home systems such as heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing, as well as appliance repairs. The cost of a home warranty is influenced by several factors including the size, type, and location of your home, the chosen plan type, any additional coverage requested, and the trade call service fee. By having this warranty, you can avoid unexpected high expenses and ensure your home systems and appliances are maintained efficiently without breaking the bank.
Moving Tips for a Smooth Process
When moving to a different state, there are specific steps you can take to make the process go more smoothly. For example, purging your possessions before the move will save you time and money by simplifying the packing process and eliminating the need to transport items you no longer want or need. If you plan ahead and stay organized throughout the process, it will make things much less stressful when the move gets underway.
Moving to a new state doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you take the time to research and plan ahead. By learning the cost of living in your new area, researching home prices, and hiring a reputable real estate agent and movers, you can ensure a smooth transition for yourself and your family. And remember to position your new business for long-term success along the way!