Moving to another state to start over - Moving Tips (2023)

Moving to another state to start over - Moving Tips (1)

by Ethan Greenfieldon Sep 14, 2021.

There are many reasons why people move to another state – work, love, education, family, retirement, climate, safety, health, and so on. But one powerful yet often overlooked incentive to move across the country is when people are moving away because they are desperately looking to start a new life in a different state.

If you’re also looking for a way out of your current situation, then a fresh start in a new state can be exactly what you need to feel alright again. In a sense, moving to another state to start over is just like restarting your life, but this time you’ll know what to look out for and won’t make the same mistakes again.

Here’s what you should know when moving to another state to start over.

Don’t move any items reminiscent of the past

When moving to another state to escape your past, one thing that you should absolutely do is go carefully through your belongings and set aside any items that will keep reminding you of whatever it is that you’re trying to run away from (mostly bad memories).

(Video) 7 Tips for Moving Out of State - Learn From My Mistakes!

Whatever the underlying reason for wanting to move away (far away!), you’d love to start a new life in a new state, so the last thing you’d want is to haul the things that will only trigger the very memories you’re trying to get rid of one way or another.

Once you’ve set aside all the items you won’t be moving with you, then it’s time to decide their fate. And considering the circumstances, donating them to charity should feel like the right thing to do.

We all need a fresh start from time to time, and if you have the chance to start over in another state, then you should take the presented opportunity and never look back.

Good to know: How to declutter your home before moving

Make the new place feel like home

You’re moving to another state to start over with a clean slate, so one thing you will probably want to do is decorate the new place in a way that’s entirely different from the way your previous home was furnished and arranged.

The idea, of course, is to be able to break away from the lingering memories of the old place by creating a brand-new setting where you will be able to concentrate on the present and the future.

Arrange the new place exactly the way you’ve always wanted – all you have to do is wake up the dormant interior designer in you. Start arranging furniture in a new and bold way and add colorful decorations and vitality that you never thought possible before.

Remember to apply the finishing touches as well – playing with various light sources and hanging framed photos on the walls to make the new place truly feel like home. At the end of the day, you should be able to feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable in that new house or apartment.

(Video) Moving to NEW STATE with no job | Moving away from family (starting over) | Sacrifice for Success

Good advice: How to make a new place feel like home

Keep in touch only with your best friend

Under normal circumstances, you’re strongly recommended to keep in touch with your pals after moving to a new state as a way to fight the negative effects of relocation depression (aka separation anxiety) and speed up the adaptation process.

This time, however, you’re hoping for a fresh start in a new state so the most logical course of action for you would be to keep the number of links to the past to a minimum. You can still stay in touch with your best friend in the entire world, but you should keep your gaze fixed on the future, for that often proves to be the better way to start over in a new town, in a new state.

Moving to a new state gives the perfect chance to meet new people and build new relationships without repeating any serious mistakes from your past. This time, you’ll be much more careful about who you trust and who you let into your little peculiar world. Right?

Must-read: What to do after moving to another state

Make an effort to make new friends

If you really want to start over in a new city, then one excellent way to make it work is to make new friends along the way.

Some people seem to make friends much harder than others and it’s possible that you also struggle to meet new people and make new meaningful relationships. It’s never easy to do it as it takes patience, perseverance, and an open mind to meet and befriend people with similar interests to yours.

Most of the time, it comes down to finding the courage within yourself to step out of your comfort zone and say yes to new adventures that are likely to be more exciting than you think. Think a little before you hastily turn down an invitation to go out and meet new people – you do want to have good friends around you, don’t you?

(Video) Best Tips for Moving Out of State (Avoid These Common Mistakes) / Relocating Ideas

When you want to relocate to a new state and start over, the only way is forward. After the move, feel free to keep in touch with your best friend in the old place, but the only way to start with a clean slate is to make new friends as you go along.

See also: How to make friends in a new city

Use your job to breeze through the adaptation period

Moving to a new state and starting over is never an easy thing to do. Whether you realize it or not, once you reach your destination, you will get to experience the start of an adaptation period that can take anywhere from a few weeks to many months, or even years.

Wanting to move away and start over in a new state is one thing, getting to experience the full force of proper acclimatization to the new environment is something entirely different. And one thing that can really help you adjust to the new setting fairly painlessly is to concentrate on is your job.

Steady work should give you financial stability and the daily contact with your work colleagues and business partners will help you speed up the adaptation process. The thing is that you never know who among your co-workers will become your next best friend.

As a bonus, more work will mean less time for you to fill your heads with nostalgic thoughts about the past. You’ve moved away to start over, remember?

Read also: What to consider when relocating for a job

Take every opportunity to experience something new

Personal growth is only possible when you’re willing to take a big step out of your comfort zone and experience something new. This way, you are likely to become a stronger person, a more confident and independent man or woman who’s not afraid to experience new things and encounter new people.

(Video) MOVING TO A NEW STATE ALONE ? | HERE’S MY TIPS AND ADVICE ✨

Moving to a new state and starting over requires a certain state of mind, great willingness to learn, and make specific changes to your lifestyle that will enable you to grow.

Right after the move, everything will be new and exciting, and each day could be a mini-adventure of its own. But you’ve longed for that change of scenery, so you shouldn’t shy from excellent opportunities to explore the world around you and see things in a different light.

Starting over in a new city is the perfect opportunity to get the fresh start you’ve wanted for so long – so, don’t lock yourself inside your new place, filling your head with nostalgic thoughts of a life that’s already in the past.

Read also: Does moving to a new city help depression?

Find the courage to complete the move

Oftentimes, moving to another state to start over comes down to sheer courage. Bear in mind that the longer you postpone the move, the more difficult it will be to relocate. And before you know it, it’ll be years and you’ll still be at the old place, filled with regret that you’ve never found the courage to fulfill your innermost desire to move away.

Ready to move out? Hire top-rated movers to help you with your move.

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(Video) Moving Out Of State | Top 10 things You Need To Do

FAQs

Moving to another state to start over - Moving Tips? ›

Start with two months of living expenses to account for the time it takes to move and any possible time off of work you may be taking. Be sure to include mortgage or rent, utilities, food, transportation, housing, insurance, and car payments and other bills.

How do I move to another state and start over? ›

Moving to another state to start over
  1. Don't move any items reminiscent of the past. ...
  2. Make the new place feel like home. ...
  3. Keep in touch only with your best friend. ...
  4. Make an effort to make new friends. ...
  5. Use your job to breeze through the adaptation period. ...
  6. Take every opportunity to experience something new.
Sep 14, 2021

How much money is enough to move to another state? ›

Start with two months of living expenses to account for the time it takes to move and any possible time off of work you may be taking. Be sure to include mortgage or rent, utilities, food, transportation, housing, insurance, and car payments and other bills.

How do I plan a successful move out of state? ›

Plan Ahead
  1. Find Somewhere to Live. You wouldn't want to add hotel rooms to your moving budget as you're looking for a new home. ...
  2. Transfer Utilities. ...
  3. Be Aware of Moving Policies. ...
  4. Request a Job Transfer. ...
  5. Research the Professional License Transferring Process. ...
  6. Find a New Job. ...
  7. Register for School Before You Move. ...
  8. Cost of Living.

What to consider when moving to another state? ›

10 Things to Consider Before Moving to a New State
  • The Housing Market. The housing market varies from state to state and buying or renting in a new state sometimes brings sticker shock. ...
  • Cost of Living. ...
  • Healthcare. ...
  • Culture. ...
  • Employment. ...
  • Transportation. ...
  • Education. ...
  • Weather.
Feb 8, 2018

Is $5,000 enough to move out? ›

If you have $5,000 set aside to move out, you don't necessarily have to worry about moving on a tight budget. Regardless, you should still make sure you are spending your money wisely. Keep reading for more information on how much it costs to move and how you can save money while moving!

How do I uproot my life and start over? ›

How do I start over in life?
  1. Start with reflection.
  2. Examine your value system.
  3. Revisit (and rewrite) your goals.
  4. Work up the courage to change.
  5. Make your next move.
  6. Get a coach.
  7. Keep checking in on yourself.
Apr 14, 2022

Is $6,000 enough to move? ›

You should generally save between $6,000 and $12,000 before moving out. You'll need this money to find a place to live inside, purchase furniture, cover moving expenses, and pay other bills. You'll also want to have enough money saved up for an emergency fund before moving out.

Will I be happier if I move to another state? ›

So, can moving make you happier? Likely yes, if it comes with general improvements in your living environment, social network, and work-life balance. But it's far from a cure-all, and you're unlikely to notice a change in how you feel if your move doesn't offer more than just a superficial change in scenery.

Is $10,000 enough to move out of state? ›

The rule of thumb is to have at least enough to support you for three months until you become established in your job. I would say $10,000 is enough, unless you are moving to San Francisco or New York City.

How long does it take to adjust to moving out of state? ›

It is a good idea to plan a year to 18 months for this major life transition. This does not mean that you will be feeling lost for the entire 18 months, but it's good to give yourself the expectation that it may take that long before your new place truly feels like home.

How do I start over in a new state with no money? ›

In either case, here are some things you should do if you're moving with no money.
  1. Do your research. ...
  2. Assess your finances. ...
  3. Save for emergencies. ...
  4. Consider all affordable housing alternatives. ...
  5. Sell what you can… ...
  6. … ...
  7. Figure out a way to make income right away. ...
  8. Be realistic and set your expectations.
Jul 12, 2022

What is the first step to moving out of state? ›

Here's how to move out of state smoothly and efficiently.
  1. Visit your new state and city before moving to another state. ...
  2. Research your new neighborhood remotely. ...
  3. Visit surrounding areas using Google Street View. ...
  4. Research schools. ...
  5. Budget for your move. ...
  6. Budget for any cost-of-living changes. ...
  7. Budget for the changes in tax amounts.
Aug 5, 2022

Is it hard to just move to another state? ›

It requires a ton of hard work and planning. Between packing your belongings, dealing with endless paperwork and finding your new home, you are bound to feel overwhelmed. Don't forget about changing your address for mail, your driver's license, car registration, utilities, insurance policies, and probably much more.

How do I prepare to move out? ›

10 Tips For Moving Out On Your Own
  1. Set A Date And Stick To It. ...
  2. Nail Down Your Finances. ...
  3. Lock Down a Steady Income. ...
  4. Practice Budgeting While You Still Live At Home. ...
  5. Find A Roommate To Help Pay Rent. ...
  6. Find A Place To Live. ...
  7. Plan Your Move And Hire A Professional Moving Company. ...
  8. Gather The Basics To Furnish Your New Space.

How do I prepare to move? ›

Preparing for Moving Day
  1. Make a Checklist. A moving checklist may seem tedious, but it works. ...
  2. Set Your Budget. ...
  3. Hire a Mover or Plan a DIY Move. ...
  4. Declutter. ...
  5. Get Packing Supplies. ...
  6. Pack an Essentials Bag. ...
  7. Keep Clothing in Your Dresser Drawers. ...
  8. Leave Clothes on Hangers.
Nov 2, 2022

How much money should you have in your account to move out? ›

You should eventually save an amount equivalent to three to six months of living expenses before moving out, so you can handle unanticipated expenses, such as medical bills, insurance deductibles, and vacations.

Is $20,000 enough to move out? ›

Depends where you live, your personal Life Style and if you have any large debts. Basically you should be able to live comfortably for 5 to 6 months without any extra income on 20K. But if you waste money then maybe you need to learn how to best use it first. $20,000 a year?

How much money should I save before moving into my first apartment? ›

Based on the above categories, you should save an amount equal to at least 3-4 months' rent. That will cover paying rent for the first month, security deposits and last month's rent.

Can I just run away and start over? ›

Can I Run Away And Start Over? You can run away and start over. However, it may not be a healthy response to your challenges. Instead, reaching out to a therapist to discuss why you're considering starting over could be beneficial.

How do I restart my life alone? ›

What you need to start a new life
  1. Belief. ...
  2. Step outside your comfort zone. ...
  3. Try something new. ...
  4. Enjoy your own company. ...
  5. Don't be persuaded by others to rush into something new. ...
  6. Take time to adjust to your new life.
Feb 17, 2023

What is the 50 30 20 rule? ›

One of the most common percentage-based budgets is the 50/30/20 rule. The idea is to divide your income into three categories, spending 50% on needs, 30% on wants, and 20% on savings. Learn more about the 50/30/20 budget rule and if it's right for you.

How do I leave a toxic house with no money? ›

How to Move with No Money
  1. 1 Relocate to a town with a low cost of living.
  2. 2 Apply for a driveaway company.
  3. 3 Move to a place with a relocation initiative.
  4. 4 Borrow a friend's car.
  5. 5 Move with a friend.
  6. 6 Lease a sublet.
  7. 7 Couch surf at someone else's place.
  8. 8 Stay at a hostel temporarily.

How long does it take to save 10k? ›

How long will it take to save?
Savings GoalIf You Saved $200/monthIf You Saved $300/month
$5,00025 months17 months
$10,00050 months34 months
$20,000100 months67 months
$30,000150 months100 months
7 more rows

Why is moving so hard emotionally? ›

The stress can come from the fear of the unknown. You have become so familiar with where you are from that thinking about moving to a new place can be terrifying. You also become anxious about planning your move and settling into your new place.

Is moving out good for Mental Health? ›

More time for self-reflection

The moving process can disrupt habits and everyday routines. Stress aside, this is a terrific time for self-reflection. Thinking about the present situation will help with future plans and improve overall mental health. Even though moving can be stressful, the benefits can't be denied.

Will moving help my mental health? ›

Both physical exercise and meditative movement are activities that you can do by yourself. On their own, they can improve the way you feel. But a recent study found that when you try to move in synchrony with someone else, it also improves your self-esteem.

How much money should I have saved by 25? ›

20% of Your Annual Income

Alice Rowen Hall, director of Rowen Homes, suggests that “individuals should aim to save at least 20% of their annual income by age 25.” For example, if someone is earning $60,000 per year, they should aim to have $12,000 saved by the age of 25.

What state pays $10,000 to move there? ›

Alabama. Next up: The Shoals in Northwest Alabama. The Remote Shoals program pays you up to $10,000 to move to and work from The Shoals. You'll receive 25% of the total amount up front to cover moving costs, another 25% after your first six months, and then the remaining 50% after your first year living there.

How do you know when you are ready to move out? ›

Ideally, you'll move out when: You feel financially ready to pay rent and pay your bills on time (more on that below). You feel like you've made as much progress on your personal growth as you can, and you're ready to tackle new challenges and responsibilities.

How long does relocation stress last? ›

Even for those who suffer from them, the symptoms of relocation stress tend to subside within about 3-6 months. As a caregiver, do not rush to move them to a new community or make any other large changes, as these will only exacerbate the stress in most cases.

How do I reduce stress when moving? ›

7 Tips on How to Make Moving Less Stressful
  1. Accept that stress is a normal part of the moving process. Overcoming moving stress starts with acceptance. ...
  2. Give yourself enough time. One of the biggest sources of moving stress is time. ...
  3. Start small. ...
  4. Stay organized. ...
  5. Hire professional movers. ...
  6. Ask for help. ...
  7. Get some sleep.
Mar 26, 2018

What is the emotional stress of moving? ›

Simply put: Moving is stressful. And if you're experiencing stress and anxiety related to your move, you're not alone. In fact, according to a research survey featured in a 2020 New York Post article, 64% of respondents said that their most recent move was one of the most stressful things they've ever experienced.

How to move out with $0? ›

Top 6 Tips on How to Move Out with No Money
  1. Tip 1: Start Planning Early. No matter where or when you plan to move out, the best thing you can do is start early. ...
  2. Tip 4: Get Rid of as Much Stuff as Possible. ...
  3. Tip 5: Ask People to keep their Newspapers for You. ...
  4. Tip 6: Recruiting People to Help You.
Sep 16, 2022

How do I move and start a new life? ›

  1. Look for lessons to take with you. ...
  2. Decide what to tackle first. ...
  3. Build some courage. ...
  4. Find the roadblocks. ...
  5. Stop being afraid of setbacks. ...
  6. Start challenging your comfort zones. ...
  7. Build a support group. ...
  8. Get your emotions in check.
Dec 26, 2020

How can I move without a job? ›

How to move without a job
  1. Calculate your costs. ...
  2. Research the new location. ...
  3. Update your resume. ...
  4. Network in your field. ...
  5. Volunteer. ...
  6. Join local organizations. ...
  7. Attend job fairs and networking events. ...
  8. Consider remote work.
Apr 24, 2023

How do I mentally prepare to move out of state? ›

How to emotionally prepare for a move
  1. Recognize you're going through a major life change. ...
  2. Remember you're leaving property behind, but you'll carry memories with you. ...
  3. Have a stress management plan in place. ...
  4. Take comfort in the fact that you've done this before. ...
  5. Talk about it.
Jun 22, 2022

What is the best state to move? ›

▲ Overall RankStateEconomy
1Wyoming1
2Vermont27
3South Dakota17
4New Hampshire10
18 more rows
Jan 12, 2023

What problems will people face after moving to a new place? ›

Moving to a new city is always exciting. However, with the excitement comes difficulties. Sometimes, essentials such as food, transportation, water, accommodation etc. need more focus and planning.

Why do I feel like I need to move away? ›

Fantasizing about running away, or getting close to actually doing so, is perhaps more common than you may think. At its core, running away is a means to escape our current world—a world that isn't serving us the way we desire. Maybe you feel stuck or bored and are craving a renewed sense of vigor.

What is the most common age to move out? ›

While there are a lot of factors involved, the average age when people move out of their parent's home is somewhere between 24 and 27.

How clean should your house be when you move out? ›

All companies are different, but at the very least, a move-out clean should include wiping down cabinets, deep cleaning appliances and bathrooms, wiping down windows, baseboards and doors, and doing a decent vacuuming and mopping job on the floors.

Is 1500 enough to move out? ›

$1,500 is not enough to live off of, especially if that money will go towards your rent. Most places will require a down payment of your first month or more, so depending on where you're planning to live, you could be looking at $2,000 or higher.

What to do 3 weeks before moving? ›

3 weeks before moving day: pack infrequently used belongings
  1. Pack all seasonal or rarely used items, like holiday decorations, fine china and off-season clothing. ...
  2. Stack the marked boxes in the rooms where you packed them.
  3. As with all your packing, label boxes according to where they'll go in the new house.

How do you make your first move not awkward? ›

Take it slow when making a physical first move.

Go slow to ensure the other person is on the same page as you. Light touches and closer body contact will not only make your intentions clear, but can give you an idea of the other person's interest. Make sure to go slow enough to give the other person time to say no.

What is the first thing you should pack when moving? ›

Pack Decor & Books

Items that are in your home purely for aesthetic purposes are good items to pack first when moving. This might include artwork, decor, books, magazines, and the like. These items are easy to pack first because chances are you won't need them during the move or the weeks preceding it.

How do I move and start over with no money? ›

How to Move with No Money
  1. 1 Relocate to a town with a low cost of living.
  2. 2 Apply for a driveaway company.
  3. 3 Move to a place with a relocation initiative.
  4. 4 Borrow a friend's car.
  5. 5 Move with a friend.
  6. 6 Lease a sublet.
  7. 7 Couch surf at someone else's place.
  8. 8 Stay at a hostel temporarily.

How do I start living in a new state? ›

Now let's get started!
  1. Research your new city. ...
  2. Check cost of living differences. ...
  3. Download and Start Working Off of a Moving Checklist. ...
  4. Find a home. ...
  5. Plan a visit. ...
  6. Figure out moving and storage options. ...
  7. Set aside extra money for moving. ...
  8. Downsize and declutter.
Feb 27, 2023

How can I move without going broke? ›

How To Move Cross-Country Without Going Broke
  1. Yard Sales Are Key. Yard sales are the best way to jumpstart your moving efforts. ...
  2. Rent a Portable Moving Container. ...
  3. Get All the Free Boxes You Need. ...
  4. Enlist Friends and Family. ...
  5. Use a Moving Truck. ...
  6. Freight Shipping. ...
  7. Hire a Mover. ...
  8. Move at a Better Time.

How do I start living not just existing? ›

How to Start Living Rather Than Just Existing
  1. Value and appreciate who you are and what you've got.
  2. Consciously find your fire.
  3. Accept failure as a normal part of living.
  4. Always make the best out of every situation.
  5. Live for yourself.
  6. Don't fake it.
May 17, 2019

What to do if you have no money? ›

I'm in Debt With No Job and No Money – What to Do
  1. Enroll in a hardship program. ...
  2. Make a budget and prioritize your expenses. ...
  3. Cut your spending. ...
  4. Manage credit cards wisely while unemployed. ...
  5. Apply for government assistance. ...
  6. Think before withdrawing money from your 401(k) ...
  7. Take out a home equity loan to pay off debt.
Dec 2, 2022

How to get money from the government to move? ›

Federal Relocation Assistance Program

You may receive money to help with moving costs through federal aid. The Federal Relocation Assistance Program protects those affected by the acquisition or demolition of their property. The program provides funds for transportation costs and a security deposit.

How do you move out quickly and silently? ›

When moving out discreetly, the best way is to use professional movers who will do it all quickly and privately, without asking you too many questions. Look for a discreet moving company that will agree to pack, load, and transport your things during unusual hours so that you can avoid attracting too much attention.

What states is it easiest to make a living? ›

In 2019, Wyoming was ranked as the best state to make a living in the United States, with the cost of living index at 90.5 value and the median income of 40,240 U.S. dollars.

How long does it take to adjust living in a new state? ›

It is a good idea to plan a year to 18 months for this major life transition. This does not mean that you will be feeling lost for the entire 18 months, but it's good to give yourself the expectation that it may take that long before your new place truly feels like home.

Does moving to a different state fix happiness? ›

So, can moving make you happier? Likely yes, if it comes with general improvements in your living environment, social network, and work-life balance. But it's far from a cure-all, and you're unlikely to notice a change in how you feel if your move doesn't offer more than just a superficial change in scenery.

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