{This is a guest post.}

Moving away from Massachusetts is a big task with many things to take into consideration, but there are a few things you can prepare ahead of time to make the whole process go much more smoothly.and we’re not just talking about your couch and t-shirt collection. Records and documents need to make the trip too, and much will need to be updated as you head into your new home. Here’s where to start.

Transportation

If you’re planning on bringing a vehicle with you to your new state, you’ll need to be ready to hit the DMV. You’ll need a new license, and your car will likely need a smog or inspection before it can be registered in the state and given new license plates. You’ll need to get into contact with your insurance company and update them on your new address, as well, and be sure to ask about any rate changes you may be facing. Some areas are pricier than others when it comes to insuring your vehicle so be prepared for price changes to your policy.

Address and government

Hit up your local post office for a change of address form, or set up your mail forwarding on the USPS website. You can choose the day that mail forwarding will begin, so this can be handled ahead of time, and thus become one less thing to worry about while you’re in the midst of moving.

Make sure that you re-register to vote in your new state as well. Sometimes overlooked, registering while you’re taking care of the rest of the logistics is a smart move so that you won’t be surprised when an election rolls around and you realize you’ve forgotten to change it over. You can register at nearly every government office, and you might even find people out registering others at public events.

Medical

Once you have your new address, survey the area on a map, and locate the nearest hospital, emergency rooms, and urgent care facilities. Call your health insurance hotline and inform them of your move; they will also be able to look up doctors in the area (general practice, pediatricians, dentists, and others) that take your insurance; this will save you the hassle of calling around yourself to find a caregiver.

If you have small children or a pre-existing condition that requires ongoing care, call the doctor’s office (once you’ve decided on one) to ensure they’re taking on new patients, and set up an initial appointment for some time after your move is complete. They will take care of contacting your old doctor’s office for records, and will help get you established as a patient.

Documentation

Though you may not realize it, special licenses or certifications that you hold in Massachusetts may not automatically transfer over to be valid in another state. Check if your certifications will count in the new state, and if not, arrange for the necessary tests or paperwork to make sure that they stay up-to-date.

Kids and community

Once you’ve identified the new school your children will be attending, call the office and ask if there is any special paperwork you need to fill out, and see what kind of records they may need to enroll your child. You will likely need to arrange for your child’s current pediatrician to send over vaccination records, for example, or need to fill out registration information online.

Look also into replacements for any extracurricular activities that both you and your children participated in back in your old hood. Search for new volunteer opportunities or social clubs, and find new places so that your child can continue with any lessons they may be involved in. In addition to making everyone feel more secure by continuing old routines and much loved activities, taking these steps will also help you to feel like you’re part of the new community because you will have more opportunities to make new friends quickly.

Cultural adjustment

If you’re making a big move to the other side of the country, it can almost be like . . . well . . . moving to a different country. The United States is full of different regions and cultures; it can be a real culture shock, even though you’re still within the nation.

If you’ve been living in Boston for a while, you’ve probably heard people refer to “those crazy Californians” or “those hippies up in Oregon.”

Truly a melting pot, there is a reason why that United States map is so steadfastly red and blue in the same places every election period. Liberal, conservative, laid back or fast paced; the US is full of many different cultures and energies. If you’re making a big change, get ready for a little bit of cultural adjustment.

About the Author

Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY Moving, a moving company based in New York. She is a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients.

Moving away from Massachusetts is a big task with many things to take into consideration, but there are a few things you can prepare ahead of time to make the whole process go much more smoothly. There are quite a few items that will need to be moved with you to your new state, and we’re not just talking about your couch and t-shirt collection. Records and documents need to make the trip too, and much will need to be updated as you head into your new home. Here’s where to start.

Transportation
If you’re planning on bringing a vehicle with you to your new state, you’ll need to be ready to hit the DMV. You’ll need a new license, and your car will likely need a smog or inspection before it can be registered in the state and given new license plates. You’ll need to get into contact with your insurance company and update them on your new address, as well, and be sure to ask about any rate changes you may be facing. Some areas are pricier than others when it comes to insuring your vehicle so be prepared for price changes to your policy.

Address and government
Hit up your local post office for a change of address form, or set up your mail forwarding on the USPS website. You can choose the day that mail forwarding will begin, so this can be handled ahead of time, and thus become one less thing to worry about while you’re in the midst of moving.

Make sure that you re-register to vote in your new state as well. Sometimes overlooked, registering while you’re taking care of the rest of the logistics is a smart move so that you won’t be surprised when an election rolls around and you realize you’ve forgotten to change it over. You can register at nearly every government office, and you might even find people out registering others at public events.

Medical
Once you have your new address, survey the area on a map, and locate the nearest hospital, emergency rooms, and urgent care facilities. Call your health insurance by state hotline and inform them of your move; they will also be able to look up doctors in the area (general practice, pediatricians, dentists, and others) that take your insurance; this will save you the hassle of calling around yourself to find a caregiver.

If you have small children or a pre-existing condition that requires ongoing care, call the doctor’s office (once you’ve decided on one) to ensure they’re taking on new patients, and set up an initial appointment for some time after your move is complete. They will take care of contacting your old doctor’s office for records, and will help get you established as a patient.

Documentation
Though you may not realize it, special licenses or certifications that you hold in Massachusetts may not automatically transfer over to be valid in another state. Check if your certifications will count in the new state, and if not, arrange for the necessary tests or paperwork to make sure that they stay up-to-date.

Kids and community
Once you’ve identified the new school your children will be attending, call the office and ask if there is any special paperwork you need to fill out, and see what kind of records they may need to enroll your child. You will likely need to arrange for your child’s current pediatrician to send over vaccination records, for example, or need to fill out registration information online.

Look also into replacements for any extracurricular activities that both you and your children participated in back in your old hood. Search for new volunteer opportunities or social clubs, and find new places so that your child can continue with any lessons they may be involved in. In addition to making everyone feel more secure by continuing old routines and much loved activities, taking these steps will also help you to feel like you’re part of the new community because you will have more opportunities to make new friends quickly.

Cultural adjustment

If you’re making a big move to the other side of the country, it can almost be like . . . well . . . moving to a different country. The United States is full of different regions and cultures; it can be a real culture shock, even though you’re still within the nation.

If you’ve been living in Boston for a while, you’ve probably heard people refer to “those crazy Californians” or “those hippies up in Oregon.”

Truly a melting pot, there is a reason why that United States map is so steadfastly red and blue in the same places every election period. Liberal, conservative, laid back or fast paced; the US is full of many different cultures and energies. If you’re making a big change, get ready for a little bit of cultural adjustment.

About the Author
Einat Mazafi is the owner of NY Moving, a moving company based in New York. She is a specialist in providing the best relocation solutions to clients.