Planning on moving out of Virginia can feel overwhelming. Many of us have called Virginia home since childhood. We’ve started families here in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Suffolk and have created memories in countless other cities throughout Hampton Roads.
When moving, no matter how far away, there are so many little things to consider, like how to help the kids adjust to a new state, what to do with the dogs, and where to find your new dream job.
Whatever reason brings you to making this big move and relocating out of Virginia, we want you to do so with integrity and with the information you need to win.
STEP 1: CREATE A MOVING BUDGET
Moving out of Virginia will be a substantial financial commitment for sure, so you’ll want to have a plan. Create a moving budget and make sure that you are clear on how much you are able and want to spend on things like professional movers, temporary storage, and other moving supplies. Search online and find deals to save money where you can; every dollar counts. Cost calculators are also available online.
STEP 2: FIND A GOOD MOVING COMPANY
While some may opt for a do-it-yourself approach, Virginians mostly prefer a full-service experience. There are more than enough things to prioritize over you doing all of the packing yourself. In the ideal situation, you’d find the best moving company in Virginia and stay within a budget that fits your needs. Alternatively, there are definitely some helpful articles for those of us going the DIY route. You’ll have to just do what you feel most comfortable with when relocating out of Virginia.
STEP 3: SCOUT IT OUT
If it fits into your moving budget, scope out your future state. Making a trip to physically see your new destination will help you get familiar with the different neighborhoods and entertainment available. Have some fun taking selfies and posting them on your city or town’s social media accounts. Find a blogger or vlogger who lives in your new city and see what they have to say about it. Check out local real estate listings and have an idea of the place where you’re going to end up.
STEP 4: FIND YOUR NEXT JOB
According to the most recent economic jobs report, America is exceeding expectations. That being said, don’t get distracted by all the options; have a plan and timeline so you’re not overwhelmed in the job hunt. If you’re moving to start a new job, congratulations! Or maybe you’re lucky enough to stay with your current employer and have help covering the cost of switching offices.
STEP 5: THE FUN STUFF
You don’t really consider how many billing addresses, memberships, accounts, and other important things need to be updated, cancelled, or transferred when you decide to leave Virginia. Some things need to be done before you relocate, while others can be finished once you’re settled into your new state. This isn’t the most exciting thing to spend your next few weekends doing. If you want to have lights and running water in your new place, however, you’ll want to prioritize transferring these utilities and others like Wi-Fi and Cable. This is by no means an exhaustive list; everyone has different needs.
STEP 6: FIND YOUR NEW PLACE
Thankfully, innovation in real estate has made homebuying a no-brainer. With the benefit of virtual walkthroughs and high-quality photography, savvy agents can find you a new place to stay without you having to see residences in person. Understandably, if you’re not ready to buy completely online, you can always take advantage of short-term options like Airbnb, VRBO, or hotels until you see something in person.
STEP 7: SELL YOUR HOUSE FAST FOR CASH
Now that you have a new place picked out, it’s a good idea to start the process of selling your home. First, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to list your home with an agent or if you want to save some money and sell your home yourself. This article explains 10 simple steps to sell your house yourself. The bottom line is that selling a house can be stressful and time-consuming. We offer a chance to get that process over with quickly and easily with a fair cash offer on your house.
STEP 8: GET OUT AND NETWORK
It’s time to start figuring out who you’re going to go to for professional services in your new city. Find the nearest reputable hospital, doctor, dentist, mechanic, veterinarian and or chiropractor depending on your health circumstances. Read reviews and ask people you know in your area or even your insurance provider for recommendations for providers in your area. The less that’s left up in the air, the better. You will want to nail these issues down early.
STEP 9: REGISTER TO VOTE
This step is easy and you can usually knock it out in just a few minutes. There are multiple ways to register to vote, including online. If you don’t get this done by the time the next election comes up, you’ll be ineligible to vote in your new state and in Virginia as a non-resident.
STEP 10: MAKE YOUR NEW HOUSE A HOME
At the end of the day, when the dust settles, you can start to create your new lifestyle. Get involved! Say hello to strangers, introduce yourself to new people, and make friends. Connecting with local organizations and groups of like-minded people can make a strange place feel a lot less awkward and lonesome. Look for activities and “things to do near me” via Google and seize every opportunity to make new acquaintances and find your new tribe.
CONCLUSION:
Luckily, whether you’re moving from Virginia to California, Texas, the Carolinas or some other great state, the process is pretty much identical. Don’t get confused or overwhelmed by the amount of information and responsibility moving to a different state can create. Make a plan to organize all of the moving parts and take it one step at a time.
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