ARTICLE: Starting Over In A New State
Date Added: 2007-05-25
A move across the city is an unsettling affair. Transplanting yourself to another state, however, makes it look like a piece of cake!
In truth, starting over in a new state does not need to be any more difficult than moving across town. That being said, there are several additional steps you need to take to ensure you will have a smooth transition.
When you move, one of the main issues you will have to deal with is your automobile and driver's license. In most cases, you will be required to register your vehicle in the new state within 30 days. You might also be required to get a new driver's license. Some states will simply issue you a new driver's license, but other states require you to take a written and/or driving test. If you have any recreational vehicles, motorcycles, or boats, you will also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state and determine their particular registration requirements.
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If you have children, it is important that you take some time to speak to the school system regarding your children’s educational needs. Younger children typically will have no problem when switching to a new school. If you have high school students, you will need to meet with a guidance counselor who can determine if your student’s credits will transfer. In some instances, a child might need to take summer school or forego a study hall in order to take a class that wasn’t required in your previous state. If you home school your children, you need to make sure you understand the requirements for homeschoolers in your new state.
Such a long distance move brings with it additional expenses as well because it is more difficult to transfer utilities. In most cases, you will be utilizing an entirely new company. When planning your budget, set aside money to pay start-up deposits on your electricity, water, cable, gas, and any other utilities you might have. You also need to budget your transportation costs. If you are moving to a neighboring state, these should be minimal, but for a cross-country move, they can be significant. If you are moving across the country, make sure you plan for extra meals, lodging and incidentals while you are on the road.
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