Deciding to move to a new state is always a big deal, requiring ample planning and preparation to ensure the relocation goes right. If you’re thinking about making Connecticut your new home, real estate pros at Gina Jacobs Real Estate share a few things you need to consider to ensure a smooth transition.
The Cost of Living
If you’re thinking about moving to Connecticut, it’s wise to examine the cost of living. You can compare the data to what you’re spending now, allowing you to adjust your budget in advance. Additionally, you can focus on job opportunities that provide suitable income.
Here are a few average prices that outline the cost of living in Connecticut:
● Home Sale Price: $326,000 in Woodbury
● Utility Bills (Monthly): greater than $440
● Groceries (Annually for a family of four): $10,910 on average
● Childcare (Annually per child): greater than $15,000
With the prevalence of online medical care, finding a new doctor doesn’t have to be on this list. If you haven’t already, switch to a provider who offers an online visit. Not only are video appointments easier, they can save you travel money and can be done no matter where you are. And oftentimes same day appointments are available.
A New Home
Finding a new home in a different state is tricky but doable. Begin the process by reviewing your credit report and score. After that, getting preapproved for a mortgage is a smart move for home buyers, ensuring their offers are taken seriously.
Once the financial side is under control, plan a short vacation to your target neighborhood. Find a short-term or vacation rental in that area, allowing you to live as a local for a while. Explore the neighborhood at different times of day and head to local stores. Chat with people you encounter along the way to ensure that you get the inside scoop.
Once you’ve chosen your new home, it’s time to protect your investment with a home warranty. After all, homeowners insurance only covers potential damage to the structure of your home, as well as theft or injuries – but what about your major appliances? Imagine your furnace or AC breaking down right when you need them! While a home warranty is a great way to safeguard both your investment and your family, take your time and really research your options. You’ll be glad you did.
The Move
Organization and planning are keys to a successful out-of-state move. If you want to simplify the process, here are some quick tips:
● Use colored tape to color-code boxes for easier unpacking
● Rent a dolly to limit some heavy lifting
● Pack breakables in socks, scarves, or towels
● Declutter along the way
● Have a “go bag” with your essentials, and always keep it with you
If you’re renting a truck or using movers, make those arrangements as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may struggle to get your preferred date.
Once you settle in, you may find that there are items that you don’t have that would make life easier in your new home. Online reviews are helpful when trying to select, for instance, the humidifier for your travel-shocked plants or the right indoor air quality meter for your asthmatic family.
Your Career
Along with traditional job boards, there are other options for finding out about job opportunities. By exploring them all, you increase your odds of finding a position quickly. Here are some ways to get started.
● Join local professional groups
● Sign up with a staffing firm in your target city
● Attend virtual and on-site area networking events
● Tap into your alumni association for connections
● Use social media strategically to connect with potential employers
You could also consider a fully remote job. With that, you can effectively take your job anywhere. However, it may not create a connection to your new community. Additionally, this doesn’t work for every field.
If you aren’t finding enticing job prospects, consider forming your own company instead. Forming a Connecticut LLC, for example, is easy and straightforward with a formation company’s help. With a solid business plan, you can increase your odds of success. Just make sure it covers your company description, how you’ll sell your offerings, the overall structure, any required funding, and your financial projections.
Moving is always a big change, but it can be especially difficult when relocating from out of state. Hopefully, the above tips can help you make the right decision. And when you’re ready to start looking for a home in Connecticut, contact the experts at Gina Jacobs Real Estate by calling (203) 623-1713.
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