How to Go About Moving Your Business Cross-Country in 2023

America is a big country, which means if you plan on moving from one coast to another, the process can be fraught with more than a little anxiety for the entire family. If you own a big home filled with the valuables you’ve collected for many years, you can’t rely on moving yourself. Enter professional and reputable cross-country movers.

Says Just-In Time Moving & Storage, local and cross-country movers, if you plan on moving a great distance, you’re not alone. An estimated 3 million Americans make cross-country moves annually, while 82 percent are said to remain within the borders of their home state.

New homes, new jobs, low crime and taxes, or just a fresh new start in a new location are just a few of the reasons why entire families decide it’s time to pull up the stakes and make a move, no matter how far or how seemingly difficult.  

But what are some crucial steps you must take when learning to move cross-country? According to a recent report by Consumer Affairs, the key to making a successful move is to educate yourself. Here are some of the important steps you should take immediately.

Educate Yourself About Where You’re Moving To

Or perhaps a better title would be, Don’t Just Wing It. Whether the reason for your long-distance move is a change of scenery, to be closer to family, or even a new job opportunity, you need to be physically, emotionally, financially, and socially prepared for the move to a new state.

Find out what the cost of living is. Find out about the crime rate. What are the taxes? Do you need a car to go to the grocery store? Can the kids walk to school? These items might seem somewhat trivial, but they will mean the difference between a happy move and one that’s not so good.   

The Cost of Living

How much will it cost you out-of-pocket to live in your new state? Taxes, auto maintenance, food, shelter, and other everyday expenses will largely depend on your location. You need to research the cost of living in your new town or city and select affordable housing. You don’t want to be married to your house, meaning once you pay the monthly mortgage, there’s no money left over for anything else.  

Suppose a new job opportunity is a reason for your move. In that case, it won’t be worth accepting the offer if your salary can’t cover basic living expenses plus inflation or annual increases in the cost of living.

What Are Your Local Taxes?

Before moving to a new state, check into the different tax requirements, both statewide and locally. You need to familiarize yourself with local property taxes if you’re purchasing a new home.

Find out the income tax rate that’s attached to the new state. For instance, in terms of income tax, New York and California are two of the most expensive states to live in. Other states don’t have any income tax or a very low-income tax, such as Florida, Texas, and New Hampshire, among others.   

It’s vital that you can afford new tax costs that might unknowingly arise after you arrive. It’s an era of high inflation and taxes to fund social and ESG programs. Make sure you can afford the cost so that you don’t place yourself in financial jeopardy or even get in trouble with state law and the IRS.

What’s Daily Life Going to be Like?

While many places in the U.S. operate essentially the same way as any other state, there are always subtle differences that could mean the difference between an easy daily life or an annoying daily life. That said, you should look into your new town or city’s access to public transportation.

If you have pets like cats and dogs, search for reputable vets. Also, you’ll need a good general practitioner, perhaps a specialist, if you possess a persistent ailment like heart disease. You’ll also need a very good dentist.

If you have a child or children, look into the public schooling system. Is it safe and highly rated? Or should you seek out private schooling opportunities? If you’re a social person, seek clubs or local groups that indulge your interests, like reading, Jeeping, fishing, or skiing (if you’re moving close to the mountains).

If you plan on using your car or four-wheel vehicle daily, you need to know the condition of the roads in all seasons. Will it be easy to get around in the winter, or do local ordinances require that some roads be closed for the winter season? When winter comes, can your vehicle handle the snow without your ending up in a ditch along the side of the road?  

These might seem like many questions that require answering, but the point is that the more you know about the place you’re moving to, the better your experience will be. In the end, how do you go about moving cross-country? Not by packing up your things but by educating yourself.