Relocating to a new state is exciting, but it comes with its fair share of paperwork. From setting up utilities to handling taxes, being prepared can save you headaches later. Here’s a simple guide to help you stay organized as you get ready to move.
1. Proving Residency in Your New State
Before you can set up utilities or register your vehicle, you’ll need documents that prove you actually live at your new address.
Have these ready:
☑ Home closing documents or rental agreements
☑ Utility bills or service confirmations (once established)
Most utility companies will ask for proof of residency before activating services, so don’t get caught scrambling.
☑ Home closing documents or rental agreements
☑ Utility bills or service confirmations (once established)
Most utility companies will ask for proof of residency before activating services, so don’t get caught scrambling.
2. Don’t Forget About Taxes
Moving mid-year? You might need to file taxes in both your old and new states. Keep all important documents—closing statements, receipts, employment records—in a digital folder for easy access.
Pro Tip:
Use your smartphone as a scanner and save everything as PDFs.
When in doubt, reach out to a local CPA or tax advisor in your new state. They’ll help you understand exactly what you need for your next tax season.
3. DMV: Cars, Licenses, and Registration
When you change states, you’ll need to:
☑ Update your driver’s license
☑ Register your vehicle(s)
☑ Notify the California DMV of your move within 10 days
Start by visiting your new state’s DMV website to schedule appointments and gather the required forms. Handling this early prevents fines and keeps you compliant.
☑ Update your driver’s license
☑ Register your vehicle(s)
☑ Notify the California DMV of your move within 10 days
Start by visiting your new state’s DMV website to schedule appointments and gather the required forms. Handling this early prevents fines and keeps you compliant.
4. Update Your Mailing Address
The U.S. Postal Service offers:
☑ Online address changes
☑ Temporary mail forwarding
☑ In-person support at your local post office
It’s quick, easy, and ensures you won’t miss important mail during your move.
☑ Online address changes
☑ Temporary mail forwarding
☑ In-person support at your local post office
It’s quick, easy, and ensures you won’t miss important mail during your move.
5. Close Out Old Accounts
Before you hand over the keys, contact your current utility providers to:
☑ Confirm your service end date
☑ Close out accounts
☑ Pay off any remaining balances
Important:
Don’t assume the final bill will come automatically. Speak with a live representative to confirm closure. Small unpaid bills can sneak into collections and hurt your credit score.
☑ Confirm your service end date
☑ Close out accounts
☑ Pay off any remaining balances
Important:
Don’t assume the final bill will come automatically. Speak with a live representative to confirm closure. Small unpaid bills can sneak into collections and hurt your credit score.
6. Stay Organized & Ask for Help
Moving is stressful, but being organized makes all the difference.
Keep this checklist handy:
☑ Proof of residency docs
☑ Tax records & receipts
☑ DMV paperwork
☑ Utility account confirmations
☑ Mail forwarding setup
When the process feels overwhelming, remember — there are specialists who can help guide you through it.
☑ Proof of residency docs
☑ Tax records & receipts
☑ DMV paperwork
☑ Utility account confirmations
☑ Mail forwarding setup
When the process feels overwhelming, remember — there are specialists who can help guide you through it.
Need help planning your out-of-state move?
The Croskey Real Estate team is here to answer questions and connect you with trusted resources for a smoother transition.