How to Move to Another State: Complete Guide 2025

Moving to another state means changing your entire life, but it doesn't have to be scary. With the right plan, you can make your big move smooth and stress-free. This guide will walk you through every step, from planning your timeline to settling into your new home.

Planning Your Interstate Move

Start Early With a Timeline

The first step to relocating to another state is determining your moving timeline. Estimate how many weeks or months you'll need to prepare for a move out of state. Most experts say you should start planning at least 8-12 weeks before your move date.

Here's what affects your timeline:

• Are you moving for a new job?
• Do you need to sell your current home first?
• Are you moving with kids who need to change schools?
• Do you have pets that need special care?

Pro Tip:  Pick your moving date early. This gives you enough time to book movers and handle all the paperwork.

Research Your New State

Moving to a new state means learning about a whole new place. Relocating to another state means adjusting to a new way of life, so you should prioritize learning everything you can about the area you'll be living in.

Look into these important things:

• Cost of living  - Will things cost more or less than where you live now?
• Weather  - Do you need different clothes or car equipment?
• Job market  - Are there good jobs in your field?
• Schools  - If you have kids, check out the local school ratings
• Crime rates  - Look up safety information for your new area using resources like   FBI.gov
• Local laws  - Some states have different rules about pets, cars, and taxes

You'll want to wrap up your research by visiting your top contender in person. Get the lay of the land, talk to locals and pretend you live there.

Budgeting for Your Move

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Another State?

The average cost to move out of state is around $4,300, according to   recent industry data from MoveBuddha , with full-service moves ranging from $2,300 to $9,000 and DIY moves from $600 to $5,300. But your actual cost depends on many things:

• Distance  - Longer moves cost more
• Size of your home  - More stuff means higher prices
• Time of year  - Summer moves cost 20-30% more
• Moving services  - Full-service costs more than DIY

Breaking Down Moving Costs

Full-Service Professional Movers:

• 1-bedroom apartment: $2,500-$4,000
• 2-3 bedroom home: $4,000-$7,000
• 4+ bedroom home: $7,000-$12,000+

DIY Moving Options:

• Truck rental: $1,200-$3,000
• Moving containers (PODS): $3,000-$6,000
• Shipping boxes: $500-$1,500

Don't Forget These Extra Costs:

• Packing supplies: $150-$400
• Travel expenses: $200-$800
• Storage fees: $100-$300 per month
• Utility deposits: $100-$500
• Car shipping: $900-$2,400

Money-Saving Tips

Want to spend less on your move? Try these tricks:

• Move in fall or winter  - Prices drop by 20-30%
• Choose mid-week dates  - Weekends cost more
• Book early  - Get better rates and dates
• Declutter first  - Less stuff means lower costs
• Pack yourself  - Save $500-$2,000 on packing services

Choosing the Right Moving Method

Professional Full-Service Movers

Best for: People who want the easiest move possible

Pros:

• Movers handle everything
• Professional packing and unpacking
• Insurance coverage included
• Less stress and physical work

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Less control over timing
• Need to trust strangers with your stuff

Moving Containers (PODS)

Best for: People who want flexibility

Pros:

• Pack at your own pace
• More affordable than full-service
• Includes storage if needed
• No driving a big truck

Cons:

• You do the loading and unloading
• Takes longer than other methods
• Weather can affect your timeline

DIY Truck Rental

Best for: People on tight budgets

Pros:

• Cheapest option
• Full control over your move
• Can recruit friends to help

Cons:

• Most physical work
• You drive the big truck
• Higher risk of damage or injury
• Hidden costs (gas, tolls, hotels)

Legal Requirements When Moving States

Update Your Driver's License

All states require that residents update their driver's licenses when they move. According to the   National Conference of State Legislatures , depending on the state, this may be required immediately, or you may be granted up to a few months' grace period after moving.

Timeline by State:

• Most states: 30-60 days
• Some states: Immediately
• A few states: Up to 90 days

What You'll Need:

• Current valid license
• Proof of new address (utility bill, lease agreement)
• Social Security card or proof of SSN
• Birth certificate or passport
• Payment for fees ($20-$50 typically)

Register Your Vehicle

Under New Jersey law, you must transfer your vehicle title and registration (with or without a lien) within 60 days. Most states have similar rules.

Required Documents:

• Current vehicle title
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of new address
• Driver's license from new state
• Payment for registration fees

Note:  Some states require vehicle inspections or emissions tests.

Update Your Voter Registration

Register to vote. You'll need to update your voter registration if you want to cast a ballot in your new state. The   U.S. Election Assistance Commission  provides resources for voter registration requirements in each state. You can usually do this online or at your local DMV.

Step-by-Step Moving Process

8-12 Weeks Before Moving

1. Set your moving budget
2. Research and visit your new area
3. Start job hunting  (if you don't have one lined up)
4. Get moving quotes  from at least 3 companies
5. Book your moving date

6-8 Weeks Before Moving

1. Order moving supplies  or arrange packing services
2. Start decluttering  - donate, sell, or throw away items you don't need
3. Research schools  for your kids
4. Find new doctors, dentists, and veterinarians
5. Arrange time off work  for moving day

4-6 Weeks Before Moving

1. Confirm moving arrangements  with your chosen company
2. Start packing non-essential items
3. Change your address  with the post office
4. Notify important people  about your move:

• Banks and credit card companies
• Insurance providers
• Employers and schools
• Subscription services

2-4 Weeks Before Moving

1. Transfer utilities  - set up service at your new home
2. Confirm travel arrangements  if flying to your new state
3. Pack most of your belongings
4. Use up food  in your fridge and pantry
5. Arrange pet transportation  if needed

1 Week Before Moving

1. Pack a survival box  with essentials for your first few days
2. Confirm all arrangements  with movers, utility companies, etc.
3. Clean out your refrigerator
4. Charge all electronic devices
5. Pack a suitcase  like you're going on vacation

Moving Day

1. Be present  when movers arrive
2. Check inventory lists  before signing
3. Keep important documents  with you
4. Take photos  of valuable items before they're packed
5. Do a final walkthrough  before leaving

Settling Into Your New State

First Week Tasks

Legal Requirements:

• Apply for a new driver's license
• Register your vehicle
• Register to vote
• Update your address with the IRS

Practical Tasks:

• Set up utilities (if not done already)
• Find the nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and hospital
• Open a local bank account (if needed)
• Register kids for school
• Find a new doctor and dentist

Building Your New Life

Get Connected:

• Join neighborhood social media groups
• Visit local community centers
• Attend local events and festivals
• Try new restaurants and shops
• Explore parks and recreational areas

Whether you're looking for new schools, new friends, or just a great new coffee spot, here are some ways to get to know your new city: Join a neighborhood social media group. Use an online educational resource like Niche to research school options. Check out the weather.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make These Moving Mistakes

1. Starting Too Late  The most common mistake people make when facing a long-distance move is procrastinating. Time waits for no one, and neither does your scheduled move day. Give yourself plenty of time to plan.

2. Not Researching Your New Area  One major oversight many people do is not researching their new home thoroughly. Getting to know your new state can save you from unexpected challenges and help you settle in faster.

3. Choosing the Cheapest Mover  Many consumers look for the cheapest way to move without realizing that out-of-state moving companies that charge bargain prices often offer bargain services, or don't accurately estimate their final prices.

4. Not Having a Moving Checklist  A detailed moving checklist is not negotiable. When you don't use a checklist, you can forget essential tasks like utility transfers and vehicle registration for your new state.

5. Underestimating Costs  According to   recent housing market analysis from the U.S. Census Bureau , underestimating the costs of moving to another state is a common mistake that can strain your finances. Proper budgeting is essential to effectively cover all expected—and unexpected—expenses.

6. Not Decluttering Before Packing  You are not decluttering before a move, which is one of the main mistakes to avoid when moving, as it can lead to unnecessary stress and expense.

Special Considerations

Moving with Kids

Moving can be hard on children. Here's how to help them:

• Involve them in planning  - Let kids help choose their new room setup
• Keep routines  as normal as possible during the move
• Plan virtual tours  of their new school and neighborhood
• Pack a special box  with their favorite toys and comfort items
• Say proper goodbyes  to friends and favorite places

Moving with Pets

Before your move, take your pet to the vet for a medical checkup and request their immunization records.

Pet Moving Checklist:

• Update pet ID tags with new address
• Research pet registration requirements in your new state
• Find a new veterinarian
• Plan for travel (car vs. plane)
• Pack pet essentials in an easy-to-access bag

Moving for Work

If your employer is paying for your move:

• Ask about relocation packages  - Many companies offer help with moving costs
• Get everything in writing  - Know exactly what's covered
• Save all receipts  - You might be able to deduct some expenses
• Negotiate for temporary housing  if your new home isn't ready

When to Use Professional Services

Consider Hiring Professional Help If:

• You have valuable or fragile items
• You're moving a long distance (over 1,000 miles)
• You have a tight timeline
• You're moving during busy season (summer)
• You have physical limitations
• You want to reduce stress

For residents in the Edmonton area looking for reliable help with their move,   professional movers  can provide the expertise and equipment needed for a smooth transition, whether you're moving locally or preparing for a   long-distance relocation .

DIY Moving Works Best When:

• You have a flexible timeline
• You're moving a shorter distance
• You have friends or family who can help
• You want to save money
• You have experience with moving trucks

Timeline Summary

When	What to Do
8-12 weeks before	Set budget, research new area, get quotes
6-8 weeks before	Book movers, order supplies, start decluttering
4-6 weeks before	Start packing, change address, notify contacts
2-4 weeks before	Transfer utilities, finalize travel plans
1 week before	Pack essentials box, confirm all arrangements
Moving day	Supervise movers, keep documents safe
First week after	Update license, register vehicle, explore area

Final Thoughts

Moving to another state is a big step, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. The key is starting early and staying organized. Remember that even the best plans can hit snags, so build in extra time and budget for unexpected costs.

Moving to another state is never easy, but following these steps will make it a lot less stressful—and you'll keep your money goals intact.

Take it one step at a time, don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and soon you'll be settling into your new home in your new state. The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you!

Whether you need help with   packing services , require   storage solutions  during your transition, or want assistance with   apartment moving , having the right team can make all the difference. Don't forget to use our helpful   moving checklist  to stay organized throughout your journey.

Ready to make your move?   Get in touch with us  for a free moving estimate and let us help make your interstate move as smooth as possible.