What to Know: When Moving to a New State

chris.ha • February 18, 2020

When moving to a new state, there can be a lot to deal with. The newest statistics show that over 900 people are moving to Orlando, PER DAY! That number is absolutely insane and leaves a lot of room for people to make moving mistakes. With hundreds of clients apart of our BHG Family, we’ve helped quite a few people buy and/or sell a home and move to their next destination. While they all may not have been moving to a new state, some of the same rules apply!

Moving to a new state can be extremely stressful. Not only do you have all the paperwork and changes to make on the legal side, but you also have to find the time to pack everything, put it in a truck or container, then move it hundreds, if not thousands of miles to your next home. This process is draining, but that’s why we’re here to help make the process seamless!

What TO DO:

Research your moving options

1. Do your Research

As always, we recommend you do your due diligence to find and decide your best option for moving. This includes travel time and routes, mover expenses, rental trucks, etc. The number one thing you can do for yourself is to start planning NOW. Find the best truck rentals or movers in your area, map out your drive, decide when you’re going to make the drive and where you will stop if needed, and what you’re going to do when you get to your destination.

Quick tip: Find a rental moving truck with cruise control, this tends to make your trip much easier!

2. Purge

The next thing to do before you touch any boxes or sign any papers, is going to be a purge. No matter how you do this, you’ve gotta do it! Whether you host a garage sale, donate items, or fill a dumpster full of your things, you’ve got to go through your belongings and decide what is no longer going to be necessary to keep. We have a blog about prepping your home for a sale from a couple weeks ago that you can refer to here, for more tips on purging.

Cook all of the food you cannot take with you so it doesn’t go to waste.

3. Using Perishables

This step falls in line with the second step, only it involves food and drinks! You may not want to do this until a few days before moving, but you will definitely want to rid yourself of any perishable items such as food and drinks. A cool way to do this and make it less of a chore is to host a going away party. Instead of just throwing out all of your food, why not cook up a bunch of stuff and make a party out of it?! You can also donate to places like the Salvation Army or Red Cross if you’re feeling humble.

4. Old to New

This is one of the most dreaded parts of moving across states. The long, and brutal process of renewing your license, changing your address on things like bank cards, insurance policies, etc. This is something you’ll want to start before your move so that by the time you are at your new home, everything should be in order or at least close behind you. For example, forward your mail to the new address before leaving your current home.

The next step to this process occurs once you actually arrive in the new city. You’ll want to register the kids for new schools, register yourself to vote, and register your car. On top of that, you will want to transfer your utilities such as electrical, water, internet, cable, etc. to the new place and cancel them at your old home. Once you’re settled in, make sure you have a process for transferring physician documents and finding your new dentists and doctors in the area. We recommend asking family or friends for references, as well as using Google Reviews to find the best services in town.

If you’ve got any questions in regards to changing your address, renewing your license, changes license plates, etc. Contact your Brown Home Group agent and they can help point you in the right direction.

Packing your essentials for easy access

5. ESSENTIALS

This one is something people forget FAR too often. You need to make sure you have your essentials when you arrive at your new home. If you are like many of people who hire movers to load their truck, drive your things across state lines, and unload them into your new home, you need to prepare for this ahead of time. What we have found to be most efficient, is to load a bin full of things you will need on the day you arrive and load this bin into the back of your car. These things can include cleaning supplies, blankets, phone chargers and electronics, nonperishable foods, water, or anything else you will feel the need to have with you. It’s important to realize you won’t have all of your belongings immediately, and one of the worst feelings is to be without something you need and have no way of getting it!

6. Educate yourself

When moving to a new area, you’re going to be like a lost puppy at first. You will need a map or GPS for every where you go, you’ll constantly be asking questions to strangers, and maybe even spending a lot of time alone if you don’t have friends or family in the new state. A perfect way to start, especially if you’re an adventurous individual, is to fill your gas tank and drive all around the city and explore everything! This can help you find all of your favorite restaurants and amenities, any shortcuts you may need, and hiking trails or state parks that are in the area. This, in my opinion, is the fastest way to get to know the new area.

As humans we tend to hate being lonely, and moving to a new state is almost like locking yourself in a room. You may be moving to a new state and have absolutely no connections or relationships in that area, and won’t know what to do or with who during your free time. We recommend starting to network with people through schools, parks, churches, book clubs, local events, and more. Another way to meet people is through your hobbies, if you like reading you can join a book club, or if you’re into sports or working out, there are always gyms and clubs to join.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you’re moving to a new state and it is going to be a long and rough process. It’s never easy relocating far from the place you called home for so long. But if you use these tactics, you can make it a lot easier for yourself and your family! With so much to handle, breaking it down into steps is the best way to capture it all and make sure the things get done.

If you have any questions or concerns in regards to moving, please feel free to reach out to the Brown Home Group. Whether you need a number for the best movers in town or if you need to buy or sell your home, we got the key to your real estate dreams!!

321-348-8720

BrownHomeGroup.com

Written By:

Blaine Wyker

Brown Home Group @ Keller Williams Advantage II Realty

Sources:

http://www.bluefieldave.com/7-tips-for-moving-to-a-new-state/

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A No-Nonsense Guide to a Hassle-Free Job Relocation

February 17, 2025

Moving for a job is a big deal. It can mean exciting new opportunities, but let’s be real—it’s also a lot to handle. From packing up your life to figuring out your new city, there’s a lot to juggle. Whether you're chasing a promotion, switching industries, or just looking for a fresh start, making the transition smooth (and affordable) takes some planning. But don’t stress—there are plenty of ways to make moving for work easier, faster, and way less of a headache. Level Up Your Career With Online Education If you're in a field like nursing, getting an advanced degree can open a lot of doors. An online master’s in nursing, for example, can help you move into leadership roles like administration or education, which often come with better hours and higher pay. The best part? Online MSN degree programs make it easier to juggle work and school since you can study on your own schedule. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping the commute. Investing in your education isn’t just about earning more—it puts you in a position to make a bigger impact in your field. Make House Hunting Easier With Local Real Estate Pros Finding a place to live in a new city can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to balance your budget, commute, and lifestyle all at once. Want to make things easier on yourself? Get yourself a real estate agent who actually knows the area. They’ll point you toward the right neighborhoods, keep you from making expensive mistakes, and take a ton of stress off your plate. Sure, you could spend hours lost in online listings and market trends, but why make it harder than it needs to be? Let someone who does this every day (like Brown Home Group ) handle the tricky stuff so you can focus on the move itself. Keep Your Important Stuff Safe While Moving Packing up and moving is already chaotic enough—you don’t want to add losing important documents or valuables to the mix. Keep things like passports, birth certificates, and financial documents in a separate bag that stays with you at all times. If you want extra protection, a fireproof or theft-proof bag can help keep everything secure. Having all your essentials in one place means you won’t be scrambling to find them when you need them. Understand How Taxes Affect Employer-Paid Moving Expenses If your employer is covering your moving costs, don’t assume it’s all free money. Right now, employer-paid moving expenses are considered taxable income, which means you’ll owe taxes on them. But keep an eye on tax law changes—by 2026, moving expenses might become tax-deductible again. Either way, save your receipts and keep track of everything. It’s better to be prepared than surprised when tax season rolls around. If you're unsure about what applies to you, checking IRS resources or talking to a tax professional can help clear things up. Find a Job Faster by Understanding the Local Market Even if you’re moving for a specific job, understanding the job market in your new city can help you plan for the future. Some industries, like healthcare and tech, are growing in certain areas, while others may be more competitive. Checking out local job boards or resources can give you a sense of what to expect . Knowing which industries are booming and what skills are in demand can also help you negotiate better pay or prepare for future career moves. Meet New People by Getting Involved in Hobbies Moving to a new city can feel lonely at first, but getting involved in local activities is one of the best ways to meet people. Whether it’s joining a hiking group, attending a book club, or signing up for a class, shared hobbies can lead to great personal and professional connections . If you’re in a field like tech or design, events like hackathons or art meetups can even open up new job opportunities. Making connections through hobbies isn’t just fun—it can also help you feel more at home in your new city. Stay Organized With a Moving Timeline A solid game plan can make your move way less chaotic. Creating a timeline for everything —from giving notice at your current job to setting up utilities in your new place—keeps you on track. Breaking things down into small, manageable tasks makes everything feel less overwhelming. Sharing your plan with your employer, family, or anyone else involved helps avoid last-minute surprises. And don’t forget to book movers or rental trucks early to get the best rates! Moving for work can be a lot, but it doesn’t have to be a total headache. With a little planning, some local know-how, and a flexible mindset, you can make the whole thing way easier. Stay organized, ask for help when you need it, and take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll be unpacked, finding your new favorite coffee spot, and settling into your next adventure! Discover the key to your real estate dreams with Brown Home Group —your trusted partner in buying, selling, or investing in Central Florida’s vibrant market!

The Orlando Law Scoop - Take Charge of 2025: A Practical Checklist for Your Peace of Mind

By Rick Brown • January 15, 2025

Start the New Year with Confidence: Your Essential Legal and Financial Checklist for the New Year As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reassess our goals and ensure our affairs are in order. Whether you’re looking to protect your family’s future, streamline your business, or simply get a fresh start, our New Year Reset Checklist is here to guide you. From updating your estate plan to revisiting your insurance coverage, these straightforward tips will help you begin the year with clarity and confidence. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet! N ew Year Reset Checklist Review or Update Your Estate Plan Confirm wills, trusts, and healthcare directives are up to date. Make sure beneficiaries and key contacts still reflect your current wishes. Verify Insurance Coverage Check life, home, auto, or business policies for accuracy and adequate coverage. Add new, high-value items (like holiday gifts) to your policy. Organize Important Documents Safely store originals (wills, titles, deeds) in a secure location. Keep digital backups in an encrypted folder or password manager. Assess Your Finances Review your budget and set savings goals for the year. Check beneficiary designations on bank, retirement, and investment accounts. Consider Charitable or Non-Profit Involvement Think about attending our Non-Profit Bootcamp if you’re interested in establishing or growing a charitable organization. Explore tax benefits and community impact of giving back. Plan for Business Updates (if applicable) Ensure business licenses, permits, and corporate documents are current. Schedule time to review or revise your operating agreements. Schedule Professional Consultations Estate Planning Attorney: Secure or update your plan. Financial Advisor: Review investment strategies, retirement, and tax planning. CPA or Tax Professional: Get organized ahead of tax deadlines. Starting the year off with a clear plan sets you on the right path—less stress, fewer surprises, and more peace of mind. If you need guidance, we’re here to help. Call 407-565-HELP to schedule a consultation or learn more about our services. Make 2025 the Year You Secure Your Legacy Planning for the future doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In our latest YouTube video series, Attorney Erika De Jesus breaks down the basics of estate planning—from wills to trusts. If you’ve been putting off this vital task, now’s the perfect time to learn how to safeguard your loved ones and secure your legacy.