How to Move Out of State: A Complete Guide

Moving out of state is a significant change, which often comes with a ton of stress (and moving boxes). But with careful planning and help from professional movers, you can dodge surprises, keeping your move as calm and cost-effective as possible. So, take a breath, enjoy the excitement of a new life event, and follow our steps for moving out of state.

Why Do People Move Out of State?

Individual reasons for switching states are innumerable. People have many motivations for making an out of state move, including:

• Housing changes: People switch states to find a different home, a more affordable location, or to transition to a new type of property. Others move to a new kind of environment, such as moving to a rural area for the peace and quiet or moving to the city for a more active nightlife.

• Personal reasons: Changes in homeowner’s personal lives may prompt them to move states, including changes in marital, financial, or familial status. 

• Employment: A new job is a popular reason for moving to a new state, as well as moving after a career change.

How Much Does It Cost to Move Out of State?

The cost of an out-of-state move depends on many factors, including distance traveling, amount of belongings, and whether you hire professional movers near you. Moving out of state involves extra expenses that can make it pricier than staying stateside. Let’s break it down into several options:

• Professional movers: $900–$2,540

• Moving truck rental: $30–$3,500

• Ship a moving container: $2,000–$5,000

Moving states can also involve additional expenses such as gas costs, moving permits , and road tolls. Long-distance moves may also involve stopping for multiple meals and staying overnight in hotels.

How to Move To Another State

Planning a move to a different state? Let’s review vital steps to help make the process go smoothly—and save you a lot of money and time.

1. Establish a Clear Destination, Timeframe, and Budget

Before diving into the details, create a firm overall plan for your out-of-state move. You’ll need to make specific decisions about your moving date, moving method, and budget.

Start researching early and narrow down where you want to move in a state. 

Online communities and forums can be a great place to ask questions and advice about the best spots to move, where housing is affordable, what schools to choose, and other details. Look up local taxes to see if there will be notable changes in income or property taxes so you can budget effectively for those, too. You may also want to ask about local business, traffic hours, and other details —make a full list of questions. With these insights, try to visit your high-priority areas in person to help narrow down a location. If you will be renting, start rental applications as soon as possible.

Once you choose a location, confirm details about your moving timeframe and budgeting. Start taking inventory of your belongings to determine whether to rent a moving truck or ship a moving pod. 

2. Research Moving Benefits

Be sure to determine whether you qualify for any moving benefits to offset the expense of moving to another state. Always ask your employer about any benefits related to moving. If you are moving for a job, you’ll likely qualify for employer programs or discounts to cover some (or all) of the costs.

Look up your new state’s moving programs to see if they’ll help pay for your move. Certain states that want to attract newcomers have programs that cover moving expenses and even monthly costs for your first year, but you’ll have to apply first.

Other programs may be available to low-income movers, veterans, and people living with disabilities.

Apply to moving benefits and programs months before the move so they’ll go into effect in time. Pay attention to any details, like a required timeframe, proof of certain kinds of employment, and requirements to build or buy a house.

3. Declutter and Create a Packing Strategy

You can never start packing too early. The first steps are taking inventory of your belongings and deciding how much to declutter your home to avoid moving unwanted items. It’s best to donate items or hold garage sales months before the big move. 

You’ll also want plenty of time to find moving supplies and start packing your nonessentials. A checklist for packing can be a great aid, and learning how to pack for a move can save you time and money. You’ll want to budget several hundred dollars for packing supplies and materials if you plan on packing yourself.

4. Book Professional Movers

DIY moving is possible, especially for those in apartments or small homes, but out-of-state movers require hiring movers to manage a cross-state move. Start calling local moving companies and asking for quotes several months before your move. Movers can become very busy during warmer seasons and their schedules fill up quickly, so act fast to book them during your moving window.

Movers can help you with add-on services, such as packing and unpacking, but you can save money by taking care of the details yourself. Don’t forget to consider costs like moving insurance, which is important when moving out of state, and storage costs if you need to store belongings when downsizing or arranging for a new home.

5. Book a Moving Vehicle

Once your moving date and professional moving team is set, you’ll need to book your moving vehicle. Renting a moving truck is a common moving method because you can choose from a variety of truck sizes based on the weight and number of your belongings. For out-of-state moves, consider hiring a moving truck driver to transport your items, otherwise you’ll have to drive the large moving truck yourself, which is difficult without prior experience.

6. Check on Required Permits

Moving to a new state doesn’t require a special permit, but you may still run into permit rules during the process. Research state and city websites to find more information on moving-related permits and their costs. Permits to watch out for include:

• A city moving permit allows you to park a moving truck on a street in front of your property. Professional movers may take care of this type of permit.

• A trip permit allows you to use an unregistered vehicle in a state for an extended period of time.

7. Open and Close Utility Services

As you enter the 30 days before your move to a new state, it’s time to switch over your utilities. Cancel key utilities at your old residence and consult the new utility companies to make sure services are turned on and payment methods are finalized. Don’t forget key utilities like:

• Water 

• Sewer

• Electricity

• Internet

• Trash and recycling services

• Gas lines

• Cable TV

If you are renting, consult your landlord about the process for starting any necessary utilities. Your online streaming services will follow you without many changes, but if you have any local gym memberships, recurring passes, or local-based subscriptions, consider canceling them. If you have homeowners or renters insurance, cancel it or start updating your policy with your new residence.

8. Pack and Prepare for Movers

In the weeks ahead of your cross-state move, calculate the number and type of moving boxes you need and begin putting everything in its moving spot. Be sure to label your boxes properly, use specialty boxes for items like TVs and fragile items, and place the heaviest items on the bottom. If you’re using full-service movers who are packing for you, organize your belongings in piles so they know which items to pack together.

Prepare for movers by clearing a path to the moving vehicle, making a moving day plan for kids and pets to keep them out of the way, and confirm pick-up and drop-off times with the moving team. 

9. Keep the Essentials With You

As the moving day gets closer and you start packing your most important belongings into the final boxes and bins, reserve several boxes to keep the essentials with you. You should keep these items in your personal car as you travel. These boxes should include key things like:

• Important medications and medical equipment

• Important legal documents and IDs

• Valuable items like jewelry, artwork, and electronics

• Important mementos 

• Hygiene items and toiletries

• Toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning supplies

• Snacks and extra food

• Pet food and supplies

• Chargers for your phone and other important devices

• Wi-Fi router

10. Unpack and Check Up On Your New Home

When you arrive at your new address, meet your realtor or landlord for access, and take your time getting used to the new space. If movers are helping to transport your belongings to your new home, stay in contact with them and remain patient as they deliver your belongings. Once the movers finish unloading or unpacking your boxes and furniture, be sure to tip your movers to show your appreciation for their help with the out-of-state move.

In the meantime, conduct a full inspection of your new home. Check that the utilities are working as planned, inspect water and electricity functions, and ensure appliances and HVAC units are in place. Be sure to hook up your router and make sure you can access the internet easily.

11. Change Your Address and Update Your Contact Information

As you start unpacking, take your time and make space for a few more important steps. First, now that the move is official, it’s time to change your address information, including on your health insurance and healthcare policies, phone plan, banking information, and any other subscriptions.

12. Settle Into Your New State

Now that your move is largely complete, conduct in-person research on your new state to discover important facts you may not have known (or may have forgotten in the rush). Consider researching these important points:

• Local traffic laws 

• Transportation options including public transportation and parking systems

• Local vets and pet registration rules

• Local weather and seasonal changes, including winterization steps

• Voter registration and ballot drop-off options 

• State programs for solar energy environmental programs or low-income aid programs

• Trash and recycling schedules

• License-changing protocols 

How to Save Money When Moving Out of State

There are several additional steps you can take to save as much as possible during your out-of-state move:

• Reuse moving supplies and materials, such as moving boxes 

• Always get multiple quotes for your moving jobs to compare prices and find the best deal

• Consider holding a garage sale to raise some extra cash to add to your moving budget

• Look into using USPS Media Mail, which can ship heavier media packages (like books) up to 70 pounds 

• If you are changing jobs, formally request a moving subsidy even if your employer isn’t offering one

• Plan your move during the off-season, like the colder seasons. Shipping and professional prices are likely to be lower, roads are easier to navigate, and you’ll have less stress.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

A move to another state is a longer, more extensive move, which means hiring professional movers is a more common option. Hiring professional local movers are more expensive, but they can handle moving large items, arranging for storage, and handling any permits. They can also save you time and stress if your schedule is tight, although it’s important to find a trustworthy mover with good reviews.

Hiring professional movers costs between $880 and $2,540, depending on distance, add-on services, and number of movers. Cross-country moves cost $2,400 to $6,860, depending on similar factors. Moving especially large or delicate items will quickly increase those costs. You will also want to pay for moving insurance for such a significant move.