Many people love driving on motorized equipment, whether an ATV, dirt bike, lawnmower, or motorcycle. However, while these vehicles are fun to drive and use, what happens when you need to move to a new location?

You must devise a strategy because driving these rigs to your new location is not feasible. Fortunately, here are some top tips on making it happen.

Step One: Make Your Equipment Travel-Ready

While you could just drive an ATV or riding mower onto the back of a pickup truck and call it a day, cleaning your equipment as much as possible is best. Also, check elements like tire pressure, oil, and gas levels. Ideally, you won’t have a full gas tank.

Step Two: Find a Suitable Transportation Rig

You’ll need a large flatbed trailer if you have multiple motorized vehicles to transport. If you’re moving long distances, you’ll want this trailer covered so your equipment doesn’t get stolen or rained on during the trip.

The closer the trailer is to the ground, the better. This way, you can rely less on ramps, which can cause problems if you don’t use them correctly.

Check with your professional mover. Full-service professional movers can transport your vehicles using their equipment.

Step Three: Secure Your Ramps

If you’ve seen videos of people trying to drive an ATV or dirtbike on a truck, only for the ramp to fall and damage the vehicle, you know why this step is necessary. Use tie-downs or other materials to ensure the ramp won’t shift or move as you drive the vehicle onto the trailer or truck bed.

Also, verify that the distance between ramps is suitable for the vehicle. Don’t secure them and then discover they’re too close or far apart.

Step Four: Secure Your Vehicles

Once your motorized equipment is on the trailer or truck bed, tie it down. It’s also a good idea to put a spare tire in front of the first vehicle so it doesn’t damage anything during the trip (or get damaged itself). Also, with trailers, you want the bulk of the weight to be at the front, where the trailer connects to your truck. Otherwise, you could fishtail out of control.

Step Five: Bring a Jack and Spare Tire

Hauling such heavy equipment can put a substantial load on the trailer or truck tires so you might have a blowout in transit. So, it’s best to be prepared with a flat tire kit and a spare (in addition to the one protecting the first vehicle). Also, make sure you know how to use the jack and that it’s rated to carry a sufficient amount of weight so it won’t collapse while changing the tire.

Step Six: Double Check Everything

Pieces of your ATVs, dirt bikes, or riding lawnmowers can fly off if the trailer is open, so make sure each piece is secured or removed and stored somewhere. You want to avoid arriving at your destination to discover missing parts.

Get Moving Help

Full-service professional movers have experience moving various vehicles. They can give you peace of mind knowing your equipment will arrive on time and in excellent condition. 

Although business professionals possess time management skills, relocating the entire company may prove challenging. Moving is a one-off event, unlike the systems you have in place to increase productivity and workflow. That means there won’t necessarily be a post-project review to help streamline the process.

But the good news is an abundance of resources are available to minimize disruption. Reaching out to experienced moving professionals and creating a detailed timeline can make your business transition relatively seamless. These are things decision-makers need to know when planning a move.

Begin Planning 

Industry leaders often plan their next product or service rollout months in advance. Moving timelines require long-term planning as well. Consider primary organizational efforts at least several months before you anticipate transporting office furniture and equipment.

These typically involve contacting experienced moving companies and establishing a ballpark budget. Then, company leaders can gauge what services are available. It’s not unusual for business leaders to have professionals handle all the logistics so they can focus on establishing a new footprint.

Make Crucial Decisions

Eight weeks out, completing a moving budget, negotiating a deal, and securing a date with an experienced office mover is critical. Although this may seem too far in advance, given the logistical issues your team members may be grappling with, top companies can be booked months in advance.

That generally means companies seek end-of-the-month dates to reduce financial waste. The longer you wait, the less likely you are to secure a top-flight moving company. The essential point is to make decisions about professional moving services.

Identify Non-Essential Items

Consider tapping office personnel or department leaders to itemize things that won’t be making the trip. For example, storerooms sometimes become dumping grounds for outdated equipment and old files. Your relocation may also involve new office furniture and electronics waiting on the other end, rendering equipment non-essential.

Once a list of this property has been created, have the lead person craft a plan to sell, donate, house it in a storage unit, or recycle it. A full-service moving company can transport items where they need to go at a reasonable time.

Start Packing

Gather moving supplies and start packing items unnecessary to daily operations. By boxing and labeling these items and placing them securely, supervisors better understand how long it takes to pack. Consider setting a meeting with team leaders after you complete this phase. One of the critical questions to consider is how long employees need to pack items they use every day. If you feel having non-professional packers will result in an unnecessary operational delay, contact your full-service mover promptly.

Tidy Up Loose Ends

In the final few weeks, the minutia can seem overwhelming. Updating items such as subscriptions for the waiting area, post office change of address forms, and memberships to professional organizations must be handled. IT technicians must download your digital assets into backup drives as the clock ticks. This strategy holds even if you’re a Cloud-based organization. If you have not converted to a VoIP system, phone lines may also need to be transferred.

Final Days Before Moving Trucks Arrive

One strategy that typically helps reduce moving stress is establishing a packing completion deadline of at least two days before the trucks arrive. This provides a buffer in the event unforeseen obstacles cause delays. There’s no reason for concern if your team doesn’t meet the deadline as long as everything is ready to roll when the movers arrive. But if the process is too far behind, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Contact a professional office mover today for a business relocation consultation.

Moving from one home to another typically involves many expenses. You can cut costs by using free moving boxes to keep your moving budget low. According to CostHelper, boxes can cost between $1 and $3 each, depending on size. When you factor in additional moving supplies, a moving kit for a one-bedroom apartment will cost roughly $70 to $90, and for a four-bedroom home, approximately $310–$400.

By obtaining used or free boxes, you’re saving yourself money and helping the environment, making it easier to pack a little at a time rather than rushing in the days leading up to your move. Here are five ways to get free moving boxes for your upcoming move.

1. Ask Family, Friends, Neighbors, and Colleagues

If you know anyone who has recently moved, they may still have their boxes stashed in their homes. Ask around to see if anyone has boxes; this could be a win-win for everyone; you get the materials you need for free, and your family, friends, neighbors, or colleagues are likely happy to unload them.

2. Grocery Stores and Liquor Stores

Grocery and liquor stores often have some of the sturdiest boxes around since they are constructed to hold heavier items (e.g., cans and bottles). Go around town to ask local merchants if they can coordinate giving away boxes on their shipment days. Most managers are happy to have someone take boxes off their hands because it saves them time and money because employees won’t need to break them up for recycling.

3. Check Online for Free Box Opportunities

It may or may not surprise you to learn that there are numerous ways to obtain free (or at least cheap) moving boxes by searching the internet. Start by searching early in the week since most people tend to move on weekends and will list boxes after they unpack. Top websites and apps you can often nab free boxes include:

• Craigslist
• Facebook Community Groups
• Facebook Marketplace
• OfferUp
• Letgo
• Freecycle
• Nextdoor

If you don’t see anyone posting free boxes to give away, try placing your own request. You never know who might see it and decide they want to declutter their basements, closets, attics, or garages that are full of boxes.

4. Moving Companies

Many moving companies offer gently used boxes at discounts. This is a good option even with a small charge since you can rest assured knowing the boxes are sturdy, durable, and designed explicitly for household moves.

5. Big Box Stores

You might score great boxes at local chains and big box stores. Good places to check with a manager include Walmart, Target, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, Best Buy, Office Depot, OfficeMax, Walgreens, and CVS. Check out local dollar and pet stores as well.

Ready to Plan Your Upcoming Move?

Packing is an essential piece of the moving process. Obtaining free boxes in the months and weeks before your move can save on costs and reduce stress. Before taking any free boxes, carefully examine them before bringing them home. Check each one to ensure they are sturdy, damage-free, and contain no hitchhiking pests.

Are you facing an upcoming move? When it comes to residential moving, people have two choices: handle the transition on their own or enlist the help of a professional moving company. While working with the pros is recommended, many people will opt for alternatives to movers to save money. A DIY route while moving can be less expensive; be careful not to underestimate the cost of a self-serve move. 

The first thing most people consider when moving themselves is a truck rental for places like UHaul. This may be the single largest DIY mover expense. But, it is usually the little things that surprise people and eat away at the moving budget.

1. Multiple trips will mean morefuel.

Whether you rent a moving truck or use your vehicle, you may have to make multiple trips to get your belongings moved. Multiple trips while hauling a heavy load of furniture and belongings will also mean a lot of stops to refuel the gas tank along the way. Therefore, many DIY movers tend to spend far more on fuel than they expect during a move. 

To avoid surprises for fuel, do some quick calculations. A typical rental truck will get between 8 and 14 miles to a gallon with a tank of about 35 gallons for up to a 16ft truck. The larger trucks 926 foot) will have up to a 50-gallon tank. The mileage will vary based on your load, driving habits, and traffic conditions. 

1.1 Unforeseen truck rental costs. 

Reputable truck rental companies will be clear about the different costs involved. Understanding these costs before committing to a truck rental is important to avoid surprises. Ask about:

• Insurance (your auto insurance likely won’t cover a moving truck like it may a rental car.)
• Per-mile charge. Some rentals come with a mileage charge. Be clear on the amount and what is involved in your move. The mileage between two points (old and new home) is only part of the travel. 
• Return truck fee. If you are moving to a more remote area, the rental company may charge you to cover the cost of moving the truck to a different location.
• Clean-up fees. These can be avoided by taking proper care of the equipment. But, depending on what you move and where, things may get messy. 
• Moving equipment rental is often available with truck rental. Special equipment may be needed to move larger items and secure items in the truck properly.

2. Consider the costs of moving equipment

As mentioned above, moving equipment is helpful when moving from one house to the next. A few items you may need just to effectively maneuver large pieces of furniture and other items safely include:

• Rolling utility dollies to move heavy boxes and appliances
• Moving blankets to protect items from scuffs and bumps
• Ratcheting straps to secure heavy items in place before transport
• Bungee cords to secure heavy boxes to a utility dolly
• Tarps or plastic wrap to protect items during inclement weather

When considering the costs, include either the rental or purchase of any equipment you may not have access to otherwise.

3. Damage to your belongings or property

It is easy to say, “We’ll just be careful,” but damage is a common occurrence during moves. For minor damage, you may be able to simply accept it as a scratch or dent or just repair it yourself. But if the damage is significant or happens to the house you’ve just sold, you’ll need to cover the costs. Professional movers have some level of insurance to cover these issues. On your own, you’ll need to take care of this out of your pocket.

4. Indirect Cost: Taking time off of work

While a move with professional movers will require some of your time, it is much less than managing an entire move as a DIY mover. While using paid time off is an option, or you may be able to take unpaid leave, this indirect cost of a DIY move is often underestimated and quickly dismissed during the planning process. Be sure to give this reasonable consideration.

5. Injuries while moving are a real possibility and a costly event

Moving involves strenuous activity. Activity most people are not accustomed to. Beyond simply lifting heavy objects frequently, they also have to be carried while navigating stairs, potentially slippery services, and inclines/declines. Go slow and take care to minimize the risks of injury.

Using Pros or DIY Moving

While hiring professional movers will be more expensive than the direct costs involved in a DIY move, the difference may be less than you think. Consider the full range of costs in your planning, and you will make a better decision for you and your family when deciding how to handle your move.

How much to tip movers is a tricky topic. Like any service for which you usually add a tip, a lot depends on the level of service you receive. It gets more complicated because, unlike dining out, people don’t move often enough to get a feel for how much to tip.

Amounts for the Movers’ Tip

There are no hard and fast rules about tipping movers. But here are some of the more common approaches

• 15%-20% of the move cost split among the movers. Some recommend a 10% tip, but that seems low if the service is good.
• $5-$10 per hour per mover for long distance, $4-$6 for local moves.
• Flat tip of $20 – $50/ mover
• Minimum of $20/half day of moving work.

Keep in mind that tipping is not mandatory. There may be times when a tip is not earned. If the crew is discourteous, late, slow, or not careful with your belongings, it is within your discretion not to tip or tip on the lower end.

Tipping movers a bit more may be warranted. Are they responsive to your questions or request? Do you have a lot of small or fragile items to which they give appropriate care? Do they take great care in protecting the old or new home during the move? You may find the moving crew does other things that justify a bigger tip.

Beyond Tipping Movers to Show Appreciation

Good movers work hard. In addition to deserving a nice monetary tip, you can show your appreciation throughout the moving process. Simply thanking them when you see them taking care of a special item or letting them know you appreciate the extra padding they’ve laid out can go a long way.

• “Thank you” means a lot as a mover is working throughout the day and would be welcomed.
• Providing some beverage options and snacks for them the grab during the day.
• Clearing a path between the house and the moving truck shows consideration and makes the movers’ job safer.

From tipping to simple words, showing appreciation to your movers doesn’t take much and can go a long way to making the move easier for you and the professionals.

If you are moving internationally,  your to-do list will be full. There will be a lot of items that may not be on a list for a domestic move. Some of these items are obvious to most movers. Others may not become apparent until after your move, becoming more frustrating than if you planned ahead.

For international movers moving for their job, you should have the advantage of company assistance. They can help with proper documentation, initial housing, and even banking.  But, even corporate aid will not cover all of the elements you need to address.

Official Documentations for International Movers

Each country has requirements for those wanting to move from foreign countries. Some requirements may be unique, but some common elements exist. 

Passports

For any international travel from the U.S., you will need a passport. Whether taking a trip or moving, you will need an updated passport. Upon arrival to a foreign country, you will be required to present the passport at Customs before entry. 

If the intention is to move permanently and change citizenship, you will need to follow the process for citizenship and apply for a passport in the new country. The citizenship requirements are different for each country and beyond the scope of this article. Just remember that it needs to be planned out well before making any move.

Visas or Work Permits

There are numerous types of visas. Visas are documents that demonstrate your permission to be in a country. From temporary to work Visas to longer-term Visas with the intent to achieve residency, each Visa has criteria to be met.

Read the details for the destination country’s visa requirements. For most, even a “work visa” has many subcategories. Take a look at the work visas for the UK. There are many types of “work visas.” There are other types of visas as well. Be sure you are applying for the correct visa, given the purpose of moving overseas.

Import documents

When moving household goods to another country, you need documentation to show what is being moved, file appropriate forms and pay fees specific to your destination country. Some have eliminated fees, while others generally have nominal fees for personal property.

Your chosen international mover will be able to assist you with the documentation needed and how to fill it out. You may also be able to create a power of attorney for your mover to handle all the documentation without your involvement. If your mover seems uncertain about any of this, find another mover.

Miscellaneous Documents

In addition to the official required documents for moving internationally, you should also bring your personal documents. Like in the US, you may need to provide proof of certain things like education, age, place of birth, etc. Collect and make copies of these documents: Birth Certificates, driver’s licenses, school documents, immunization, and other certificates if relevant to your field of study or business. Don’t forget your pets, you’ll want to have all their paperwork together.

Insurance while Living In Foreign Country

Each country has its own insurance requirements. In addition to mandated insurance, you want to be sure you can protect yourself and your property. 

Health Insurance

Depending on your destination, healthcare is covered by the government, private insurance, or a mix. While there may be government-covered healthcare, residents and visitors do have to pay into the system to be part of that coverage. Since the insurance schema varies by country, you need to investigate the requirements before you move.

Here are some international health insurance companies. 

Property Insurance

From personal and household belongings to autos to homes (if you purchase), protecting property is important. Researching your options before arriving will make it much easier once you are in your new home.

Depending on your circumstances, you may have other insurance needs. Once in the country, contact an agent or several insurance companies to discuss local options.

Healthcare and medication

For you and your family, establishing your healthcare provider prior to your move is a good idea. Once there, if you find it doesn’t suit you, you can change. But you don’t want to leave this until it is absolutely needed.

Three general healthcare areas to work out before you move:

• Primary care services for checkups and well being
• Urgent care/emergency care facilities in your area
• Prescriptions:
  • Are your recurring medications available? Are substitutes?
  • Where is the pharmacy or dispensary?
  • How do prescriptions work in your new country?
  • Can you bring your medication from the US?

Phones & Communications While Abroad

When moving internationally, you will have options for telephone and internet services in most countries. Conduct some research before the move to be ready once you arrive. You may be able or arrange service prior to your move of you have your destination address worked out.

Cell Phone Service in Foreign Countries

In most European countries and Asian countries, you will likely find cell phone service even easier to access and better quality than in the states. While you may have a domestic mobile phone and plan that can work overseas, you should consider getting a local cell phone service in the new country.

While living abroad for an extended period of time, having a local plan and number will make it easier for new friends and acquaintances to contact you and vis versa. Additionally, there is a lower chance of service issues, and you’ll have local resources to help sort out any problems. 

Most likely, you will opt for the local provider’s pay-as-you-go service. Each country has its own primary provider and there may be decent secondary providers as well. As with all things nowadays, a simple Google search will bring up the infrastructure resources you need.

Internet Services

How you approach internet service overseas depends on your intended usage. If you are working from your home, then establishing a primary internet service provider will be critical. Like cell service, each country, and often local within the country, may have its own provider. Some have national, government-provided internet access (for a fee), while others are commercial. As you look for your new residence, be sure to speak with the agent about establishing service for each location you are considering.

If you are not a heavy internet user with your computer, you may be well served with your cell service. Through your phone’s hotspot wifi settings, you can connect your computer to the internet. This is not ideal for heavy internet users, but for occasional use, it is a good option. Check your local cell provider’s plans to be sure they support hotspots and have decent data allowances.

Electronics Overseas

Whether traveling or moving, using your electronics overseas can be tricky. For one thing, your US plug will not work. At the very least, you will need an adapter. But that is not the biggest issue. Around the world, countries have different systems with varying voltage and amps. 

You will likely need an adapter that moderates the incoming electricity to work with your electronics. Failure to use the proper adapters will result in damage to your electronics, if not outright destroy them. Some “universal adapters” are available, though we suggest using adapters that are specifically designed for your new country.

One consideration is to replace your equipment with domestic equivalents. This can be tight on the budget, especially when looking at items like computers. But, it reduces the risks presented by using your US-designed devices overseas. 

Money & Banking Overseas

Since we have become so reliant on credit cards and internet banking, it may be easy to ignore the challenges you may face overseas. Don’t. There are some important steps that will make overseas transactions easier and lower your risks.

Credit Cards

With credit cards, make sure you contact your provider and let them know you will be overseas. If you don’t do this before you leave, your card transactions may be declined. As banks become more vigilant in fraud prevention, the criteria for rejecting charges will likely include foreign institutions without prior notice.

If your credit card is issued by a local financial institution or even a national one, consider obtaining a credit card from an international institution. Access to customer service and issue resolution will be better if your institution has regionally available resources. 

Banking institutions

Like credit cards, a local bank may benefit you, depending on your length of stay. From local deposit to easily accessible assistance, the physical location in your new city will make banking easier. 

Some companies in the US may also have international locations, so it is worth checking. If not, look into local options prior to moving. The rules for establishing an account can vary by country, so don’t wait until after the move to research the requirements.

Hard Currency

Before leaving the US, convert US dollars into the local currency of your new country. While credit cards can get you by in the US for an indefinite amount of time, this may not be true in all places. And, until you are sure your credit cards will be honored, hard currency is a necessary backup. How much you convert will depend on where you go. In some countries, $50 may get you a meal, while in others, it can get you through several days of meals. Check before you go.

Moving Overseas with Pets

If you are bringing a pet, become very familiar with the rules of the country to which you are moving. Some are very lenient as long as your pet has the basic vaccines. Others restrict what animals are allowed to enter. Some countries may require a quarantine period. Given the varied rules among countries, do not assume knowing about one (even a neighboring country) provides the information for another.

Essentials Bag For International Movers

Every move has its uncertainties. Between delays and lost items, you can find yourself without some belongings. The mover’s essential bag is a simple idea: Pack a back of things you will need upon arrival. For domestic moves and international moves, there is some overlap. But, the difference are really important.

Documents

You do not want to be without important documents in your new country. Keep a legal size envelope to hold these, not just a folder dropped into the bag. You should also take photos of all your documents as a backup… can never be too safe.

Computers, tablets, electronics

This will seem obvious but double-check. Devices used for work and entertainment can easily be dropped in a box while packing up your old home. Some items are easily done without for a few days. But, if movers are delayed, or it simply takes weeks to ship your items, will you want something you’ve boxed up?

Also, bring the plug/power adapters in your essentials bags.

Medications

Have your needed medications available. It is best to bring these in your essentials back rather than checked in lugged.

Clothing

In any move, packing an essentials bag is important. This bag contains everything you need to make it until your movers arrive with all your belongings. For international moves, clothing is a big part of the contents. 

It may be tempting to pack as if you are going on a vacation. But, you should be practical and first determine what you will really need. Will there be work events that you have to attend or upcoming special occasions that will happen soon after your movers are supposed to arrive? Pack for these, as international shipping can get delayed. Provide yourself with a 2-3 week buffer for your planning.

Beyond the above, consider your needs and what you might need. Make these part of the essentials bag. Each person should have one, and it should be part of your carryons. Do not check in the essentials bag as your luggage.

Final bit for international movers

Ask questions of those who have moved to your specific destination. While planning for an international move, in general, is important, there are nuances for every country that you won’t know unless you speak with someone who has already made a move. Most people who move to a new country will be happy to speak about it. There are online forums, perhaps work colleagues or ex-pat communities. Reach out and get their input.

When you review the movers’ websites, you may notice a lack of discussion around moving insurance. Part of the reason is that your items are not insured while moving in the sense to which most people are accustomed. It is not that there is a total lack of coverage, but it makes little sense to the average person.

Federal Law requires carriers (movers) to provide minimum coverage for damage or loss to your items. But, the coverage is implemented much differently than you may be used to seeing in things like a homeowners policy.

Movers Release Value Coverage

The standard coverage is provided as part of every move. The basic carrier liability or “release value coverage”  has no relationship to the value of the items. In the transportation sector, much is based on the weight of items, and liability coverage is no exception. The basic coverage is $0.60 per pound, regardless of the market or replacement value of the items.

In other words, an item like a vase that weighs 3 lbs may be worth $50. But, at $0.60/per pound liability coverage, a person would only be reimbursed $1.80 if it should be broken.

Movers would be hard-pressed to obtain reimbursement of a sufficient amount for most belongings. 

Full Value Protection

Carriers must also offer the option of Full Value Protection. This coverage has an additional cost, and the details are directed by the policy the mover has. While movers are required to make Full Value Protection available to their customers, the moving company’s policy details can differ.

Ask for the detail on how the fair market value, replacement value, or repair costs are calculated. You’ll also need to be clear on the price for the coverage. 

Liability Insurance

Separately from the required coverage offerings by the carriers, you can also obtain a private move policy. Typically, these will cover the replacement cost of the items in question, less the carrier’s release value coverage. This can be purchased directly from insurance providers or through your carrier if they provide access to 3rd party insurance policies.

Steps to take for Movers Insurance

Though movers are required to provide minimum coverage or access to full-value coverage options, moving customers should not wait until after the move to understand the coverage requirements. At a minimum, it is the responsibility of the customer to:

1. Obtain the details of what is covered for each coverage option
2. Understand the claims and reimbursement processes
3. Provide a list of high-value items, their condition, and their replacement cost
4. Perform a post-move evaluation of your items, comparing the conditions outlined on the list of high-value items.
5. Submit all claims in a timely manner.

Knowing what is not covered

It is important to understand the limitation of the liability the carrier has for your property during a move. It will be frustrating to believe you are covered only to have the claim refused. When you sign up for coverage or accept basic coverage, you should also obtain the policy details, as mentioned above.

Some basic items like houseplants or anything perishable will not be covered. Basically, some common sense should come into play. If it can die or rot, it’s not covered.

If a carrier did not pack the damaged items, and the damage can be tied to shortcomings in packing (too little padding, for example) provides grounds for refusing a claim. The more the carrier handles during the move, the easier it is to validate a claim. 

Natural disasters, acts of God, or acts of mother nature, however you want to put it, your items may not be covered. Be sure to understand if damaged items from such events are excluded from coverage.

To learn about the damaged item coverage from your carrier, you will need to engage them in the conversation actively. Be proactive and obtain the information prior to signing an agreement. If you wait until after the move to know what is covered, you will have a minimum coverage amount and likely not recover the full value of any damaged items.

When you’re moving from one state to another state, this is technically considered a long-distance move, even if just over the state line. There are a number of things you have to do in a new state that will impact your timeline and the steps you take after you move in. This is important whether the move is a couple of thousand miles or just a few miles over a state line. 

Here are some things to keep in mind.

New State Property Registrations and Licenses

Vehicle information

Transferring a car or truck between states requires registering the vehicle & a title transfer. Typically, you will need the title and registration from the originating state. 

If you have recreational vehicles, including boats, motorcycles, campers, and even trailers, most states have registration requirements for these as well. Double-check that you have all your paperwork together to handle the transfers simultaneously. 

It might be tempting to make the transfers via mail, but it’s best to go to the DMV. The DMV personnel can assist you with the paperwork and ensure everything is in order, so you do not have a lot of back-and-forth with the bureaucracy of the new state.

Driver’s Licence or state ID

Since you will need to transfer the vehicle information & registration, and it’s best to do that in person, get your new license set up at this time as well. Before you go, read the state’s requirements. Some may require full-blown testing with driving, eye, and test exams. Others may simply require the old license to be exchanged. Know what you should expect before you go.

Business registrations

Many people run businesses from their homes, and some require local registrations. It is easy to leave this off as not immediately important, but best not to. Catching up on state requirements can be tricky.

Insurance in Your New State

Auto Insurance

Check your auto policy or contact your agent to determine the coverage you will have during your move process. Also, ask for recommendations for agents or companies in your new state. Most people have carriers that write policies in multiple states, but that does not mean your policy transfers. So, don’t assume that because your insurance company is national, your policy simply transfers. You will need a new policy based on your new home.

Recreational vehicle insurance

The same is true of your other property insurance coverage. Even if a vehicle does not require state registration, make sure it is part of the consideration for insurance coverage. From property damage to liability, you want to be sure you are covered.

Health and medical 

The vast majority of medical insurance coverage is based on your location. If you do not have a company covering your health insurance, start investigating early. Your insurance policy from your old state won’t cover you in the new state. It is best to get the policy set up to be in place when you move in.

Banking in a New State

For most people, the majority of banking is done online. Because of this, it is easy to forget about local bank access. If you occasionally use the local bank branch, review the locations of your current bank to see if they have a location convenient to your new home. If not, then it is better to find a location from another institute prior to moving and opening an account prior to moving.

New State Taxes

Hopefully, you have researched the tax differences between your new state and your old prior to your move to the new state. Some states have similar tax setups. But, where there is a difference, it can be surprising. Depending on where you move, the daily repercussion of the taxes can be surprising. 

Sales Tax

Sales taxes impact daily purchases. In some states, there is no sales tax, while in others, it can be upwards of 10% with overlapping taxing authorities. In addition to state sales taxes, local governments may also have taxing authority. 

State Income Tax

Like sales taxes, some states have income taxes. This has obvious implications for your take-home income. It may be higher or lower. 

Property Taxes

If you are purchasing rather than renting when you move to your new state, you will need to consider the impact of property taxes. A great way to manage property tax payments is to have an escrow set up as part of your mortgage payment. The lending company will be responsible for making the payments, ensuring the amount is incorporated into your monthly budget.

Schools in Your New State

Moving with children adds extra twists to any move. When moving to a new state, you may be facing different sets of requirements. 

State-level class requirements

Each state must follow certain guidelines from the federal government but also add its own requirements; more or less physical education, English math, the arts, etc. While your child may have fulfilled requirements in your old district, it may be different in the new district. 

Testing & Capability Requirements

In addition to different education requirements, each state may have different standards for each level. It is possible that your child will be ahead or behind the new classmates. Prior to making a move, it’s a good idea to speak with school administrators to ensure you understand what will be expected of your child’s education and a given age. 

When moving, there are many tasks to accomplish. When the move is across state lines, there are either more tasks, or the tasks can be more complicated. It is best to get the process started early to ensure they are done properly. 

One way to get better acquainted with the differences between states is to speak with the people who live in the new state. Your future neighbors (or current ones if you’ve already moved) can give you a good idea of the schools, taxes, and such. Good conversations can also shed light on aspects of living in the state that may not have been obvious before your move. Learning from those who have lived there is a great way to get a real perspective.