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Article by Guest Contributor Suzie Wilson
Planning to move to a new state? Congratulations! While moving can be (very) stressful, the end results are so worth it. Purchasing a home, exploring new neighborhoods, and settling into your new work situation can give you a fresh start and revitalize your life. Today, BetterPooperScooper.com offers some helpful tips on moving to a new state and all the responsibilities that come with it.
Research Your New City
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 27 million Americans made an out-of-state move in 2021. Whether you’re moving for work, school, or just a better quality of life, it will be important to know more about where you’re moving. The ideal scenario is that you take a trip to your new city and spend lots of time exploring it. This will also help you decide where to buy your home or where the best school districts are. However, if you can’t make the trip yet, don’t worry. Check out the following excellent resources to aid your research:
- Use Google Maps to learn about possible commute times, restaurants, and entertainment options in various neighborhoods
- Google Street View is another great resource for getting a visual feel to the place
- NeighborhoodScout is an online tool that helps you research crime rates in each area
- GreatSchools is a tool to learn all about the different school districts and ratings in each area
It’s also wise to get an idea of the service providers, such as landscapers, available in a prospective area. Reading reviews and testimonials can give a good indication of the cost and quality of work provided. Once you’ve settled into your new home, you’ll already know who to call for services.
Understand the Cost of Living
Each state differs in the cost of living rates. Try to research the costs of functional items, as it is essential to know how much your new life will cost after the move! Bankrate’s handy cost of living calculator helps you understand differences in transportation, food, groceries, housing, and more on a state-by-state basis. For example, if you move to more expensive states like California or New York, your base mortgage rates, cost of home services, and more will likely go up. By researching these differences beforehand, you’re less likely to be blindsided by sudden expenses down the line.
Ensuring Your Pet Has a Safe, Stress-Free Move
Moving with a pet (or pets) involves more than simply taking care of their safety. In addition to keeping them out of harm’s way, you’ll need to take steps to reduce their stress levels during what can be a very traumatic time. So, ahead of moving day, get them used to the sights (and smells) of moving boxes and packing supplies. Allow them to explore these items so they become familiar with them. In fact, familiarity will become a theme of your move, as you want to avoid disrupting their routines as much as possible leading up to and including the big day.
If necessary, ask a friend or family member to sit with your pet on moving day. Give them a safe, secure section of the home to escape from all the sounds and nervous energy. Also, remember to keep their toys around as both playthings and emotional support. And if they have a favorite blanket, it might be a good thing to provide them with that as well.
Finding Work
If you moved to your new state for work, you should be all set up on the employment side of things. If not, be sure to utilize all the resources available to you to find work quickly and easily. Online job boards are a great way to find open positions in various industries. Also, be sure to ask around locally after your move, as you never know what positions might be available in your own neighborhood!
If you’re planning to start your own business, join the local business or networking group in your area. It’s also wise to consult online guides and resources to help you get started. Creating a business plan will improve your chances of success. You’ll have a clear outline of your goals and corresponding strategies to achieve them. Your business plan should describe your company, the services you’ll sell, and detail out funding and business structure.
Finding (and Protecting) Your Dream Home
Working with a realtor is the best way to find your dream home. They will be able to find a property within your price range and with your specifications. However, be sure to also use online tools to better understand the property market in your area. Online property listing sites have info on home sales, which neighborhoods are more popular, and other critical details.
Once you’ve found your dream home, you should also read up on home warranty reviews! If you’re wondering how to find the best coverage for your home, you need to start researching reviews for home warranties. You’ll want to make sure you understand varying levels of warranty coverage, matching your needs to the coverage that suits them best.
Excited about your upcoming move? If the stress is starting to get to you, take a deep breath. Then, take another one and imagine all the new beginnings awaiting you in your new home. Just take it step by step, which should include getting to know (and protecting!) your new home and exploring the neighborhood, and the adjustment period will be over in a breeze!