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Originally Posted On: https://moversadvisors.com/moving-state-to-state-things-to-keep-in-mind/

 

When you’re moving from one state to another state, this is technically considered a long-distance move, even if just over the state line. There are a number of things you have to do in a new state that will impact your timeline and the steps you take after you move in. This is important whether the move is a couple of thousand miles or just a few miles over a state line.

Here are some things to keep in mind.

New State Property Registrations and Licenses

Vehicle information

Transferring a car or truck between states requires registering the vehicle & a title transfer. Typically, you will need the title and registration from the originating state.

If you have recreational vehicles, including boats, motorcycles, campers, and even trailers, most states have registration requirements for these as well. Double-check that you have all your paperwork together to handle the transfers simultaneously.

It might be tempting to make the transfers via mail, but it’s best to go to the DMV. The DMV personnel can assist you with the paperwork and ensure everything is in order, so you do not have a lot of back-and-forth with the bureaucracy of the new state.

Driver’s Licence or state ID

Since you will need to transfer the vehicle information & registration, and it’s best to do that in person, get your new license set up at this time as well. Before you go, read the state’s requirements. Some may require full-blown testing with driving, eye, and test exams. Others may simply require the old license to be exchanged. Know what you should expect before you go.

Business registrations

Many people run businesses from their homes, and some require local registrations. It is easy to leave this off as not immediately important, but best not to. Catching up on state requirements can be tricky.

Insurance in Your New State

Auto Insurance

Check your auto policy or contact your agent to determine the coverage you will have during your move process. Also, ask for recommendations for agents or companies in your new state. Most people have carriers that write policies in multiple states, but that does not mean your policy transfers. So, don’t assume that because your insurance company is national, your policy simply transfers. You will need a new policy based on your new home.

Recreational vehicle insurance

The same is true of your other property insurance coverage. Even if a vehicle does not require state registration, make sure it is part of the consideration for insurance coverage. From property damage to liability, you want to be sure you are covered.

Health and medical

The vast majority of medical insurance coverage is based on your location. If you do not have a company covering your health insurance, start investigating early. Your insurance policy from your old state won’t cover you in the new state. It is best to get the policy set up to be in place when you move in.

Banking in a New State

For most people, the majority of banking is done online. Because of this, it is easy to forget about local bank access. If you occasionally use the local bank branch, review the locations of your current bank to see if they have a location convenient to your new home. If not, then it is better to find a location from another institute prior to moving and opening an account prior to moving.

New State Taxes

Hopefully, you have researched the tax differences between your new state and your old prior to your move to the new state. Some states have similar tax setups. But, where there is a difference, it can be surprising. Depending on where you move, the daily repercussion of the taxes can be surprising.

Sales Tax

Sales taxes impact daily purchases. In some states, there is no sales tax, while in others, it can be upwards of 10% with overlapping taxing authorities. In addition to state sales taxes, local governments may also have taxing authority.

State Income Tax

Like sales taxes, some states have income taxes. This has obvious implications for your take-home income. It may be higher or lower.

Property Taxes

If you are purchasing rather than renting when you move to your new state, you will need to consider the impact of property taxes. A great way to manage property tax payments is to have an escrow set up as part of your mortgage payment. The lending company will be responsible for making the payments, ensuring the amount is incorporated into your monthly budget.

Schools in Your New State

Moving with children adds extra twists to any move. When moving to a new state, you may be facing different sets of requirements.

State-level class requirements

Each state must follow certain guidelines from the federal government but also add its own requirements; more or less physical education, English math, the arts, etc. While your child may have fulfilled requirements in your old district, it may be different in the new district.

Testing & Capability Requirements

In addition to different education requirements, each state may have different standards for each level. It is possible that your child will be ahead or behind the new classmates. Prior to making a move, it’s a good idea to speak with school administrators to ensure you understand what will be expected of your child’s education and a given age.

When moving, there are many tasks to accomplish. When the move is across state lines, there are either more tasks, or the tasks can be more complicated. It is best to get the process started early to ensure they are done properly.

One way to get better acquainted with the differences between states is to speak with the people who live in the new state. Your future neighbors (or current ones if you’ve already moved) can give you a good idea of the schools, taxes, and such. Good conversations can also shed light on aspects of living in the state that may not have been obvious before your move. Learning from those who have lived there is a great way to get a real perspective.