There are lot of great reasons to move to a different state: a new job, proximity to friends and family, or simply to experience a fresh start and different way of life. But along with all the opportunities an out-of-state move brings, there are also a lot of expenses. Some are obvious, while others you might not think about until they pop up. Let’s look at the hidden costs of moving out of state.
State Taxes
If you’re moving from a state that doesn’t have state income tax to one that does, be prepared to pay a higher tax bill when next tax season rolls around. Conversely, if you’re moving into a state that doesn’t have taxes, you can use those additional funds to offset the cost of your move.
Vehicle Transport, Registration, and Insurance
If you have more vehicles than licensed drivers in your family, you’ll need to arrange transportation to get all your vehicles to your destination. Once you’re there, you’ll need to pay to register those vehicles. And you may end up paying more for car insurance, especially if you’re moving from a smaller town to a larger city. In that case, you may even end up paying for parking, too.
Deposits and Connections
Electricity. Water. Internet. Cable. You’ll have to set up all those things you take for granted every day, and that means deposits, connection fees and other expenses. Keep in mind the monthly charges you’ve been paying may also go up, so budget accordingly.
Professional Cleaning
Unless you’re moving into a brand-new home or apartment, you’ll want to have your new place professionally cleaned before you arrive. Although you could do it yourself, you’ll be tired from the move and the last thing you’ll want to do is spend hours cleaning before you can feel comfortable in your new space.
Odds and Ends
There are several additional expenses that might come up with an out-of-state move. If you’re not a DIY person, you may need to bring in a handyman to help you mount televisions, hang pictures, and touch up paint.
If your job requires a license, you’ll need to apply to be licensed in the state and pay licensing fees. Or if you’re going from a larger space to a smaller one, you may need to put belongings in storage until you figure out your new home configuration. And if you’re moving into a larger space than before, you’ll want to fill it out with additional furniture, accessories, and artwork.