Interstate Moving Tips

When moving from one state to another, it is important to consider certain factors that either do not typically apply to moving within the state you already reside in or do apply, but in a different capacity than if you are moving out of state. There are many factors to consider when moving that extend beyond simply packing boxes and getting in the car to make the drive to your new place of residence. In addition to the packing and the road trip, there are also a number of tedious yet necessary legal factors to consider when making an out of state move. You will need to do research ahead of time to be sure that you do not overlook anything when making an interstate move such as updating your driver’s license, setting up mail forwarding, and informing the proper institutes of your move, such as the IRS, for example. This list of four topics will cover the basic overview of what you will need to do when making a move across state lines.  

1. Hire a moving company that takes on interstate moves – Star International Moving Solutions offers moving services for all types of moving, whether it be local, interstate, international, or even corporate relocation. Selecting a moving company that has a history of successfully tackling interstate moves is important to ensure that the logistics are worked out properly and that all of your treasured belongings make it to your new place of residence successfully. If you choose a moving company that is not experienced with long distance moving jobs, the potential for running into issues, headaches, and potentially ending up with damaged or lost possessions is greater than if you hire the services of a moving company that already has a long history in dealing with interstate moves.  

1. Secure your employment situation – Having a job is important. When moving out of state, it is likely that you will not be able to continue working in the same place you have been. Unless you are fortunate enough to already have a remote job that you can do from the comfort of your own home that allows you the freedom to move about the country as you desire, you will need to make other arrangements. If your job can be done from home, and you are interested in keeping your current position, speak to your employer about potentially allowing you the option to continue working remotely. This will save your employer the trouble of finding and training a replacement for your position and gives you the option to stay in a place where you are already established and comfortable. If your job cannot be done remotely, or if your employer will not allow you to work remotely, then you will need to secure another job before your move if possible. It is always advisable to have employment lined up before making a move if possible.  

1. Set up mail forwarding – When you are settled in your new home, you will need to make sure you are receiving any mail you would normally receive in your previous residence. You can easily set up mail forwarding right on the USPS website. Additionally, you should make sure to go on any websites where you have accounts or subscriptions and update your shipping and billing information to include your new address. Mail forwarding usually covers you for a year, so be sure not to neglect updating your address wherever you need to. Taking this proactive step will prevent you from missing any important mail when your mail forwarding service eventually ends. Another suggested tip is to proactively give the important people in your life your new address, so no one misses the memo and sends important letters or invitations to your previous address. 

1. Update your legal information – Once you have moved, you will need to update certain legal information and identification. Before going to the DMV to have your driver’s license updated to reflect your new address, you will need to go online and read the driver’s license requirements for the particular state you are moving to. Once you know what you will need to do and what you will need to bring, you can visit the Department of Motor Vehicles nearest you to have your driver’s license and vehicle registration updated. You will also need to make sure your insurance company is aware of your move so you can update your insurance information. Depending on what insurance company you use, you may have even moved outside of their area of coverage, and you may need to purchase a new insurance plan entirely.  

There will be other factors to consider when moving out of state, of course, but this quick overview of things to consider when making an interstate move will put you on the right track to taking care of all the necessary factors involved in your move.