Moving out of state checklist

Moving out of state checklist

Moving out of state can be stressful, and it's easy to forget things when you're in the middle of a busy move. One of the most important but often overlooked aspects of the process is taking care of the legal paperwork. Be sure to update your voter registration, driver's license and vehicle registration, car insurance company, and professional licenses. 

Handling legal paperwork during a move is crucial because it ensures compliance with local laws and avoids disruptions to essential services. In this comprehensive checklist, we cover everything step-by-step that makes moving out of state seamless.

What to do when moving to a new state

The first thing to do when moving to a new state is to research and understand the state's requirements for new residents. This includes gathering important information about driver's licenses, vehicle registration, voter registration, and state taxes, as these require updating soon after your move.

Certain legal paperwork needs to be changed to ensure your move is smooth and compliant with regulations. This list can vary based on the states involved, but these are the primary documents and steps involved in most interstate moves.

Driver’s license and vehicle registration

Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) of your new address to update your driver's license and vehicle registration. This is often required within 30 days of moving to a new state. You also need to apply for a new state driver’s license within 30 to 60 days.

Meanwhile, most insurance companies require you to update your address when you move to a new state. This helps adjust your premiums to reflect the new location, as different states have different insurance requirements and risk factors.

Voter registration

You need to reregister to vote in your new state. This is typically done through the state's board of elections.

State taxes

Notify your previous and new state of your change in residency to update your income tax status. In addition, some states have different sales tax rules on personal items, so ensure you understand how that applies to you.

Health insurance and medical records

Another piece of paperwork you need to update is your health insurance and medical records. Update your address with your health insurance provider and check if you need to switch to a plan available in your new state. If necessary, request your medical records from your old providers and transfer them to doctors in your new state.

Utilities and service providers

Set up utilities (water, gas, electricity, internet) in your new state and close accounts with your old providers.

Pet documentation

If you have pets, you need to register them with your new county. Many states or localities require pet owners to register their pets within 30 days after moving. Registration is to ensure pets are vaccinated against rabies. Some states also require a licensed veterinarian's official health certificate (called a "Certificate of Veterinary Inspection") before your pet enters the state. This certificate verifies that your pet is healthy and free from contagious diseases.

Professional licenses

If you hold any professional licenses (e.g., medical, legal, teaching), ensure they are transferred or updated to reflect your new state of residence.

Checklist for moving out of state

If you only have one month to move across states, here’s a plan to make your transition seamless.

Week 1: Create a moving plan, and organize logistics

• Notify your landlord in the first week (as most lease contracts require a 30-day notice).

• Choose your moving day and work backward to create a timeline for everything you need to accomplish.

• Create a moving checklist and write down all the tasks you need to complete so you don’t forget anything. Prioritize them based on deadlines.

• Research your new state: neighborhoods, schools, utilities, local services, and anything else you need to know when you arrive. Prepare to change your state residency by knowing the key deadlines for updating your paperwork.

• Interview and get quotes from moving companies to find the best fit for your needs. Once found, book them for your moving day and confirm the details.

• Work through a move-out cleaning checklist and declutter your belongings to decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. Reducing your load will save time and money on the move. Buy your moving boxes and supplies.

• Research the requirements for transferring or obtaining professional licenses in your new state. Contact the licensing boards to get started on any paperwork.

Week 2: Update addresses and complete legal paperwork

• Contact utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) to disconnect services at your current home by a certain date. Then, set them up at your new one.

• Update your home and mailing address with USPS, banks, credit card companies, and other important contacts. Don’t forget about subscriptions, insurance companies, and other services requiring an address update.

• Pack things you won’t need in the next month (seasonal items, books, decor, extra kitchen gadgets, etc). Label boxes clearly for easier unpacking.

• If you're flying, book your flight. If driving, plan your route, including any overnight stays or stops along the way.

• Update memberships (e.g., gym, professional organizations, clubs, etc.) with your new address or transfer them to your new location.

• Search for and begin the process of updating your driver’s license and vehicle registration in your new state. Most states require new residents to update their licenses within 30 days.

• Notify your car insurance provider of your move. You may need to update your policy based on your new address and state laws.

• Lastly, confirm your health insurance coverage, whether it requires transferring to a new plan or updating your information with a different provider in your new state.

Week 3: Medical, pets, and final packing

• Ensure your pets are up-to-date on vaccinations. Since you're traveling across state lines, you need health certificates or proof of vaccination from a licensed vet to register your pets in the new state.

• Request medical records for you and your family members, including prescriptions, and arrange for them to be sent to your new healthcare providers.

• If you have children, transfer school records and register them at their new school. 

• Finalize packing rooms or items you won’t need during the final week. Leave only essentials out for the last few days.

• Double-check your moving company's schedule, and confirm any last-minute details with them.

Week 4: Moving week

• Do a final cleaning in each room. This should be a breeze if you worked through the moving-out checklist in week 1. However, you can also hire a move-out cleaning service and save yourself the stress.

• Do a last-minute check to ensure you have everything. Look through closets, drawers, and cabinets.

• Confirm that utilities have been turned off at your old place, and ensure everything is set up at your new home (electricity, gas, water, internet).

• Supervise the move. If you hire movers, ensure everything is loaded properly. If you rent a truck, load and secure everything for the journey.

Tips for moving out of state

• Give yourself plenty of time. Ideally, start planning 6 to 8 weeks before your move. Create a timeline and break down tasks by week. This way, you will know exactly what needs to be done and when. Take time to research any state-specific rules and requirements.

• Get rid of things you don’t need. Sort through your items and donate or sell anything you no longer need. The fewer things you have, the easier and cheaper the move will be.
• Before moving, familiarize yourself with your new city or neighborhood by researching local schools, healthcare providers, grocery stores, and waste pickup.
• Hire professional moving companies. They handle the heavy lifting, packing, and transportation, freeing up your time for other important tasks. They also use the right materials to pack and secure your items so they don’t get damaged during the move.
• If you choose to hire a professional mover, get quotes from multiple moving companies and read reviews before making a pick. You can also ask for discounts if they are not spelled out. This tip will help you save money.
• As you pack, label every box clearly with the contents and the room to which it belongs. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when unpacking.
• Make sure you have all the necessary documents ready to go. Update your driver’s license and car registration in a timely manner.
• Document the condition of your old home before leaving. This can be helpful in case of disputes with your landlord over the security deposit.
• Upon arriving at your new place, take photos of any existing damage so that you have a record in case you need it later.
• Finally, remember to stay hydrated, get enough rest, and eat properly during the moving process.

Why a moving out of state checklist?

Unlike a local move, an out-of-state move involves longer distances, new state laws and regulations, emotional changes, and more detailed planning to ensure everything is transferred smoothly. These factors make an out-of-state move far more complicated than just packing up and driving to a new place.

However, by staying organized and using a moving out of state checklist such as this one, you can reduce the complexity of your move and make the transition smoother.