Tips For Moving To A New City Or State

Posted on by Syringa Properties

highway to city in the background

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Moving to another city or state can be overwhelming. Even if you’re excited about a fresh, new start, moving can feel like climbing a mountain. Packing your belongings is only one step in the moving process; you still have to find a new apartment, get a new job, change your address, set up utilities, etc. However, moving doesn’t have to be so complicated. That’s why Syringa Property Management would like to provide you with the following tips for moving without a hitch.

What You Need To Do

Before the big day, it’s important to take care of a few things ahead of time. If you rent your current home, it’s important to review your lease agreement to see if you will have to pay an early termination fee. However, you can always coincide with the end of your existing lease with your future move, which is cheaper and easier.

At the same time, you will need to think about finding an apartment in a new city or state. That’s why it’s important to research different neighborhoods and look for as many listings as possible to start budgeting for your upcoming rent.

You can also research an area by checking out the city, chamber of commerce, and visitor guide websites, for local resources created for new residents. Talking to locals personally is another great way to get a better feel for the community.

Budget Your Finances

Speaking of finances, it’s important to budget for a new cost of living. You should always research how much it will cost to move and live in a different city or state. Budgeting for an upcoming move should include:

  • Actual Moving Expenses. These include the costs of a truck rental, hiring a moving company, storage units, gas, hotels, food, and other costs incurred during the move.
  • Application Fees. Generally speaking, rental application fees can range from $20 to $50 each time you apply for a new apartment. You may also have to pay for a background or credit check as well.
  • Apartment Deposit. Renting a new apartment includes a security deposit upfront, which protects a landlord or management company if you cause damage. You may also have to pay first and last month’s rent before you move in.
  • A Pet Deposit. If you have a dog or cat, you need to budget for a pet deposit that can vary depending on your lease agreement.
  • Utility Deposits. Utility companies often require a deposit before setting up your gas, electric, water, sewer, trash, and internet services.
  • Renter’s Insurance. Rental insurance is essential when it comes to protecting your belongings in case of a disaster.
  • New Furnishing. A new apartment can be bigger or smaller than your current one, which means you may have to budget for new furnishings like furniture.

Information Changes

Besides moving to a new city or state and changing jobs, there are other little updates you need to make. While it may seem like a lot, you can get through it all by working on things one at a time. These include:

  • Your Address. You can officially change your address with the U.S Postal Service. You can also request them to forward mail from your old address to your new one, so you don’t miss anything.
  • Driver’s License. When you move to a new city or state, it’s important to visit your local DMV office to update your driver’s license information. Most areas require you do this within 30 days of relocating.
  • Vehicle Registration. Like your driver’s license, you will need to update your vehicle registration and get new license plates.
  • Voter Registration. With the election coming up, it’s important to research local voting processes and register to vote in a new city and state, so you don’t miss the opportunity to make your vote count.
  • Insurance. While you probably won’t have to switch car or renter’s insurance companies, you will have to provide them with your new address information. Keep in mind that depending on where you move, your rates could go up or down.

Syringa Property Management

At Syringa Property Management, we hope these tips help you manage your upcoming move to a new city or state without a hitch. If you need help searching for the perfect apartment, contact us by filling out our online form or give us a call at (208) 336-4610. With properties in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming, we oversee a diverse collection of multifamily housing communities across the nation.