Are you ready for a change? Packing up and moving to a new state is a great way to shake up your surroundings and give yourself a fresh start. Preparing for your move well in advance will ensure everything goes smoothly. Below, we discuss some tips for a stress-free interstate move.

Finding the Perfect Home

First, you need to find a new place to live. Start by researching home prices in your target area to determine the area’s affordability. Next, as you look at different cities in the state you want to move to, find a place that offers the type of lifestyle you’re looking for. Cities have different things to offer in terms of climate, culture, job opportunities, education, housing costs, airport accessibility, and entertainment. What matters most is completely dependent on your own values and interests.

Once you decide on a city, get in touch with Sacramento real estate broker/CEO Carmen Micsa, who can help you find homes for sale. Or, if you’re looking to rent, start searching for potential apartments on rental listing websites. You can also consider renting to own. Rent-to-own programs are great for people who are self-employed or working to improve their credit score and cannot yet secure a mortgage.

Starting a Business in a New State

Have you always wanted to be an entrepreneur? Moving to a new state could be a great opportunity to get out of the rat race and finally start your own business. If you want to start a business in your new state, Wave Financial suggests starting by creating a thorough business plan describing what your business offers to customers, how you intend to turn a profit, and what kind of funding you’ll need to get started. Your business plan should also include important details about how your business will be structured and the legal steps you need to take to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws. To learn more, check out this helpful ZenBusiness guide on how to start a company.

Planning for New Living Costs

Depending on where you’re relocating to, your cost of living might increase after your move. Take some time to research the cost of basic necessities in your new state and city. You’ll need to consider housing, food, healthcare, and transportation costs. Be sure to account for the cost of gas, car insurance, and public transit as well.

If your cost of living is going to increase with your move, now is a good time to evaluate your budget. Look for spending areas where you can cut back. For example, you may be able to spend less on groceries by shopping for in-season produce, reducing food waste, and stocking up on pantry staples when there’s a sale. You may even decide to sell your car if your new location is in a walkable neighborhood. This is a great way to cut your living costs significantly.

Planning the Big Move

Long-distance moves can be stressful. Be sure to book your movers far in advance for the best rates and to ensure services are available for your ideal move date. Pods.com suggests breaking down large items so they take up less space. You may be able to get away with a smaller moving truck this way, which can mean some significant cost savings on a long-distance move.

Adjusting to Your New Home

When you arrive in your new home, unpack your boxes as soon as possible so you can start getting settled in. While you’re at it, start working your way through your post-move checklist. For example, you’ll have to register your car, transfer your driver’s license, find a new doctor, and register to vote. When you need a break from all that, get outside and introduce yourself to your new neighbors or check out a local coffee shop. Adjusting to life in a new state can take time, so don’t rush yourself.

Whether you’re looking for a new job, educational opportunities, a lower cost of living, an opportunity to start a business, or simply a change of pace, moving to a new state can help you achieve your ideal lifestyle. Don’t let uncertainty or fear prevent you from taking this leap. While change isn’t always comfortable, it often leads to growth!

Article by guest writer Erin Reynolds with http://www.diymama.net.

For more inspiration on how to let “AIR,” which stands for adaptation, inspiration, and resilience guide you, please consider buying my print edition or e-book The PR- The Poetics of Running, A Book of Poetry in Motion and Morsels of Love, A Book of Poetry and Short Forms on Amazon, or buy it straight from my blog by clicking on my books link, which will take you to Amazon.

For more info on running and real estate, whether buying or selling, please e-mail me at carmenmicsa@yahoo.com, or call me at 916-342-2446.

Also mention this blog and receive a great offer whether buying (credit for closing costs) or selling (commission discount).

Running for real estate with joy!