Are you moving to pursue a career straight out of high school? Moving isn’t easy, and neither is starting a brand-new career. Planning your move out carefully will help you reduce stress, save money, and avoid mistakes. It’s essential to start a career off on the right foot. Below, InternMart offers a checklist for teens of everything important to think about:

A real checklist

Having a practical checklist of moving-related tasks and events is arguably the best way to stay in control of your impending move. You can use a to-do list app, a spreadsheet app, or a simple notebook to make a list. Note down all the important things you need to take care of, along with a possible timeline, 2 months in advance. Vertex42 offers a task checklist you can draw inspiration from.

Employer assistance

If you have secured a job already, your employer may be offering relocation assistance that covers your accommodation and living expenses. If yours doesn’t, you may still be able to negotiate a relocation package. Don’t be afraid to ask. Most employers should be willing to help with moving expenses and offer similar assistance, at the very least.

Moving and expenses budget

Depending on how far you’re moving, expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand on the move alone. Set up a budget and plan to avoid overspending. Moreover, you may also want to research the cost of living at your new location and ensure you have enough saved up. Even moving a few hundred miles away can mean a massive difference in expenses. Some expenses to account for are rent, food, transportation, professional fees, and security deposits. ConsumerAffairs offers a nice guide.

Finding a suitable home location

Your home’s location is key, whether you’re renting or buying. Some things to think about are the commute time to work, amenities, the neighborhood, and personal preferences. Inform yourself of average house prices for desirable neighborhoods, whether you’re renting or buying.

If you’re planning to purchase your first home, get yourself and your finances organized. It takes anywhere from several weeks to a handful of months to buy a house. Make sure you consult relevant resources and talk to the people you know first – it’s a major responsibility. Check your credit score, organize any paperwork your lender might need, find a good real estate agent, and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on a new home.

Packing and moving

Packing is likely the hardest part of the move. First, take stock of your possessions. Purge what you don’t need and then pack the rest, starting at least a few weeks before the move. Second, consider the transportation details – are you using a truck, car, or something else? Last, pack an overnight bag with essentials until you get settled in. If you’re using a moving company, it’s a good idea to book their services in advance. Good movers can assist with packing, transportation, and everything else.

Paperwork and legal

You will need documents for your move, such as your license, identity documents, tax records, medical records, and more. You can get a binder to keep things organized. If you’re moving to a different state, you will need to read up on the local tax regulations. Make sure to change your mailing address and forward mail to your new location. If you pay for utilities at your current home, you will need to transfer or stop said services.

Moving a business to a new state

If you operate a side hustle from home or own a full-fledged business, you may need to officially transfer your entity to a new state. This may involve registering your business with your new city or town, as well as registering (or re-registering) as an LLC (or other entity). You can file the LLC paperwork yourself, pay a lawyer, or use an affordable formation service. States have different regulations around LLC or corporation formation, be sure to look at the local rules before moving ahead.

Support network and self-care  

Knowing people at your new location will help you transition into your new life smoothly. You can get practical help as well as support. You can network through your work contacts, current connections, and through offline and online groups. Don’t forget to look after yourself too. Moving is stressful – get a routine going, see to your needs, eat right, exercise, and think positively.

Moving mistakes

Last, but not least, is making sure you don’t make common moving-related mistakes. Some examples from moving pros are saving money by attempting to DIY too much, using the wrong packing materials, underestimating the complexity of the move involved, not preparing enough, and not booking movers in advance. A mistake can set you back significantly in terms of both money and time, so make sure you avoid them.

Conclusion

Don’t forget to have fun with your move! As a teen heading out of college, moving elsewhere can be a wonderful opportunity to kick-start an exciting career. You could save up for college, explore your options, or even build up a full-fledged career directly. If you’re wondering whether the move may be good for your career or need practical career-related assistance, you can get in touch with InternMart for a free career counseling session. For the best results, plan everything carefully and work with reputable professionals.