Don't take all of your old furniture with you on an out-of-state move. Sell as much of it as you can, keep a few precious items, and buy new furniture when you reach your new place. This way you won't have to lug as many heavy items to your new state. Although the cost of buying new furniture could be expensive, the peace of mind of not having to pack and haul all of your old furniture for hundreds or even thousands of miles may be worth the additional expenditure. You will also save money on movers and the size of your moving van.
Sell your items at a garage sale or online, offer them to family members and friends or have a "moving out open house." Advertise your stuff for sale at cut-rate prices or free on Craigslist.com or Freecycle.org and ask people to come and pick it up. Don't put your address up online, just give the location to people who contact you with an interest in specific items. Do this on the day that you are moving out or the day before, and have one or two trusted friends present with you because you will be inviting strangers over.
On out-of-state move, your family and friends may be more reluctant to help you out, because that would require a long trip. So instead plan a party weekend at your new place in advance. Turn it into a mini-vacation for your loved ones. After you finish moving, the party can begin.
If you're moving out-of-state for a job, you may be able to deduct some of your moving expenses on your taxes. Keep all of your mileage, lodging, storage and packing material receipts. Use Form 3903 to deduct moving expenses (the resulting figure goes on Form 1040 in the "Adjusted Gross Income" section) and Form 8822 to officially change your address for tax purposes.
When you move to another state, the address on your federal taxes and your change of address form notifies both the new and old state that you are paying taxes in your new state now.
If you had a driver's license in your last state, just bring your old one into your new county's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). You will likely be required to fill out some forms, possibly take a new eye test, take a new photo and trade in your old license for one from your new state. As long as your old license is valid, there is no need for a new driving test in most cases, but some may ask you to take the written test. You will also have to register and pay for new state license plates at the DMV (the title is also transferred during this process).
If you don't know anyone in your new state, join Meetup.com to find interesting events to attend in your new city. These meetings are low-pressure ways to meet new people in a group atmosphere and socialize when you are by yourself in a new state. Craigslist also has a "Platonic Friends" section. But always meet new people in busy public places.
Consider joining professional and volunteer organizations in your new city to meet people and forge new friendships.
Do an Internet search on the city you are moving to so that you can become more familiar with the area. Find out where the closest grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, shopping malls and other points of interest are within a 5-mile radius of your new home.
Type your new town's city name into a search engine to see if there is a website available. You will find out more about the community and be directed to information about meetings, events and important addresses and phone numbers, such as for utilities hookups.
