What to do when moving from one U.S. state to another!

Our founder, Alyssa Simone is moving from Connecticut to start a new adventure after successfully completing college.

Moving from one state to another can be an exciting but stressful experience. It's essential to be well prepared before embarking on such a significant change. In this blog, we will list all the things you need to do when moving from one state to another, as well as recommend books for both children and adults to help with the transition.

1. Research Your New State. Before moving to a new state, it's crucial to research your new location. Learn about the culture, the cost of living, and the climate, among other things. This information will help you decide whether your new location is the right fit for you and your family.

2. Find a Place to Live. Once you have decided on your new state, the next step is to find a place to live. Research the different neighborhoods in the area to find one that fits your needs and budget. You can use online resources like Zillow and Realtor.com to find homes that match your criteria.

3. Hire a Moving Company. Once you have found a place to live, it's time to hire a moving company. Look for a reputable moving company that can help you with the packing, loading, and unloading of your belongings. Make sure to get quotes from different companies to find the best price. 

4. Change Your Address. Most of us probably have digital or paperless billing, but for those still receiving paper statements or bills, be sure to do a mail forwarding until you have had the chance to change over all our accounts.  Change your address with the post office. You can do this online or in person at your local post office. You'll also need to change your address with other important institutions, like your bank, credit card companies, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

5. Cancel Utilities, Subscriptions, and Services. Before you move, make sure to cancel your utilities and services in your current location. This includes your electricity, gas, water, cable, and internet. You don't want to be paying for services you're not using.

6. Register for School. If you plan to go to school or have children, you'll need to register for school in your new location. Research the schools in the area and find one that suits your child's needs. You'll need to provide proof of residency and your child's school records.

7. Pack Your Belongings. Packing can be a daunting task, but it's essential to start early. Create a packing list and label each box with its contents. Pack by category for easy unpacking and storing:

• kitchen: pots, coffee mugs, coffee maker, utensils, cutlery, paper plates, plastic cups, serving bowls, fruit basket, garbage bin, recycle bin, seasonings, sauces, condiments, snacks, beverages, water, tea, coffee, canned goods
• bedroom: bed, mattress, dresser, chest, mirror, clothes, shoes, cosmetics, personal hygiene items, makeup, perfume, bedding (sheets, comforter, pillows), curtains or window treatment
• living room: television, radio, game station, lamps, coffee table, side tables, throw pillows, art, instrument, photo albums, decorative art, window treatment, sound system, rug
• bathroom: shower curtains, shower hooks, mats, rags, towels, toothbrush, toothpaste, combs, brushes, toilet paper, soap, dispensers, soap, hair products, shampoo, conditioner, toilet brush, plunger, bin
• dining room: table, chairs, rugs, window treatment, bar cart, artwork, a centerpiece, table linens, or plants to add visual interest and reflect your style.
• office: laptops, chargers, mini safe, printer, paper, ink, photos, bin
• pets: pet food, food and water bowls, pet carrier, leash, treat, bedding, toys
• cleaning supplies: all purpose cleaner, paper towels, garbage bags, broom, mop, duster, bucket
• emergency supplies: flashlight, first aid kit, extension cords, tool kit
• essentials: drivers license, bank cards, credit cards, check books, passport, birth certificate, immunization records, social security card, weapons permit, job offer letter, last leasing contract, last 6 months of bank statements, list of all places lived with dates, last 6 paystubs, college degrees, unopened college transcript.  
• non-essentials: games, books, video games, dvds, cds, records

8. Drive Safely. When driving to your new state, make sure to drive safely. Follow the rules of the road and take breaks to avoid fatigue. Plan your route ahead of time and have a map or GPS system available.

9. Change your drivers license to your new state and register your car to get new plates. In addition, you will need all new services. Find out the closest and best providers in your area

• bank or credit union
• doctor(s)
• dentist
• supermarkets
• library
• parks

10. Get booked! Find your local library and get a library card. Most of our blog readers are book lovers. Here are some recommended reading for the issue of moving...

Books for Adults:

• "The Art of Happy Moving: How to Declutter, Pack, and Start Over While Maintaining Your Sanity and Finding Happiness" by Ali Wenzke
• "Moving Forward: A Guide to Living with Courage and Gratitude in the Midst of Life's Changes" by Suzan Colón
• "Moving: A Memoir of Anxiety" by Jenny Eclair

Books for Children:

• A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn
• A New House by Jill Wenzel and Jan Westberg
• Alexander, Who’s Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move by Judith Viorst, Ray Cruz, and Robin Preiss Glasser
• "Big Ernie's New Home: A Story for Children Who Are Moving" by Teresa Martin
• "The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day" by Stan Berenstain and Jan Berenstain
• Henry And Mudge And Annie’s Good Move by Cynthia Rylant
• Home, Where is Home by Rosamond White
• I Like Where I Am by Jessica Harper
• "I'm Not Moving, Mama!" by Nancy White Carlstrom
• Little Critter: We Are Moving by Mercer Mayer
• Moving Day! by Jess Stockham
• Moving House by Anne Civardi and Stephen Cartwright
• My Very Exciting, Sorta Scary, Big Move: A Workbook for Children Moving to a New Home by Lori Attanasio Woodring
• Olivia Lauren's A Guide to Modes of Transportation by Melissa-Sue John and Olivia Lauren
• The Good-Pie Party by Liz Garton Scanlon and Kady MacDonald Denton
• Tigger’s Moving Day by Kathleen W. Zoehfeld and Robbin Cuddy

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