Cross-country moving can become very stressful. All the things to consider when moving to a new state play a significant role in it, especially if it’s for work. Wanting to change careers can be reason enough, but the question of where to go might hold us back. That’s why it matters to look at a few crucial factors that can narrow the options and help you reach a better decision..
Is it Worth Moving to Another State?
Many reasons can make relocation worth it, from relocating for love to finally relocating for the first time and becoming independent; however, the most common one happens to be relocating for work. A survey of 1,000 test subjects who moved in the last couple of years showed that half of the group did it for career development; they listed a better job market and skill-building opportunities as the leading causes.
We admit that relocation sometimes poses a risk, but risks are worth taking if your motivation is strong enough. That’s why this question cannot be so easily answered. If you have a great job waiting for you, you’ve found a market that’ll work out, and you’re ready to move, that should be enough incentive for you.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Moving to a New City?
Interstate relocation and relocating to another city require some pre-planning. Firstly, having work or not, think about the budget and how to save money on relocation costs, so your wallet doesn’t stay empty. Necessities that fall under the relocation budget are real estate costs like rent or mortgages, services like getting utilities, movers, transportation, and packing supplies.
In addition to expenses, you should look at each place you’d like to live in realistically. If it’s a fantasy to live and work in a big city, do you think the salary will match the cost of living? Or, if you want to relocate somewhere much cheaper, will it be safe or fun enough? Notoriously cheap places are also the ones with nothing much to do, or they aren’t that safe, while capitals have too many choices that end up costing you an arm and a leg. Create a checklist for interstate relocating and follow it to a T.

#1 Important Things to Consider When Moving to A New State are Housing and the Cost of Living
If you’re trying to pick a place that’ll combine the industry you wish to work in with affordable housing and low costs, some expectation adjusting might have to do here and there. We agree it’s not enough just to live somewhere great for work but awful for the quality of life. Adjusting doesn’t mean sacrificing the only reasons you have for relocating – it means tweaking your preferences so they fit at least the majority of your demands.
For example, if you wish to rent an apartment, will you have enough funds to live alone, or will you need to find a roommate? You can visit roommate websites and see if anyone’s looking for a lodger at your destination. Sharing a space with someone doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, it can be great if you move alone without having connections or acquaintances.
The size of the home, the number of rooms, the location, the amenities are all factors that could be changed depending on your budget and circumstances. Being realistic can be awful, but when it comes to planning a move, it’s the most valuable asset you could have.

#2 The Main Things to Do Before Moving Out of State – Research the Job Market
The best option for relocating at the last minute is to move out with a job already secured, waiting at the destination. However, if that sounds like a fairytale and you’re seeking a place to jumpstart a second career, the move will require some planning and advance thinking. What’s the industry you wish to work in? Where’s the market you want to develop your future career the most?
Whether you work for a niche market, a highly-coveted industry, or want to be an independent business owner, there are factors you’ll have to research when trying to move out. It’d be great if a cheap area benefited your career, but if it doesn’t, you’ll have to endure some sacrifices. Your best choice is to research the top industries across states, start applying for those that match your skill set, and stay confident in everything you have to offer.
We bear some good news, too – if you get hired out of your home state, the company will likely take responsibility for the relocation costs. Any good business that values its employees likes to participate in getting them settled and satisfied for work. This shows there are benefits to securing employment before leaving for the adventure of a lifetime.
The Best Options for Moving Out of State With a Child
Relocating with children isn’t necessarily difficult, but it poses challenges you’ll have to think through during the researching phase of the move. Failing to relocate to a home that suits everyone in the family isn’t the biggest relocation mistake, but it’s commonly overlooked when you focus on living somewhere where your career could shine.
Choosing a city that fits your job description is great, but when you start picking out neighborhoods, be sure it fits the little ones in your family, too. The criteria for making your kids happy and feeling like a good parent can simply be – safe neighborhoods with low expenses. However, be sure the area also has playgrounds, parks, families with kids so your little ones can make friends easily, and good schools nearby.
Relocating to the suburbs may be the optimal way to go to have a peaceful family home. Additionally, relocating with pets will be made much easier if you go to a suburban area with lots of pet parks. Nearly half of Americans claim their neighborhoods are suburban, so while a white picket fence and a gated community may be what you think of when the suburbs are mentioned, it may not always be the case. We say this because some people get bored just from hearing the word ‘suburbs,’ but it can be a fantastic way to live, nevertheless.

#3 Moving from One State to Another If Your Employer Asks You To
If your boss requires you to move for work, think of the bright side – the checklist of relocation expenses will be significantly lower than if you were relocating independently – because they’ll pay for the relocation cost. Another perk of being moved for employment is that you’ll get health insurance paid by the company. Those are two already significant factors that make the company move beneficial.
However, even if they pay for all that stuff, there are other dilemmas to think about when your company wants you to move. For example, why not follow these tips for relocating:
- Squeeze in a question about a raise when they ask you to move, but gently, of course. They’re asking you to uproot your existing life and make a big change – what’s in it for you, in that case?
- Ask them what other expenses will be paid for relocating to a different home. They’ll likely offer to cover the cost of relocating, but will there be any help with rent if the city you move to has higher rent than your current place?
- If they’re switching you to a different position in the workplace, be sure to ask about possible training and an adjustment period,
- If they ask you to move within a short time period, during which you’ll have to sell your house, pack, move and settle in, ask them how they could be more flexible with the start date and time of working.
These are important parts of being asked to move for work, but if you feel that any point is out of the question or you’re not entitled to ask about it, that’s OK. You can make a list of questions you’d wish to know the answers to that may have nothing to do with this one. We simply want these tips to encourage you to be confident in your abilities and rights.

#4 How to Move to a New State And Find Work After College
Just as you thought the most challenging part of life was over, you finish college and find yourself hunting for employment. Relocating after college can be a very daunting period. The knowledge you’ve acquired now has to be used in the real world, preferably for money and a great career. If you end up moving out of state alone, the tips for relocating are similar as before – just ensure that your skill set fits the city you want to move to.
Something to think about during the transition from college to work life is how you attract work opportunities. Will you accept internships and part-time jobs before scoring full-time employment? Some careers require you to go through those extra steps before being able to do what you love. In short, get ready for a journey and occasional frustration because it will happen more often than not. What you can do at the very least is make friends in another city, do your best to meet the neighbors, and network as much as possible. You never know who will help you and be vital for your career.
The video below is an overview of the best cities to move to after graduation and considers the cost of living, entertainment, and employment opportunities. If you still haven’t decided where to go, watch the video – it may clarify a lot for you.
The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Out of State With a Job or Without It
When looking at the things to do when you move to a new state, the best way to approach them is to create a list of tasks. Making the list itself may feel like a task, too, but it’s going to help you a lot once relocation day approaches and gives you the almost inevitable relocation stress.
The list of tasks for interstate relocation looks something like this:
- Get packing materials – this is essential for the move; get a hold of containers, packing paper, bubble and plastic wrap, duct tape, and some scissors for the ultimate move,
- Pack only the necessary stuff and sell unwanted items,
- Hire cross-country movers,
- Say goodbye to friends and family,
- Cancel old and set up new utilities,
- Arrange the start date of your first day at work,
The essentials are all there, but when you move to another place, check out what to change when you move states. Those could be address, voting registration, health insurance, and utility providers. All states have independent laws and rules, so it’s vital to check what else is essential and what can wait until you settle down and get used to everything.

Hire a Cross-Country Movers Group for the Ultimate Transition
Moving across the country without professional help is possible but slightly more complicated. We already mentioned that your company would pay for cross-country relocation services if they’re the ones asking you to move. However, we also emphasized the importance of creating a checklist if you plan to move independently.
A cross-country moving company bases its costs and packing services on the list of items you provide. Interstate car transportation is possible with a relocation company’s car shipping services if you need to drive to work or just need to feel as if some old parts of your life are unchanged. It’s surprising how one thing from our past can have us feel safer and better when we change homes.
Our relocation tips when dealing with movers are to ask for help whenever you need it, be sure your movers offer relocation insurance and coverage, and take advantage of the storage service while it’s free.

Moving Cross-Country for Work Means You’re Seeking Improvements
Traveling and relocating for work are most people’s reasons to move. While they may not guarantee a stress-free relocation, they sure can convince you that you will continue living without worrying about taking care of yourself and the ones closest to you. No matter how long it takes to adapt to the next destination, it matters that you go through it confidently and with faith in yourself.