Introduction
Moving can be a big decision for anyone, especially if you’re taking a long trip across the country or even to a different state. When I was 19 years old, me and my business partner decided to pack up our cars and head toward the bright lights of Las Vegas. Little did we know we’d be in for a lot of heartache accompanied by moments of bliss.
Below we’re gonna talk about the 10 Things To Know Before Moving Out Of State. The good, the bad and the ugly. These are the things we wish someone would have told us before making the transcontinental journey.
1 : GamePlan
Do you have a gameplan? If not, simply make one, I can’t stress enough how critical this step is. “An Idiot with a plan can beat a genius without a plan” – Warren Buffett.
When coming up with your bulletproof plan ask yourself a few key questions.
- Can I afford to move out of state?
- Will I be depressed without my friends and family?
- How much will gas / airfare cost to get to my destination?
- Is the community I’ll be living in safe?
- Are state taxes higher?
While working on this try to ask yourself the unimaginable questions. This will save you time and get you prepared in the long run. There will always be the inevitable and unexpected, but being prepared before your trip will help when unforeseen obstacles crop up.
2 : Family / Friends
Family and friends are something big to consider when moving out of state. Most of us are pretty close to family members and it’s extremely hard to move and lose the luxury of calling up your siblings or best friends to hangout. Can you see yourself getting through the initial stage of social isolation? If so, then hell yea! It’s only a bump in the road and once you get past that, the whole world will open up, bringing more opportunities and chances for new friendships.
3 : Money
Money, money, money… It’s all about that green. In order to have a successful move you will need enough money. Here are some things to consider:
If traveling across the country, let’s say from Ohio to Nevada, that’s around 2,000 miles. That being said, you’ll spend around $200 on gas alone. Don’t forget to add munchies and hotel costs as well. When I personally took the drive, I spent around $400.
Driving budget aside, keep in mind other living expenses such as; rent (not to mention a security deposit), car maintenance, food, furniture, utilities and personal bills. Having a good budget will help you when surprise expenses pop up.
4 : Reliable Car
When was the last time you got an oil change? Knowing the answer to that question can save you from being stranded in the desert because your engine got too hot and burned up. Long hauls in a car can cause immense problems if you don’t do the recommended maintenance. Take it from someone who learned the hard way, it sucks. I’d always recommend getting your car looked at by a mechanic before your long trip, just to be safe. Things to look for include leaky tires, bad wiper blades, low oil, low fluids, service lights and any leaks coming from under the car. Also, don’t forget to double check the spare if you have one (you better have one!). Having some form of Roadside Assistance is also a great investment. It is very affordable, and can come in handy in case of a breakdown. There are many plans to choose from; even Verizon offers that service for $3.00/month.
5 : Location
Sunny? Cloudy? Rainy? Wherever it is you’re going it’ll be a blast no matter what and a pivotal time of adulthood. Location is huge and everyone likes different and new areas however, regardless of where you end up, think about these things.
Is the neighborhood safe? If you have kids, are the schools adequate? Is there food and shopping nearby? Are there ample job opportunities in the area? Just a couple things to consider when picking your new home city.
6 : Job
Before even thinking about moving, do you have a job lined up? I didn’t do this step when I moved and it bit me in the ass pretty quick. Whatever skills you have, there’s a job out there for you in any city; but being able to have steady income right when you touch down will save from dipping into your budget. Think about applying to some jobs in the area you’re moving to and be sure to let the interviewer know when you’ll be arriving. Schedule a Skype or Facetime interview for the best results. It’s always good to put a face to a name.
7 : Moving Alone / With Someone
Is moving easier with someone or by yourself? Well… that depends on you. Do you like being alone most of the time, or do you like being surrounded by your peers in a social setting? Answering that question now could help you from wanting to throw things at your roommate six months from now.
Moving by yourself is hard at first but gets easier as time goes on. Whereas moving with another person, in most cases, starts well but gets harder in the long run; not in all situations but most of the time that’s how it works out.
8 : Introvert / Extrovert
Introverts will absolutely love the freedom of being by themselves, driving for hundreds of miles enjoying the self presence. However, extroverts will find this a little harder. Being by yourself for long periods of time can cause depression and extreme loneliness for extroverted people. But it’s not all bad, in either case introverted or extroverted time heals all. Once you get past the part of actually moving to your new home state, the feeling is amazing. You’ll meet new people, try new things, have new business opportunities, and who knows what great things will come from it. Ultimately, you will gain a level of independence and freedom unlike anything you have experienced before.
9 : Backup Plan
Congrats! You made it to one of the most important steps on this list. The Backup Plan. Every brilliant person has a backup plan when doing something new that could possibly end bad. So, what’s yours? If all else fails then what? Do you have a couple thousand stashed away in case of an emergency? Or family near where you’re moving? Think about that and create a plan that works for you. Hopefully you won’t ever have to implement this plan but it’s better safe than sorry.
10 : Give Yourself Credit
You’re a boss. Moving out of your home state is one of the hardest things someone can do, leaving friends and family behind in search of a new or better future. Most people never do this. I’ve heard countless people say “I hate this city”, “I gotta get out of here”, “My city is the worst”, yet they never do anything about it. So congratulate yourself, in the long run it’ll all be worth it.
Well, now that you have the basics, it’s time to get a game plan and start a whole new chapter in your life. Don’t forget, it’s not just about the destination, it’s also about the journey you take to get there.
Good luck fellow travelers.
