Tips for Starting Over After Moving Out of State

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Written by Bob Shannon

Moving out of state and starting over can be a lot of work. So if you want a smooth start after moving, you might want to take some time to put things in order. A chance to start over is a wish come true for most, and it is much better when you can start over stress-free. Today, The Luettgen Group Real Estate team shares a guide to get you started and help you have everything ready before the move.

Check Cost of Living Differences

When moving to a new state, it’s important to check the cost-of-living difference and how much more or less you expect to spend. A cost-of-living calculator helps you note the differences in housing, schooling, groceries, transportation, etc. Checking and knowing the difference in the cost of living allows you to budget adequately.

It’s also important to assess local housing market conditions. It may not be a great time to buy in your destination market if it appears to be highly competitive. You may end up needing to spend more than you’d ideally want to to secure the home you want. A local real estate agent, like The Luettgen Group Real Estate, can help you with these decisions. 

Start a Business in Your New State

You may want to start a business in a new state. To begin, research what value you can add to the community with your skills and experience. Then, decide which business best suits your skillset.

Creating a business plan helps your new business succeed. In your plan, outline your company’s structure, funding needs, services you’ll offer, and profit projections. The business plan helps you execute every move successfully to ensure your budding business takes off. 

For your business’s structure, you may find during your research that a limited liability company (LLC) can suit your needs. This structure can protect you from personal liability while also providing you with tax advantages. Contact a formation company for help starting an LLC. They can make the process quick and easy while ensuring that everything gets properly filed.

Consider Investing in a Home Warranty

Although homeowner’s insurance only covers your home from theft and damage to your home structure, you can always upgrade your insurance to a home warranty. A home warranty covers your home’s belongings, including damage to electronic devices. To determine if you should invest in a home warranty, view your home’s inspection report to learn if there are any potential problems with your home systems and appliances.  

But before choosing a home warranty in the new state, research to find a company that fits your budget and needs. This is a good one to consider, so take a look at what is covered. As a tip, peruse their home warranty reviews to see what customers are saying. Remember, you can always find temporary housing to keep you going before buying a house.

Decorate Your Home

Once you settle in, here comes the fun part: decorating! Whatever your style may be, you can never go wrong with wallpaper. Consider wallpaper if you don’t want to break the bank by having your new home repainted. Wallpaper is affordable, elegant, and customizable to suit your preference. Whether you are adding new wallpaper or applying it for the first time, peel-and-stick wallpaper is ideal. With this method, you can change, redesign, and even remove wallpaper at any time.

If you’re not the best with interior design, look online to get tips and ideas. There are great ideas for fun styles that include everything from preppy to chill to grunge and everything in between!

Prepare Before Your Move

Moving to a new state can be stressful but it’s also a great opportunity to start fresh and change your life’s trajectory for the better. Just make sure you conduct your research beforehand and consider whether it’s worth starting a new business and investing in a home warranty. With some careful planning and perseverance, this might be just the adventure you need!

Getting Your Home Ready for Winter!

Fall is here. Are you and your home ready for winter? Every year about this time we get a call from homeowners who forgot to winterize their home. Whether you are on the market or not, these items are good to check over. Not only could you prevent costly problems but you could save money on your utility bills.

1. Clean your gutters. Make sure all the leaves and vines are taken out. Backed up gutters can freeze in low temperatures and cause ice damning.

2. If you use rain barrels, make sure those are empty and turned over so that don't fill up again. They can explode and crack if they're were full of water it freezes.

3. Turn off all exterior water lines. Make sure you open them up and drain out an remaining water. Talk to your local hardware store about freeze proof hose bibs.

4. Do you have removable storm windows? Make sure those are on before it gets cold. Cold hands aren't as cooperative when doing exterior work like this. Get it done before the cold comes.

5. Turn off your air conditioning, there is usually a power breaker next to it outside. Turn off shut off valve. Or if you don't have central air, remove your window air conditioners.

6.Tune up your furnace and install a new filter. Lower your thermostat. For every degree you lower your thermostat you can save 1-3% off your monthly bill. If your home is vacant set at a minimum of 60 if you are on the market and showing. For homes heated with radiant heat, please follow manufacturer guidelines on minimum temperature so yours pipes and radiators don't burst.

7. If your home is vacant make sure you turn off the water, water heater and drain. Winterize pipes by draining pipes including toilets. If your furnace goes off or it gets extremely cold, these items will burst and cost you thousands. Some weatherization companies also pour anti freeze in drains and in toilet. I can't recommend you do that but check with you local ordinances regarding acceptable weatherization techniques.

8. If you have ceiling fans. Switch the direction your fan blades move. Clockwise makes it warmer.

9. Lastly, any improvement you do to your home like insulation, new windows and doors or  caulking and weatherstripping will help. If home improvements are not in your budget this fall. There are many inexpensive fixes you can do. Like plastic on the windows, temporary weatherstrip at window sill and draft snakes at your exterior doors to keep drafts from coming in.