How to Move to Another State (2024) (2024)

Moving to a different state can be an adventure. Starting afresh with a change of scenery can bring opportunities for new experiences, professional and personal growth, expanded social networks, and overall, an improved quality of life. As a matter of fact, out-of-state moves have been growing in popularity in recent years.

We’ve enlisted the help of two experts, Brooke Anderson, co-owner of Big Man’s Moving Company in Tampa, Florida, and Kevin Murphy, vice president and general manager of North American Van Lines in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to share their advice on what it takes to get through an out-of-state move.

What do you need to know when hiring movers for an out-of-state relocation?

The first thing to do is to determine whether you need long-distance professional movers — or if a DIY with a truck rental is the most efficient and cheapest way to move. According to our November 2023 moving survey, 34.2% of respondents said they hired professional movers because they had too much stuff; 25.4% stated that the decision was based on ownership of fragile or valuable items.

“The larger the home is, the less likely any rental truck will even be able to accommodate all your belongings,” Murphy said. “On top of that, professional movers are trained in the best way to load a truck to use the maximum space and secure belongings to protect them.”

This includes the right equipment and materials to keep your furniture and boxes safe during the passage. Movers know how to wrap delicate furniture in heavy blankets, use wardrobe boxes for clothes and pack dishes so they don’t break en route.

Start shopping around for professional movers at least two months before your moving date, and get at least three quotes to get a ballpark of your moving costs.

Follow these steps to prepare as you move to another state.

Do your research

Hiring a professional moving company for an interstate relocation requires asking questions. Some companies that appear to be movers may actually be brokers. “Such brokers don’t have trucks or any other ‘assets,’” Murphy said. “They simply hand moves out to whatever mover will accept them without knowing if those individuals or companies are certified.”

Begin by browsing the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to verify that a company is licensed for interstate moves. You should also ask a moving company for a copy of their certificate of insurance, Anderson advised: “Most reputable movers will have a $1 million policy for workers comp, $1 million policy for general liability and $100K for cargo insurance.”

Ask if the moving company has their own trucks. “If companies aren't licensed by the FMCSA for interstate moving, they will often rent a U-Haul, Penske or Budget truck and try to perform the move anyway,” Anderson said. “This is illegal.”

Anderson advised screening companies based on who will perform the move. “Are they your employees or 1099 independent contractors? Will they be on my job throughout the entire move, including the loading, the driving and the unloading?”

In Anderson’s opinion, companies that hire 1099 day laborers may not undergo background checks and are the equivalent of hiring random people from Craigslist.

Understand how pricing works

The average move is 984 miles for an average cost of $5,652, with an average down payment of $1,687, according to the November 2024 USA TODAY Homefront moving survey.

Moving estimates are complicated and hinge on several factors. While some companies charge a flat rate, others charge by weight or the amount of space occupied in the truck.

Distance traveled, time of year and specific markets may also factor into the pricing. Summer — the most popular time to move — is the most expensive season, Murphy said. “Typically, moving midmonth and during the middle of the week is less expensive than at the beginning or end of the month or on weekends,” he added.

Full-service moving companies often offer additional services, which will add to the cost of an interstate move.

What should be on your moving-out-of-state checklist?

Preparation is key for a big move across state lines — there’s nothing like a checklist to keep yourself organized. If you need help, here are a few things to add to your moving-out-of-state checklist.

Create a moving plan

To get organized for an interstate move, create a detailed moving plan. It’s more than hiring a professional mover or renting a truck. “The plan should include an inventory of all the items you need to pack and transport, how you plan to transport them along with estimates for fuel and moving supplies,” Murphy said.

Get moving supplies

Most homeowners who hire professional movers have three bedrooms (39%) that need to be packed up, according to our moving survey. That’s a lot of moving boxes to procure.

You can find some moving boxes for free on social sites such as Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace, but if you decide to purchase boxes, add the cost to your moving budget. Sean Donnelly, USA TODAY Homefront writer and moving expert, recommended allocating between $250 and $350 for packing up a three-bedroom home.

Buying more packing supplies than you think you will need. “If you are going to a store, buy from a store like U-Haul where you can return unused supplies,” Anderson recommended.

Pack your belongings

Before you pull out the packing tape, create a moving timeline. Almost one-third of our survey respondents started packing two weeks before their move. Even if you’re not moving to a smaller residence, downsize and declutter. Anderson has a two-year rule to help you let go. “If you haven't seen or used it within two years, throw it away,” she encouraged. “Why pay to move things that aren't useful?”

Start in the kitchen, which will take the longest to pack, and finish with bathroom essentials. “To expedite packing in each room, keep similar items together,” Anderson suggested. “That way, items are easier to find during the unpacking process.”

Use ample packing paper and cushioning to prevent boxes from collapsing. Label boxes clearly.

“Valuables, fragiles and other special items can be time-consuming to pack but are important to protect. Don’t use newspapers to wrap these items,” Murphy said. “Ink on newsprint can rub off — and in some cases, won’t come off.”

Cancel home services and utilities

Around a month before you move, compile a list of home services and utilities in your name. These could include water, garbage, recycling, electricity, gas, internet and cable as well as any delivery services, memberships, subscriptions or insurance policies.

Contact these companies to cancel or transfer the service. Update your billing address, and confirm the last date of service. Consider keeping some essentials — such as water and electricity — up until the day you move.

What important documents should you complete when moving out of state?

Moving isn’t just about changing your physical address and transplanting yourself into a new city. For tax and other administrative purposes, you’ll need to do the paperwork to establish yourself as a new resident.

Change of address

Plan to have your mail forwarded to your new address. This means you’ll need to register for an official address change with the United States Postal Service (USPS). You can stop by your local post office, but you can also update it online. The form takes minutes to complete, and you have the option to edit or change your address at a later date if you’re staying in temporary housing or moving again.

Driver’s license

To qualify for state benefits — such as tuition, unemployment and property tax exemptions — you’ll need to get a new driver’s license with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within the allowed grace period. Rules vary state by state. Getting a new driver’s license may be a matter of exchanging your out-of-state license — or you may be required to take a vision test, a knowledge test and/or a driving test.

Vehicle registration

Your out-of-state car needs documentation, too. Register your vehicle. Check the DMV, or an equivalent agency, for your state’s requirements and registration fees. You may need documents including proof of identity, residency, vehicle title, vehicle inspection certificate and proof of car insurance.

Voter registration

If you haven’t updated your voter registration at the USPS, you can do so at vote.gov. Select your state or territory and follow the instructions. Depending on your new state, you may have the choice to register online, through the mail, in person or by phone. Note the registration deadline, which is typically 30 days before an election.

What’s next?

Once you figure out the logistics and moving expenses. Research your new town for public transportation, grocery stores, health care providers, crime rates and new schools. You may already have a new job and a new house, but if you don’t, you can browse local job opportunities or research housing options.

Reach out to a real estate agent who can debrief you on the housing market in the new area. This may entail taking a trip before you book a moving company.

If you are able to drive to your out-of-state you can drop off your car and avoid worrying about auto shipping.