Moving to a new state is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Census Bureau data from 2024 shows approximately 25.87 million Americans relocated that year, representing just under 8% of the total population. Here's what stands out—19.9% of those movers crossed state lines, up from 18.8% in 2021, showing a clear trend toward bolder, longer-distance relocations.
Let me be straight with you about why this matters. After two decades in the mortgage industry and working with families from every corner of the country, I've watched the relocation landscape transform dramatically. The traditional reasons people moved—new jobs, bigger houses, better schools—they're still there. But now there's something bigger happening. Remote work has given people options they never had before. I'm seeing clients trade their expensive coastal apartments for homes with actual yards in places like North Carolina and Tennessee, all while keeping their high-paying jobs.
The numbers tell a compelling story. PODS Moving Trends Report for 2025 reveals cost of living is now the number one driver for interstate moves, with 50% of relocating Americans citing affordability as their primary motivation. When you realize that housing costs in states like California or New York are nearly three times higher than in Texas or North Carolina, suddenly that cross-country move starts making a lot more sense for your family's financial future.
But here's where people trip up—they underestimate the complexity of an interstate move compared to moving across town. There's more than just hiring movers and packing boxes. Your dealing with different state laws, new licensing requirements, unfamiliar housing markets, and if your buying a home, navigating mortgage processes in a state where you don't live yet. The good news? With the right preparation and timeline, you can handle all of it without losing your mind.
At AmeriSave, we work with relocating families every single day, and we've seen what works and what doesn't. Our digital mortgage platform makes it possible to get preapproved, lock your rate, and close on a home in your new state without flying back and forth constantly. That kind of flexibility didn't exist even five years ago, and it's changing how people approach interstate moves.
Let's walk through everything you need to know to relocate successfully—from establishing your timeline to unpacking in your new home. Whether your heading to the Sun Belt for lower costs, moving closer to family, or just ready for a change of scenery, this guide will help you avoid the common mistakes and make the transition as smooth as possible.
Before diving into the step-by-step process, you need realistic numbers. Here's what interstate moves actually cost in 2025 based on industry data from Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and moveBuddha:
Hidden Costs to Budget:
Peak Season Surcharge: Moving May-September costs 20-30% more than October-April moves. A $5,000 summer move might cost $3,500 in January.
Most families moving cross-country should budget $6,000-8,000 minimum for everything, not just the truck quote. Larger homes or those wanting full white-glove service should plan on $12,000-15,000.
The first thing you need to do to make your move to another state go smoothly is to figure out your timeline and be honest about why you're moving. According to North American Van Lines data from 2024, the three main reasons people moved were cost of living, being close to family, and having flexible work hours. The reasons you have for moving will affect how quickly you need to do it and what you're willing to give up.
It usually takes 8 to 12 weeks to get ready for a successful move between states. That's two to three months to do everything from looking into your new area to hiring movers and closing on a house. If you're selling a house in your current state and buying one in the new one, add another month to that time frame. If you hurry an interstate move, you'll have to pay for it. According to moveBuddha data from 2025, moving at the last minute in the summer can cost 30–40% more than moving at a less busy time of year.
There are a few things that will affect your timeline. Are you moving for a job that starts on a certain date? So, you're going back from that deadline. Are you going to buy a house in your new state before selling your old one? You might need a bridge loan and some time to overlap. Are you moving with kids? You should plan it for the end of summer, when school starts up again. Retirees have more freedom and can often wait for the best times to move and the best market conditions.
Pick a date for your move early on in the planning process. This makes you feel like you have to do it right away and helps you not put it off. Put it on every calendar in your house. Let everyone who is involved in the process know, including your family, your boss, and your real estate agent. When that date is set in stone, everything else falls into place around it.
You need to get ready in different ways for different kinds of moves. If you've been offered a job in your new state, ask about help with moving before you start making plans. Many companies offer packages that pay for moving costs, temporary housing, or help you sell your current home. Some even pay for trips to check out neighborhoods before you move.
Hold on, I need to make that point about employer help clearer. It's not just for executives anymore. According to Consumer Affairs, 38% of all moves in 2022 were corporate moves where employers helped in some way. Talk to your new boss about this now if you haven't already. They might say no, but you might find out that they have programs you didn't know about.
If you're moving without a job lined up, you need to include looking for work in your new location in your timeline. Remote workers have the most freedom here; you can move first and get settled in before you start looking for a job in your new area. If you need a new job, though, you should start networking and applying at least three months before you want to move. Some states and industries make it harder to move licenses or certifications, so look into those requirements early.
Retirees who move for lifestyle or cost-of-living reasons can take their time. You can visit more than once, rent for a few months to see how you like the area, and move during the times of year when it costs the least. Don't rush to buy a house in a state you've only been to on vacation. Living in Florida full-time is different from spending a week there in the sun.
When you move to a new state, you have to get used to a new way of life, new laws, new weather patterns, and often a whole new set of costs. According to the PODS Moving Trends Report for 2025, North Carolina is the most popular state to move to, with five cities in the top 20 destinations. Tennessee is close behind, with four cities making the list. People are moving to these states for certain reasons, such as low taxes, job opportunities, affordable housing, and an outdoor lifestyle.
Start with the basics: your neighborhood, nearby townships, and the general metropolitan area. If you have kids, check out the ratings for school districts. Look up crime rates not only in your neighborhood but also in places you will be driving through. Depending on where you live, look at flood maps, wildfire risk zones, and hurricane exposure maps. These aren't just ideas; the cost of insurance in high-risk areas can add hundreds of dollars to your monthly housing costs.
If you can, go to your new area in person at least once, and better yet, go there several times during different seasons. I've talked to a lot of families who fell in love with a mountain town in October, moved there in January, and then realized they couldn't handle snowy roads for five months of the year. Or clients who went to Florida in February and didn't know what it was like to have 95-degree days with 90% humidity from June to September. These things aren't dealbreakers for everyone, but you should know what you're getting into.
Look into the local infrastructure, such as public transportation options, traffic patterns during rush hour, how close you are to airports if you travel for work, and the availability of services you need. If you need specialized medical care, make sure that the providers in your new state accept your insurance and work there. If you like to do certain things or are part of certain groups, look into whether those things or groups are in your new area. It's hard enough to move without losing all your support systems.
This is where people often get the biggest shocks. The cost of housing is only the beginning. The Census Bureau's data from 2024 shows that the average gross rent in the US is $1,743 per month and the median value of a home owned by an owner is $303,400. But those averages don't show how different things are in different parts of the country. You need to look at how much you spend now and how much you'll spend in your new state.
A big part of it is state income taxes. People who make a lot of money can save tens of thousands of dollars a year by moving from California (where the top tax rate is 13.3%) to Texas or Florida (where there is no income tax). But states that don't have an income tax usually make up for it with higher sales or property taxes. For example, Texas has property tax rates that range from 1.6% to 2%. This means that a $400,000 home would pay $6,400 to $8,000 in property taxes each year. When you compare that to California's average property tax rate of 0.7%, things get more complicated.
Don't forget about the costs of your car. Some states require yearly emissions testing, safety inspections, or have much higher registration fees. The cost of car insurance can be very different. For example, moving from Michigan (the state with the highest rates) to Iowa could cut your rates in half. Also think about gas prices, especially if you're moving to a place where you'll have to drive a long way to work.
The cost of groceries, utilities, healthcare, and childcare changes from place to place. According to research from Consumer Affairs in 2024, Americans who move to southern states usually pay 15–25% less for everything than people who live in northeastern and west coast states. That may not sound like a lot, but if you have a budget of $75,000 a year, that's an extra $11,000 to $19,000 in your pocket every year. You're talking about six figures over the course of ten years.
If you want to buy a house in your new state, you need to work with a local real estate agent who knows what they're doing. Someone who lives and works there every day knows the neighborhoods, school districts, new developments, and possible problems that you wouldn't see on Zillow. Get recommendations from your current agent or from people who have just moved to the area. Before making a decision, talk to at least three agents.
Buying a home in another state used to be a nightmare because you had to coordinate showings, inspections, and closings from hundreds or thousands of miles away. But the future of mortgages is digital, and it's making it a lot easier to buy things across state lines. We at AmeriSave have made our whole platform about buying a home from a distance. In many states, you can get preapproved online, send in documents electronically, and even close the deal electronically. That means you won't have to make as many trips back and forth, and you'll have more time for your family or work.
You should get preapproved for a mortgage as soon as possible, not at the end. In competitive markets, preapproval shows sellers that you're a serious buyer. It also helps you set a realistic budget so you don't fall in love with homes you can't afford. In states like North Carolina and Tennessee where the housing market is hot, having a strong preapproval can mean the difference between getting your offer accepted and losing out to another buyer.
When it comes to the basic steps of buying a home—making an offer, getting an inspection, getting an appraisal, and closing—there isn't much difference between states. But the laws and time frames do change. Some states need lawyers to be there at closing, while others don't. The cost of title insurance varies from state to state. In some places, transfer taxes can add thousands to your closing costs, while in others, they are very small. A good agent and mortgage professional will help you understand these details that are different in each state.
Moving costs a lot of money, and it's often more than people think it will be. According to moveBuddha, the average cost of all moves in 2025 was $3,020. Local moves cost an average of $1,489, while long-distance moves cost an average of $3,129. But that's only the move itself. Most families end up spending 50% to 100% more than their original moving quote when you factor in travel, temporary housing, overlapping costs, and all the other costs that come up out of nowhere.
Before you start making your budget, ask about relocation assistance if you're moving for work. Some companies offer full-service packages that cost between $10,000 and $30,000 and include everything from professional movers to help selling your house. Some people pay a lump sum or give back up to a certain amount. It's not a bad idea to ask your employer about relocation benefits, even if they don't advertise them. The worst they can say is no.
According to Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines, hiring professional movers for an interstate move in 2025 will cost between $2,500 and $18,000, depending on how far you are moving and how much stuff you have. There are a lot of factors that affect that range, such as how far you're moving, how much stuff you're moving, what time of year it is, and what level of service you choose.
The most important thing is distance. It costs a lot less to move from New York to New Jersey than it does to move from New York to California. Most long-distance moving companies charge by the pound, which is usually between $0.50 and $0.80 per pound. A three-bedroom house usually weighs between 7,000 and 10,000 pounds, so moving it will cost you between $3,500 and $8,000. That number goes up quickly when you add packing services, handling of special items (like pianos, pool tables, and artwork), and insurance.
Most people don't know how important timing is. According to North American Van Lines, moving during the busy season (May to September) can cost 20–30% more than moving during the off-season. If you can, plan your move for between October and April. Moving on a weekday is also cheaper than moving on a weekend. Moving in the middle of the month is also cheaper than moving at the beginning or end of the month, when most leases end and closings happen.
Full-service movers do everything for you, including packing, loading, moving, unloading, and even unpacking if you pay for it. This is the most expensive choice, but it saves a lot of time and work. With partial-service options, you can pack your own things, but professionals will load, move, and unload them. With self-pack options, you do everything but drive the truck. Every step down in service level costs less money, but it takes more of your time and energy.
Renting a moving truck is the most common do-it-yourself option. According to moveAdvisor's research for 2024, moving yourself across state lines costs between $1,000 and $4,000, with truck rental being the biggest cost. Companies like U-Haul, Budget, and Penske rent trucks that are 10 feet long and 26 feet long. If you're moving a long distance, you should expect to pay between $1,200 and $2,100 to rent a truck. This price usually includes a certain number of miles, and you'll have to pay extra if you go over that limit.
But that's not all you have to pay. You'll need to plan for gas. A 26-foot moving truck gets about 8–10 miles per gallon, so at today's prices, a 1,500-mile move could cost $400–$600 in gas alone. If you're renting a truck, you'll need to pay for insurance ($100–$200), dollies and furniture pads ($50–$100), packing supplies ($200–$400), and meals and hotels if you're driving for more than one day ($300–$800). Your $1,500 truck rental suddenly costs $2,500 to $3,500.
The other thing to think about is the physical work. It's hard work to load and unload a truck, especially if you've never done it before. A lot of people don't realize how long it takes. You should plan on a full day to load, a full day (or more) to drive, and a full day to unload. You will need help from friends, family, or hired help. If you're hiring local movers just to load and unload, that's an extra $200 to $500 on each end.
PODS, U-Pack, and SMARTBOX are examples of portable storage containers that are a good middle ground. According to moveBuddha's research for 2025, portable containers for long-distance moves cost between $900 and $4,500. The company leaves a container at your house, you pack it when you want, they pick it up and take it to your new address, and you unload it when you want. Most companies offer 30 days of free storage, which is helpful if your new home isn't ready yet.
There are different sizes of containers, usually 7, 12, 16, and 20 feet. A 16-foot container can hold about the same amount of stuff as a two- or three-bedroom home. Prices depend on how far you have to go and how long it will take, but for a move across the country, you should expect to pay $3,000 to $4,500 for one container. The benefit is that you don't have to drive a truck yourself and you have more options. The downside is that you still have to load and unload everything yourself, and a big family may need more than one container, which makes the costs go up a lot.
This is where budgets go wrong: the costs you didn't plan for. If you're moving in the summer with kids, you'll need to set aside money for childcare or fun things to do while you're packing and moving. You might need boarding services, travel crates, or new vaccination records for your pets if you're moving to a new state. Family members or older relatives who have trouble getting around may need hotel rooms or special transportation.
Costs of travel add up fast. If you're buying a house in your new state, you should plan on at least two trips: one to look for a house and another to do the final walkthrough and close the deal. That's the cost of flights, rental cars, hotels, and food for each trip. Some people who buy things go three or four times. You will still have to pay for gas, hotels, and food along the way, even if you are driving your own car.
The costs of overlap are usually the biggest shock. When you sell your current home and buy a new one, there is almost always a time when you have to pay for both. You might have to leave your current house before your new one is ready, so you're paying for a month of temporary housing. Or you buy the new house before selling the old one, which means you have to pay two mortgages, two utility bills, two insurance policies, and twice the property taxes for a while.
Don't forget about deposits and setup fees in your new place. Utility companies usually ask new customers to pay a deposit. There may be service fees for installing cable and the internet. If you rent, you'll have to pay the first month, the last month, and a security deposit all at once. In the first month, little things like gym memberships, parking permits, and new doctors who don't accept your old insurance can add up to thousands of dollars. So make plans accordingly.
It's time to start packing once you've set aside money for moving costs. "Start" is the most important word here. Don't wait until the week before moving day. Make a packing schedule that breaks the work up over several weeks, starting with things you don't need and ending with things you do.
Start with things you won't need until after the move, like seasonal decorations, clothes that aren't in season, books, kitchen tools you don't use often, hobby supplies, and things that are in storage. You can pack these weeks or even months ahead of time. Make sure to label each box clearly with what it contains and where it needs to go in your new home. This saves hours of confusion when unpacking and helps movers figure out where to put things.
People don't think about how important packing materials are. Cheap boxes break when they are heavy, not enough padding breaks dishes, and not enough tape means boxes open while they are being moved. Get the right packing supplies from a moving supply store or home improvement center for between $200 and $400. You'll need packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, markers, and labels, as well as boxes of different sizes. Some professional moving companies include packing materials in their quotes or sell kits at a discount. Before you buy from someone else, ask.
Some things shouldn't go on the truck that moves. You should bring important papers like birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, medical records, and financial records, as well as jewelry, valuable electronics, family heirlooms, and photos that can't be replaced. Put these in a safe bag or box that you keep in your car or with you while you move. It's a pain if something gets lost or broken on the truck. If you lose something that can't be replaced, it's sad and permanent.
If you have valuable art, antiques, or collectibles, think about getting special packing and shipping. Professional art handlers use special crates and transportation that keeps the temperature stable. Yes, it costs a lot, but not as much as getting a new piece to replace one that's been in your family for generations. Your homeowner's insurance might cover things that get broken during a move, but the limits are usually low. Check your policy and think about getting extra moving insurance for things that are worth a lot.
Moving is a great time to get rid of things you don't need. According to data from the Census Bureau, the average American household has collected things worth more than 10,000 pounds over the years, and most of them haven't been used in years. Moving every pound costs money. Movers who work for a living charge by weight. When they are heavier, rental trucks get worse gas mileage. There are weight limits on portable containers, and if you go over them, you'll have to pay extra.
Check every closet, cabinet, attic, and storage space. Make three groups: trash, sell/donate, and move. Be honest with yourself. If you haven't used something in two years and it doesn't mean anything to you, do you really need to pay to move it across the country? Furniture that barely fits in your current space might not fit in your new one. Let go of the toys, clothes, and kitchen appliances that your kids have outgrown or that don't fit anymore.
Selling things you don't want can help pay for moving costs. You can sell furniture, electronics, and other valuable things on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor. Hold a garage sale a few weekends before you move. Be honest about your prices. People who are looking for used things expect to get a good deal, and your goal is to sell less, not make more money. You can get a tax break by giving the rest of your things to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or a local charity. Anything that is broken or can't be sold goes to the curb or the dump.
You will have to take care of a lot of administrative tasks before you move to a new state. These aren't fun, but they're important and often need to be done right away. Some things need to be done before you move, some need to be done right away, and some can wait until you're settled in. Getting things in order now will help you avoid problems later.
Change your address with the U.S. first. Postal Service. You can do this for a small fee on USPS.com. It should be done about two weeks before you move. Mail forwarding lasts for a year, which gives you time to tell everyone who needs to know your new address. But don't just rely on forwarding; important mail can get lost while it's being sent, and you'll need to change your address everywhere eventually.
Tell your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions. Most of them let you change your address through online banking or a mobile app. Let your health, auto, home, renters, and life insurance companies know your new address. Because insurance rates can change depending on where you live, make sure you know what your new state's coverage and premiums are. Your current car insurance might not cover you in your new state, so you'll need to change policies soon after you move.
If you rent, make sure to give your landlord the right amount of notice, which is usually 30 to 60 days. If you're selling your home, make sure your moving date and closing date are the same. If you own the property and aren't selling it yet, make sure that someone you trust or a property management company takes care of repairs and emergencies after you leave.
You can either cancel or move your utilities to your new address and set up new service there. Set up your utilities to be turned off the day after you move out (you'll need lights and power on moving day) and turned back on the day before you get there. Some utility companies ask for deposits from new customers, especially if you're moving from another state.
Stop paying for local memberships and subscriptions, like gym memberships, club memberships, delivery services that come every week, and newspaper subscriptions. Look for any long-term contracts that have fees for canceling. If you want to keep using the service, some gyms and subscription services that work all over the country will move your membership to a location in your new state instead of canceling it completely.
Once you get to your new state, you'll have a short amount of time to meet the requirements that are unique to that state. Most states require people who move there to get a driver's license within 30 to 90 days of moving there. Bring your current driver's license, proof of where you live (a lease or utility bill), your birth certificate or passport, and your Social Security card. Even if you're moving your license from another state, some states still require you to take a written and driving test.
The same goes for registering your car: it usually takes 30 to 90 days to do so in your new state. You will need your current registration, proof of ownership (title), proof of insurance, and an ID. The cost of registering a vehicle varies a lot from state to state. It can be as low as $50 or as high as several hundred dollars, depending on the vehicle and where it is located. Before you can register in some states, you have to pass a safety check or an emissions test.
You can change your voter registration through the election office in your new state or online at vote.gov. You can't be registered in two states at the same time. When you register in your new state, your old state's registration is automatically canceled. If you have kids, get them into school as soon as you can. Some popular schools have waitlists, and you'll need proof of where you live and up-to-date immunization records.
Even if you work from home, you should let your employer's HR department know your new address for tax purposes. The amount of state income tax that is withheld from your paycheck depends on where you live, not where your company is based. If you don't update this correctly, you could have trouble filing your taxes and even get a fine the next year. If you'll be working across state lines, look into whether your new state has tax agreements with its neighbors.
Professional licenses and certifications don't always work in other states right away. A lot of jobs, like doctors, nurses, lawyers, real estate agents, contractors, teachers, and more, need a license from the state. Before you move, make sure you know what your state needs and start the application process as soon as possible. Some jobs let people get temporary or reciprocal licenses, while others need them to fill out new applications, take tests, and pay fees.
Medical professionals and prescriptions need to be looked at right away. Ask your current doctors, dentists, and specialists for copies of your medical records. Before you move, make sure you have enough prescription drugs and look up pharmacies and doctors in your new area that accept your insurance. If you have long-term health problems that need regular care, get to know your new providers within the first month.
As moving day gets closer, you start to think about the last things you need to do. This is when small things are most important, because forgetting something or having a problem at the last minute can ruin the whole day. Make a box of moving day necessities that you can keep with you. It should have toilet paper, soap, paper towels, phone chargers, snacks, basic tools, trash bags, and anything else you'll need right away when you get there. Don't put everything else in this box.
If you hired professional movers, double-check the details 48 to 72 hours before the move. Check the time they'll get there, how many crew members will be there, and what's included in the price and what's not. Talk about any worries you have, such as narrow staircases, parking restrictions, or buildings with rules about loading docks. Moving companies like to know about problems ahead of time instead of having them pop up on moving day.
Go through your house and make a list of everything that stays, like appliances, light fixtures, and curtain rods. Clearly mark these so that movers don't take them by mistake. If your moving agreement includes appliances like a washer, dryer, or refrigerator, make sure they are all clean, unplugged, and ready to go. To keep water from getting into the refrigerator and freezer while you're moving, you should defrost them at least 24 hours before you move.
Before you pack, take pictures of your electronics, furniture, and other valuable items. This keeps track of how things are before they are moved. Before you unplug everything, take pictures of how the cables are connected. This will make it much easier to set up at your new place. If you still have the original boxes for your electronics, think about putting them in those boxes because they are made to protect that item.
In the days leading up to your move, get rid of any food that will go bad. Give unopened non-perishable food to a food bank and throw away anything that won't make it through the trip. In some states, moving food across state lines can cause agricultural restrictions. You don't want your moving truck to smell like spoiled food for days. Get a lot of disposable plates, cups, and utensils for your last few meals.
Do any last-minute errands before the day you move. Get your prescriptions refilled, get your car's oil changed and checked for safety before a long drive, pick up your dry cleaning, return library books, and do any other things that will be harder to do after you move. The night before moving day, charge all of your electronic devices. Put important papers, medicines, and valuables in your car or personal bag.
Before you move, go through every room, closet, cabinet, and storage area one last time. Look in attics, basements, garages, and outdoor sheds, as well as under beds. Check to see if every drawer and cabinet is empty by opening them all. Check behind doors and in corners. It's easy to forget about things that are hidden away in places you don't use often. Anything left behind when the truck leaves is either abandoned or needs another trip to get it.
If you're hiring professional movers, be there when they load the truck so you can answer questions and give directions. But don't micromanage; they're professionals with good systems in place. Instead, make sure that nothing gets left behind, that you point out fragile items, and that you explain which boxes go in which rooms. If there are problems with missing or damaged items, keep your moving contract and inventory list close at hand.
Today is the day you move, so it's time to put your plan into action. The most important thing right now is to get everyone and everything to your new state safely, whether you're driving a rental truck, following professional movers, or going your own way while your things are being moved.
Give yourself extra time for everything if you're driving a rental truck yourself. Moving trucks that are bigger are slower, harder to drive, and more tiring than regular cars. They need to make wider turns, have longer stopping distances, and always be aware of how high bridges and overpasses are. Plan your route ahead of time, making sure to include gas stations that can handle big trucks and avoid roads with low clearances or weight limits.
If you're driving for more than one day, think about rest stops, meal breaks, and hotels for the night. Don't force yourself to drive when you're tired. It's dangerous to drive when you're tired, especially in a car you don't know. If you're going on a trip with family, think about whether everyone should ride in the truck or if some people should follow in their own car. A second vehicle gives you more options and can be used as a backup in case the truck breaks down.
Most professional moving companies give you a delivery window instead of a specific time. Depending on the distance and the company's route, long-distance moves could take a few days or even a week. Make sure you have the driver's phone number and the company's customer service number. If you're flying or driving separately while movers take your things to your new home, make sure someone in charge can be there during the delivery window.
Costs of travel are real and add up quickly. A cross-country move can cost between $400 and $600 in gas for the moving truck. Hotels along the way cost between $80 and $150 a night. It's cheaper to cook at home than to eat out on the road. If you're flying, add the cost of each family member's plane ticket, luggage fees, rental car fees, and ground transportation. Instead of being shocked by credit card bills after the move, plan your travel costs realistically.
When you get to your new state, it feels like the end of the journey, but it's really just the start of a new one. It takes a lot of work to turn a house full of boxes into a home that you can live in. But the process is also exciting because it means a new beginning in a new place with new opportunities.
Before you start unloading your things at your new home, make sure the utilities are connected and working. Check the lights, water, heat, or air conditioning depending on the time of year. Make sure that the internet and any other services you set up ahead of time are working. If something isn't working, call the provider right away instead of finding out about problems after you've unloaded everything.
As the movers unload or you unpack your rental truck, tell them where to put the boxes based on the labels you made. This saves you a lot of time moving boxes from one room to another later. First, unpack the most important things, like the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. You can live for weeks with boxes in the garage or extra room, but you need beds, bathroom supplies, and basic cooking tools right away.
Don't just set up your new home; take some time to explore the area. Find the closest grocery store, pharmacy, gas station, hospital, and police station. To get a better idea of how long it will take you to get to work, drive your usual route during rush hour. Look for parks, restaurants, coffee shops, and other places that you can visit regularly. The sooner you get used to your new area, the more like home it will feel.
Get to know the people in your new community. Say hello to your neighbors. If you have kids, go to parent meetings and school orientation events. Find groups in your area that are based on your interests, like book clubs, sports leagues, volunteer groups, or religious groups. It takes time to build a social network, but the work you put in during your first few months will pay off in the long run.
We've helped thousands of families buy homes in new states at AmeriSave, and we know that moving is about more than just the move itself. It's important to do your homework, set a realistic budget, plan ahead, and be kind to yourself during the transition period. Moving to a new state is a big job, but with the right tools and planning, it's easier than it's ever been.
Moving to a new state is one of the biggest changes in life, but it doesn't have to be too much to handle. Every year, millions of Americans successfully make this move with the right planning, realistic budgeting, and support. The most important thing is to see it as a planned process instead of a random event. Break it down into smaller, more manageable steps, and don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go perfectly.
Even in the last five years, the way people move between states has changed a lot. People who work from home now have more freedom than ever to choose where they live based on their lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences instead of being tied to certain job locations. You can now research neighborhoods, compare prices, get preapproved for mortgages, and even close on homes without having to travel back and forth all the time thanks to digital tools. These changes are good for buyers who are well-informed and ready and who use technology to their advantage.
If you want to move to the Sun Belt to save money, get closer to family, start over in a new area, or just want a change, you need to be ready and have realistic expectations. If you don't have to, don't try to do everything yourself. Instead, plan ahead, stick to a budget, and do a lot of research. The time and stress you save by hiring professional movers, real estate agents, and mortgage experts is worth the money you spend.
Are you ready to look into your choices? Get a free preapproval today and take the first step toward buying your new home.
The off-season, which lasts from October to April, is the best time to move between states because it's the cheapest time. According to North American Van Lines, moving during the off-season can save you 20–30% compared to moving during the peak summer months when demand is highest. The cheapest time to buy a window is usually between January and March, except for the weeks around New Year's when there are holidays.
Here's why summer costs more: it's when most families want to move. School is out, the weather is better, and a lot of people change jobs in the summer. Because of this higher demand, moving companies charge more and often fill up weeks or even months in advance. If you have to move in the summer, book as soon as you can to get better prices and make sure there is room.
In addition to the season, the day of the week and the time of the month also affect prices. Moving on a weekday costs less than moving on a weekend because fewer people can take time off work. Moving in the middle of the month is cheaper than moving at the beginning or end of the month, when most leases end and homes close. If you can move on a different day, do it to save money. Moving in the middle of October on a Tuesday could cost you $1,500 to $2,000 more than moving on a Saturday in July, even if the distance and volume are the same.
You will need to go to your new state's Department of Motor Vehicles or a similar agency within the time frame that varies by state but is usually 30 to 90 days after you move there. You can't do this online or by mail; you have to go in person with certain papers. You will need to show proof of your new address, like a utility bill or lease agreement, as well as your current driver's license, Social Security card, or proof of your Social Security number. You will also need a birth certificate or a valid passport.
Some states require new residents to pass a written knowledge test, even if they are moving their valid license from another state. Some states also require vision tests or even full driving tests, depending on how old you are or how long you've had your license. Before you go, check your state's DMV website to make sure you know exactly what you need to do and if you need to make an appointment. A lot of states now let you make appointments online, which can save you hours of waiting in line.
The cost of getting a new driver's license varies by state, but it usually costs between $20 and $90. If you need a Real ID-compliant license to fly or get into a federal building, you may need to show more paperwork. When you get your new license, you have to give up your old state license. You can't have licenses from more than one state at the same time. When you get your new license, read it carefully because it may have a different expiration date and restrictions than your old one.
Most people who are moving to a new state should rent for the first 6–12 months, even if they want to buy a home in the end. Renting lets you get to know the area, figure out how the neighborhood works, find out which school districts your kids will be in, and see how the seasons change before you decide where to live for good. The National Association of REALTORS® did a study in 2024 that found that buyers who rent first in a new area are happier with their final purchase location than those who buy without seeing it or only after short visits.
This advice to rent first doesn't always apply. If you're moving to a specific job location and already know the exact neighborhood where you want to live, or if you've lived in the area before and know the market, it might make sense to buy right away. If you're moving to a rental market that is very tight and it's almost impossible to find a good place to rent, buying might be your only real choice. If you're moving to a new place for good and have done a lot of research on the area by visiting it several times, buying right away might be a good idea.
The money math is also important. In hot housing markets where prices are going up quickly and there aren't many homes for sale, waiting to buy could mean paying more or missing out on good deals. But when markets are stable or going down, there's no rush. Find out your break-even point, which is how long you need to own before buying makes more sense than renting. We can help you figure out these numbers at AmeriSave and see if the current market conditions are better for buying now or waiting. Getting preapproved for a mortgage is free, so even if you decide to rent first, it will show you how much you can afford when you're ready to buy.
There are now more complicated tax situations because of remote work. In most cases, where you physically work determines how much state income tax you owe, not where your employer is located or where you lived when you were hired. If you move from California to Texas and keep working from home for your California-based employer, you usually don't have to pay California income tax anymore because you're working in Texas, which doesn't have a state income tax, so you don't have to pay Texas tax either.
But this is where things get messy. Some states have "convenience of employer" rules that say you still owe them taxes if you work from home because you want to, not because your boss tells you to. This is something that New York is known for. If you move from New York to Florida but keep your job in New York, New York may say you still owe them income tax unless your boss tells you to work from Florida. This is currently the law, but it is being challenged in court.
Some states have agreements with each other that let you work in other states without having to pay taxes twice. Because New Jersey and Pennsylvania have a deal with each other, you might only have to pay New Jersey taxes if you live in New Jersey but work for a Pennsylvania company. But most pairs of states don't have these kinds of agreements. You might have to pay income tax in both the state where you live and the state where your employer is located. However, you usually get credit for taxes paid to other states to avoid paying taxes twice.
The best thing to do is talk to a CPA who knows about multi-state taxes and your specific situation. You should also change your W-4 withholding right away when you move so that your employer withholds the right amount for the state you live in. If you don't do this right, you could have trouble filing your taxes and even get fined the next year. If you're moving to a different state to pay less in taxes, make sure that your job situation will actually save you money on taxes before you make the move.
Moving across the country in 2025 will cost between $2,500 and $18,000, depending on whether you do it yourself or hire full-service movers. We got this information from several moving companies, such as Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and moveBuddha, for 2025. If you hire professional movers to move a typical three-bedroom house more than 1,000 miles, you should expect to pay between $4,500 and $7,000 for loading, unloading, and transportation.
When you move yourself with a rental truck, the total cost is usually between $1,000 and $4,000. This includes the cost of the truck rental, gas, insurance, equipment, and travel. PODS and U-Pack are examples of portable storage containers that cost between $3,000 and $4,500 to move across the country. Depending on the distance, weight, and services included, full-service professional movers charge between $2,500 and $18,000. The wide range is because of things like the exact mileage, the total weight of the items, the season (summer costs 20–30% more), packing services, handling of special items, and insurance coverage.
These base numbers go up a lot because of hidden costs. If you pack your own stuff, packing materials cost between $200 and $400. The family's travel costs during the move, such as hotels, meals, and gas, can easily add up to $1,000 to $2,000. Costs that happen at both places, like paying rent or a mortgage, temporary housing, and extra utility bills during the transition period, can easily add up to more than $2,000-$5,000. In addition to the $1,000–$3,000 you will need to pay for deposits, installation fees, and initial purchases in your new state.
Most families moving across the country should plan to spend at least $6,000 to $8,000 on everything, not just the cost of the moving truck. Families moving from big houses or those who need full-service packing and white-glove handling should plan to spend $12,000 to $15,000 or more. These numbers seem high, but not having enough money for your move can cause stress and problems. It's better to plan your budget carefully and have some extra money than to run out of money in the middle of a move and have to find a way to fix it.
Moving to a new state does not mean you have to change or refinance your current mortgage. The property, not you, is what your mortgage is tied to. If you're selling your current home and buying a new one in your new state, you'll pay off your old mortgage at closing and get a new one for your new home. If you keep your current home as a rental or second home and buy more property in your new state, however, both mortgages stay the same as they were when you first took them out.
If you're moving but not selling your current home, the situation is different. You need to tell your mortgage lender that the property is no longer your main home because this changes how they assess risk. Most mortgages have occupancy clauses that say you have to tell the lender if you're turning your main home into a rental property. If you don't tell them, they could technically use an acceleration clause to demand full payment, but this doesn't happen very often in real life. However, you should still follow the terms of your mortgage agreement and let your lender know about the change in writing.
If you are renting out your old home, you will need to change your homeowner's insurance to a landlord policy. This costs more and covers different things. Your homestead exemption for property taxes will end, which could mean that you have to pay more in taxes. You will need to know how to report rental income on your tax return and how depreciation works. These changes make it more or less expensive to keep your old home instead of selling it.
The mortgage process is easy if you want to buy a house in your new state. We handle purchases from people in other states every day at AmeriSave through our online platform. You can get preapproved online no matter where you live right now. You can also send in documents electronically and close remotely in many states through notary services. The most important thing is to start early. Get preapproved before you even start looking for a house so you know how much you can spend and can make good offers in your new market.
A well-planned move between states usually takes 8 to 12 weeks, from the time you start planning until you are fully settled in your new state. This timeline looks something like this: 2–3 weeks to do initial research and make a decision about where you want to live, 4–6 weeks to pack, arrange for movers or a truck rental, update paperwork, and take care of other tasks before the move, 1–7 days to actually travel and move depending on how far away you are, and 2–3 weeks to unpack and get used to your new home.
These time frames are based on the idea that you aren't also buying or selling a house. If you're selling your home, it could take one to three months to find a buyer and close the sale. If you're buying a house in your new state, add 4 to 8 weeks for house hunting, making an offer, getting inspections and an appraisal, and closing. Moving between states often means buying and selling, which can add 4 to 6 months to the total time from planning to completion.
You can move quickly, but it will cost a lot and be stressful. If you have to move in 2 to 3 weeks because of work or an emergency, you should expect to pay more for movers, possibly have to deal with a less-than-ideal housing situation in your new state, and have to deal with more chaos and forgotten details. According to industry data, rush moves cost 30–50% more than planned moves and have a higher chance of damaging or losing things.
Some people choose to take longer than the usual amount of time to move. People who are retired or have grown children and are moving for lifestyle reasons often take 6 to 12 months to do a lot of research, visit the area several times, maybe even rent there before buying, and plan the move for the least stressful time. You don't have to move right away; taking your time usually leads to better results and more satisfaction with your decision to move. The amount of time you need to plan your move will depend on your situation, but you should give yourself at least two full months to do it right.
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