A full guide to planning and executing an out-of-state move, including moving company selection, state document changes, school transfers, and settling into your new location.
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Moving Company Selection
Get binding estimates from at least 3 licensed interstate movers
A binding estimate guarantees the final price. Non-binding estimates can increase by 10-25% on moving day. For a 2-bedroom apartment moving 1,000 miles, expect $3,500-$6,500.
Verify each company's USDOT number on the FMCSA website
Check for complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau
Request an in-home or video survey for accurate quotes
Phone-only estimates are unreliable for interstate moves. An in-home survey takes 30-45 minutes and accounts for heavy items, stairs, and access issues that affect pricing.
Understand the difference between full-value and released-value protection
Released-value protection is free but covers only $0.60 per pound per item—a 50-pound TV gets you just $30. Full-value protection costs $500-$1,200 for a typical move but covers repair or replacement at current value.
Book your moving company 4-6 weeks in advance
Summer months (June-August) and month-end dates book up fast—prices can be 20-30% higher. If your schedule is flexible, moving mid-month on a Tuesday or Wednesday saves significant money.
Inventory and Decluttering
Create a room-by-room inventory of everything you own
A detailed inventory serves triple duty: it helps movers quote accurately, creates a record for insurance claims, and forces you to decide what's worth the $0.50-$1.00 per pound to ship across state lines.
Sell, donate, or discard items that cost more to move than to replace
Moving a $200 bookshelf 1,500 miles costs roughly $100-$150 in moving weight charges. Sell it locally and buy a replacement at your destination if the numbers don't add up.
Pack a separate essentials box for the first 48 hours in your new home
Include toiletries, medications, phone chargers, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, and a change of clothes for each person. Ship this with you in the car, not on the moving truck, which may arrive days later.
Include important documents: IDs, lease/deed, insurance papers
Pack cleaning supplies for arrival day
State Tax and License Changes
Research income tax obligations in your new state
Nine states have no income tax. If you're moving from a no-tax state to one with 5%+ income tax, that could mean $3,000-$8,000/year on a $70,000 salary. File part-year returns in both states for your moving year.
Update your driver's license within the new state's required timeframe
Most states require a new license within 30-90 days of establishing residency. Fees range from $20 to $90. Bring your current license, proof of new address, and Social Security card.
Register to vote in your new state
Voter registration deadlines range from same-day to 30 days before an election depending on the state. Most states offer online registration that takes under 5 minutes.
Notify your employer's HR department of your new state residency
Your employer needs to update state tax withholding within 1-2 pay periods. If you're working remotely and your employer has no presence in your new state, discuss the tax implications upfront.
Vehicle and Insurance Transfers
Register your vehicle in the new state within the required timeframe
Most states require vehicle registration within 30-60 days. Fees vary widely—from $30 in some states to $500+ in states with ad valorem taxes based on vehicle value.
Get a vehicle inspection or emissions test if required by the new state
Obtain a new title from the new state's DMV
Update your auto insurance to the new state's requirements
Minimum liability limits vary by state. Moving from a low-rate state to a high-rate state (like Michigan or Louisiana) can increase premiums by $500-$1,500/year. Shop for new quotes before you move.
Update your health insurance if your plan is state-specific
ACA marketplace plans are state-based. Moving to a new state qualifies you for a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. If you're on employer insurance, confirm your plan's provider network covers your new area.
School and Family Transfers
Request official school records and transcripts for transfer
Request records 3-4 weeks before the move. Most schools send records directly to the receiving school. Bring sealed copies as backup—enrollment at the new school goes faster with records in hand.
Research school enrollment requirements in your new district
You'll need proof of residency (lease or utility bill), immunization records, and birth certificates. Some districts have enrollment windows—missing them could mean a waitlist or assignment to a non-preferred school.
Transfer medical records and find new healthcare providers
Request copies of medical records 2-3 weeks before moving. Most practices charge $10-$25 for record copies. Find new doctors and dentists before the move so you're not scrambling during an emergency.
Mail and Address Updates
Submit a change of address with USPS for mail forwarding
USPS forwards first-class mail for 12 months and periodicals for 60 days. File online for $1.10 at least 2 weeks before your move. Packages are not forwarded—update your shipping addresses with retailers directly.
Update your address with banks, credit cards, and financial institutions
Banks may flag out-of-state transactions as fraud if your address doesn't match. Update online banking addresses the week before your move. Credit card statement addresses affect where state tax forms are mailed.
Update subscriptions, memberships, and recurring deliveries
Make a list by reviewing 3 months of credit card statements for recurring charges. Gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, and meal delivery services all need updated addresses or cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a long-distance move typically cost?
A full-service interstate move for a 3-bedroom home averages $4,500-$7,500, though cross-country moves exceeding 2,000 miles can reach $10,000-$15,000. The price depends on total weight of belongings, distance, and time of year — summer moves (June-August) cost 20-30% more than winter moves. Getting binding estimates from at least three licensed interstate carriers protects against inflated final bills.
When should I update my driver's license after moving to a new state?
Most states require you to obtain a new driver's license within 30-90 days of establishing residency. Texas and Florida give you 30 days, while California allows 10 days and New York provides 30 days. Failing to update on time can result in fines and complications if you're pulled over or need to file an insurance claim in your new state.
Do I need to file taxes in two states the year I move?
Yes, if both states have income tax, you'll file part-year resident returns in each state. You're taxed on income earned while living in each state, so keep records of your exact move date and income earned in each location. Nine states have no income tax (Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming), which simplifies your filing if you're moving to or from one of them.
How far in advance should I plan an out-of-state move?
Start planning at least 8-12 weeks before your target move date for an interstate relocation. Book your moving company 6-8 weeks out, especially for summer moves when demand peaks and reputable movers fill up fast. The final two weeks should focus on utility transfers, address changes with USPS and financial institutions, and packing non-essential items room by room.
What documents should I bring with me during a cross-country move?
Keep birth certificates, Social Security cards, passports, vehicle titles, insurance policies, medical records, and your last two years of tax returns in a personal bag — never pack them in the moving truck. Carry original copies of your new lease or home purchase paperwork, employment offer letter, and school enrollment documents for children. Having a folder of veterinary records is required for pet registration in your new state.