Things to do after moving to a new state

Relocating to a new state is a complicated process. There are countless tasks and questions to go through before the relocation. Questions like how many movers do I need, what should I pack, what is the cost and many more are common. The problem with long distance relocations is there are just as many things to do after moving to a new state. If you want to stay more organized and get an idea of important tasks to finish after your relocation, keep reading.

So what are the things that you need to do after you relocate to a new state?

To help you speed up the adaptation process Master Moving Guide compiled a list of the tasks that we think should be on your priority list. Take a look:

• Unpack
• Find a physician
• Find a school
• Secure your home
• Get a driver’s license
• Register your car
• Register to vote

Unpacking should be one of the first things to do after moving to a new state

After you arrive at your new home, you’re probably going to be exhausted because of your long day. However, after you get some rest the best thing to do is start unpacking slowly. This will make the change easier, as you will feel more at home when you unpack your belongings instead of having moving boxes everywhere. Don’t forget to label boxes when you are packing, as it will make your unpacking process more convenient. You should start by going through boxes with more important house items that you know you will need sooner. If you want to avoid the inconvenience of unpacking, there moving and storage companies that offer assistance after your move as well, especially with heavier furniture and mantling your disassembled pieces.

Find a new primary care physician

Moving to another state can cause a lot of moving stress for your whole family. This can also lead to exhaustion and a weakened immune system. It is better to be safe than sorry, and find a new primary care physician for your family as soon as you arrive. You should find a qualified professional who you can trust with your health. A good way to make sure a doctor is reliable is to ask friends or colleagues from your new city for recommendations. Also, there are a lot of resources online that can help you find great physicians in your area. This is one of the first things to do after moving interstate to give you peace of mind.

Find a new school

If you’re a parent, finding a new school for your kids is going to be a priority after relocating interstate. This is important to do as soon as possible to give your kids time to adapt to a new school and don’t miss out on lectures. This is better to do before moving, but in case you still haven’t found the right one, now is the time. You can research the schools online and try to find the best fit for your children. You should look at what is offered in terms of classes and curriculum. There are also reviews online that you can check, or ask your acquaintances about their kids’ schools. Also, you have to decide whether the distance from your house matters or not before choosing.

Secure your home

Nowadays it is common for a house to have a security system installed. If you had one you probably know how it is done. However, after getting to a new state, you can feel more vulnerable because you’re still unfamiliar with your neighbors and the area itself. So after moving, you should install a security system in your new home. You should start by changing the locks on all doors and windows to be sure that you’re the only one with access to your new home. Most homes today are equipped with smart security. This includes motion sensors, alarms, cameras, etc. Luckily, this is not an expensive undertaking and it won’t take much of your time, so you can research companies as soon as you step foot in your new home.

Get a driver’s license

After relocating to a new state, you have to get a driver’s license again. Luckily, there are no tests this time, you just have to deal with bureaucracy. In most states, you have 30 days to get a new license after relocating, but you should check the laws of the state you’re relocating to, just to be safe. This may seem like a long time, but it isn’t, especially once you start settling in in your new home. It is better to get it out of the way quickly. This is an easy process. You just have to remember to bring proof of residence and take a photo. It will arrive quickly and you’ll have one less thing to take care of.

Register your car

After you get your driver’s license updated you will need a vehicle to drive. And after you move to a new state, you also need to register your car. Just like the driver’s license, there are different deadlines in different states, so make sure to check this before you move. This should be one of the first things to do, right after hiring long distance movers, as some states have deadlines as short as 10 days. However, before you can register your car you need to buy insurance. This is a good way to find better insurance deals. After your car is insured you can easily register it at the DMV office. Just make sure to research which documents you need to bring for registration in your new state.

Register to vote

Unless you just moved to North Dakota, registering to vote should be one of the first things to do after moving to a new state. Even if the elections aren’t soon, it is better to get this task out of the way as soon as you arrive. You should check how to register in your specific state, but there are 3 main ways:

• In-person – There are local offices in each city where you can easily register in person
• Mail – You can fill out the National Mail Voter Registration Form, and just send it to an election office
• Online – This is the easiest option for most people, but it is currently available in 37 states, you should first check if your state is one of them.

There might be more things that you will need to handle

Those are the most important things to do after moving to a new state. Naturally, there will be many more tasks to handle depending on your needs and situation. However, we feel that these are the things that most people simply need to handle right after the move.