Moving to another state is a pretty big deal! It takes a lot of time, planning, effort and determination to successfully move from one place to another in the same town.  This job becomes more difficult when you are moving out of state.

After you have moved and relocated to your new destination, your work is far from over. You have many things you have to take care of and purchase before you can truly settle in to your new home.

That is why I’ve put together a list of 7 things to do after moving to a new state. Take notes!

1. Turn On The Essentials

Setup Electricity & Other Utilities You Need

One of your biggest concerns is to ensure that once you arrive, or at least soon after you do, that you will have electricity, water/sewage, gas, and garbage removal service ready to go.

These are obviously very important.  Depending on the timing and appointment schedules of each company, it can take a few days up to a week to get someone to activate them.

A few days without water or electricity can seem like a lifetime. In order to avoid this annoying issue, try to call in advance and set up an appointment for either the day you arrive or soon after. It is an easy fix, but if you forget, it can be a really annoying problem.

2. Fill Up Some Of That Empty Space

Buy Any Furniture & Appliances You Need

Are you bringing all of your old furniture or will you be leaving behind a few pieces that you cannot move?

Will you arrive to a new place with no furniture at all?

Are you moving to a new home with washer and dryer hook-ups, but no appliances?

It is always best to create a list of all of the furniture pieces that you will need for your new home.   It’s easy to overlook this step because you are so accustomed to having them around.

Arrange the list from most important to least important and work your way down. By doing this, you are helping yourself stay on track and furnish your home efficiently.

3.Get Connected To The World Again

Setup TV & Internet Service In Your New Home

While this may not be quite as essential to do immediately, it is still important.   Especially if you have kids to entertain or you work from home.

Always remember to set up an appointment with your cable or satellite provider to get your TV and internet set up as soon as possible.

Many people rely on the internet for their business and livelihood.  If you are one of them, getting your home online quickly is a must. Your cable may also be important to you, as it can provide you with some much needed entertainment after a long day of unpacking.

4. Learn A New Phone Number

Setup Phone Service With A Local Provider

Another thing that you may have to change is your phone information. If you move to a new state, you will most likely have to change your provider, or at least your number.

There are a few things you must do to resolve this issue. One, if you have to change your provider, research which ones are the best for your area and either head to a physical location or find them on the internet. They will help you through the process of getting a new cell phone and home phone.

If you must simply change your number, call customer support and they will typically help you change it very quickly for a small fee.

5. Smile For The Camera

Get A Driver’s License From Your New State Of Residence

Now that you have all of that covered, it is time to address your driver’s license. When you move to a new state, you must typically change your license within thirty days, but it can vary depending on the state you are in.

While this seems like a long time, it will pass quickly. It is best to get it done as soon as possible. The process is actually very simple, but it just requires a bit of time. Each state has its own process and requirements for issuing a new DL or ID card.

If you can, try to do it within your first week of arriving. Make sure to bring a bill with your new address as proof of your new residence as well as your current passport, driver’s license, or ID.

6. Make Sure Your Car Is Street Legal

Get Auto Insurance, Plates & Registration

After changing your driver’s license, you must now deal with your auto insurance. Most likely, the process of changing your auto insurance or updating it will not be difficult. Use this as an opportunity to see if there are better deals out there.

However, it can sometimes be a real issue if your provider is being difficult. In order to ensure that everything goes smoothly, try to have all of your information and important documents on hand.

You will also need to update your vehicle registration and tags with your new state after you move.

Depending on the state laws, you may also have to pass a vehicle emissions test in order to register.  Check with your state’s department of motor vehicles to see exactly what you will need to get your vehicles street-legal.

7. Make Sure Your New Home Is Secure

Change Your Locks & Install A Home Security System In Your New Residence

While this may not apply to you, it has become very common to have a security system for your home. If you have had one before, you will need to set up and appointment to have a new system installed into your new location.

If you have never had one, now may be the time to start. Crime is always around us, no matter where we move to. You can never be too careful when it comes to protecting yourself, your family, and your belongings.

Many modern residential security systems are “smart” and have apps to control your entire home security, lights, entertainment systems, etc all through your phone.  It is easy to set up an appointment to have one installed.

Also be sure to replace the door locks on your new home if you purchased it.  You never know who has copies of the keys to the current locks and its better to start fresh knowing that your home is safe and secure from unwanted access.  Choose to install them yourself of call a local locksmith company and schedule an appointment.

You’re Almost To The Finish Line…

Once you have completed all of these important steps, it is now time to sit down and make sure that you have covered everything. It is easy to forget when you are in the process of moving, so taking this time to reflect is essential.

Go through the list one more time and make sure that you have done each one properly.  Once you have done that, try to remember if you have forgotten anything.

There may be a few more questions you need to address such as:

• Do you need to register your kids for school or find a daycare provider? 
• Will you need to transfer your medical history and prescriptions over to a new local provider? 
• Do you need to make new accommodations for your pets?
• Have you updated your shipping address with Amazon Prime and other online marketplaces? 
• Do you have renter’s insurance for your new place?
• Will you need any pest control or extermination services?
• Do you need extra storage for large items that can’t be stored at your residence such as a boat, camping trailer, ATV/UTVs, etc?
• Did you update the name and address on your new mailbox for the postman?

After all of this has been completed, you are finally done!

There will always be a few hiccups here and there.  However, with a little patience and time, you can resolve these pesky issues.

Moving to a new state can be stressful and demanding, so remember to take a break from all of the unpacking every once in a while to just relax.

In just a few short weeks you will finally be settled into your new home.

Good luck & happy moving!