Apartment hunting can be a daunting task when you’re looking within your own state, but moving out of state adds additional challenges to the mix. Regardless of whether you’re moving out of state for a new job, pursuing a new degree, or just in need of a fresh start, here’s how to move to another state to make the process a little less difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Start your apartment search 8–12 weeks in advance to allow time for neighborhood research, budgeting, and planning logistics; this is especially important when relocating across state lines.
- Apartments.com has tools like commute calculators, rental market trends, and 3D tours that make long-distance apartment hunting easier by helping renters compare costs, layouts, and availability remotely.
- Prepare for your move by handling administrative tasks early, such as changing your address and setting up utilities, to ensure a smooth transition.
How Far Ahead Should You Start Your Search?
Moving out of state requires more coordination than a local move, so timing matters. Start your search eight to twelve weeks before your move date. That window gives you time to secure housing, compare neighborhoods, and plan logistics without rushing into decisions.
How to Budget an Out of State Move
The first part of budgeting for moving from state to state is knowing how much you can spend on rent. Your monthly rent is only part of the total cost of renting an apartment; utilities, the security deposit, and other move-in fees can significantly increase upfront costs, so factor them in early.
An out-of-state move also adds expenses you may not face locally. Professional movers and travel costs can add up quickly. As you’re preparing to move out of state, creating a comprehensive budget ensures that you stay within your means and avoid financial hiccups.
Prepare Documents Ahead of Time
Make sure you’re ready to go when it comes time to apply to an apartment by having all your documents prepared. You should have all the necessary paperwork and other documents (bank statements, references, proof of income, etc.) so that you can act fast when you find the right rental.
Research, Research, Research
Don’t arrive blind; do your homework on the city before you visit to get a head start. Research the area to get a feel for its most popular neighborhoods, local hangouts, and points of interest.
Neighborhoods can vary in rent price, apartment styles, and atmosphere, so you want to find one that matches what you’re looking for. Once you’ve narrowed it down to a couple of neighborhoods, look up some apartment candidates that you could visit in each one.
Investigate the potential apartment communities. Find when it was built, the layout of the community, reviews, the property management company, and what is nearby. Online platforms, like Apartments.com, make this sleuthing easier by putting all the details in one place. This is a big advantage when you’re hundreds of miles away.
Keep track of local rental market trends
Stay informed about the rental market trends in your destination city as it can significantly affect your search. From changing rent prices to the speed at which you will have to move, markets vary city to city. For example, in large cities with competitive rental markets, like New York, you’ll probably find higher rent prices and will have to move quickly to secure a home.
Apartments.com makes this easy with rental market trends for each city, so you can see average rents, average square footage, how much rent prices have changed, and more. This will help you pick the right place to live as well as the right time to move.
Visit Your New State and City
The best way to start the apartment search process is by visiting your destination city in person. There’s no better way to see if a city is a good fit than living in it for a bit. Consider renting short-term to get a sense of the city and figure out which neighborhoods you might be interested in. Whether you are staying there for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, try to fit in a couple of apartment tours as well.
How to Find an Apartment When Relocating to Another State
Now that you’ve narrowed down your choice of neighborhood and apartment community, it’s time to make the big decision. Here are a couple of tips, tricks, and considerations to help you make the perfect choice, even from afar.
Add your move-in date
When you’re searching for apartments, make sure to factor in your move-in date. If you’re looking around online, put your move-in date into the search so that the search pool is representative of what will be available when you want to move.
Tip: You can do this easily on Apartments.com under the filters menu. Scroll down to “Move-In Date” and select your desired day. Now, the search will only show apartments that have availability.
Focus on location
When looking for a new apartment, it’s a good idea to try and find a home near your frequently visited locations like work, school, or grocery stores. There’s enough stress that comes with figuring out the layout of a new city, settling into a new job, and making new friends, so don’t add a complex commute on top of all of that.
Take into consideration your mode of transport as well. If you’ll be using public transport daily, then try to find an apartment near a station or stop. For biking or walking, find a home close to daily destinations.
Tip: Let Apartments.com do the work. The commute tool will find apartments within your desired commute time via your preferred transportation method.
Don’t forget about lifestyle
The right neighborhood matters just as much as the perfect apartment. It shapes your life, so look closely at the lifestyle that each area supports, from walkability and green spaces to nightlife, dining, and access to everyday essentials like grocery stores. Consider how you spend your time and what amenities, both in the apartment community and the neighborhood, would make life easier and more enjoyable.
Tip: Apartments.com offers detailed apartment and community filters, making it easier to narrow your options and find listings that match your priorities. The site also provides in-depth community information, from area guides and nearby points of interest to transportation and educational institutions.
Utilize 3D tours and 3D exteriors
Many renters can attest to the experience of finding an apartment that looked ideal online, but didn’t meet their needs in real life. Thankfully, 3D tours and 3D exteriors are becoming much more commonplace. Many apartment communities and listing sites offer virtual tours to give renters a much more accurate sense of their prospective apartment and community.
Tip: Apartments.com offers 3D tours and 3D exteriors that can be viewed on your smartphone or computer. 3D tours are essential for out-of-state apartment hunters; they are the next best thing to an in-person tour when you’re trying to get an apartment from across state lines.
Seek local help
It can be tough to tour apartments when you live states away. While 3D tours help fill that gap, they can’t replace seeing a space in person. If you visit yourself, find someone you know in the area and see if they would be willing to tour the apartment for you.
Have them take pictures, videos, and notes during the walkthrough so you can get all the info you need. While you can get a good idea of the space online, it’s always best to do a walkthrough before committing.
Get Ready to Move
Once you’ve secured your dream apartment and have a move-in date, it’s time to shift to planning mode. Starting well in advance keeps your move on track and adds padding for any possible hiccups.
Handle logistical tasks
There are some administrative tasks that you will need to take care of a couple of weeks before you move. This includes:
- Changing your address
- Starting and cancelling utilities
- Forwarding mail
- Alerting the necessary people and entities
- Completing move-out tasks
Some of these items take time to be processed, which is why you should do this a month before you move.
Plan your move
Decide how you’re getting from point A to point B, whether that means hiring a moving company or managing a do-it-yourself move. When scheduling your move, allow extra time for any road bumps that may pop up and do it as early as possible to avoid availability complications.
Start packing early, and declutter first so you’re only bringing what you actually use and want. Pack one clearly labeled box with immediate necessities, like toiletries, a few dishes, chargers, and a change of clothes, to make your first night in the new apartment easier.
Relax and Settle In
The hard part is over once you’ve moved in, so now it’s time to kick back and relax. As exciting as moving to a new state can be, it can take some time to settle in. There is no set time period after which you’ll feel at home. For some people, it’s just a couple of weeks while for others, it can be months before they start feeling comfortable. Here are some tips on how to settle into your new state.
Unpack
Living out of boxes keeps your new apartment from feeling like home. Unpacking doesn’t just help you get organized, but makes your new space start to feel familiar.
Create a routine
Establishing a routine helps your new home and life feel familiar faster. Simple habits, like morning walks, a regular grocery run, or a go-to coffee spot, create structure while you’re still adjusting. That consistency builds stability, making the transition feel manageable instead of overwhelming.
Explore your new neighborhood
Get to know the area around you, especially the places you’ll frequent like grocery stores, pharmacies, and gyms. Then branch out and try some of the nearby restaurants, local shops, and neighborhood spots to find new favorite haunts. The more you explore, the faster your new surroundings start to feel like home.
Connect with people in your new community
Building connections and a community makes the city feel welcoming and warm. Whether it’s through work or your new neighborhood, go out to events, catch a meal, or join a team or group. Creating a new support system helps a foreign place become your home city.
Conduct Your Out-of-State Apartment Search with Confidence
Moving out of state adds another layer of complexity to apartment hunting, but Apartments.com helps simplify the search. With detailed listings, verified photos, and virtual tours, you can explore apartments in a new city without booking a flight.
Filters for budget, apartment size, and amenities make it easier to narrow your options, while local insights help you compare neighborhoods before you commit. When you’re planning a long-distance move, having everything in one place can save time, stress, and costly surprises.
This article was originally published by Jake Margle on October 28, 2019.
FAQs
How do I change my address?
Changing your address requires a bit of work as there are multiple places that you will have to contact. Namely: USPS, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or the state equivalent, the IRS, employers, banks, medical providers, and any other place that needs your new address.
How do I forward my mail?
Contact USPS to forward your mail as well as your previous landlord so they know where to return your security deposit or forward any mail sent to your last address. When it comes to getting USPS to forward your mail, try to do it at least two weeks before you move to allow time for mail to be rerouted.
How do I find short-term rentals while searching for an apartment?
You can find short-term rentals on Apartments.com by going into the filters menu and checking the “Short-Term” box under “Additional Specialties.” This will bring up a new menu where you can pick the length of time you are looking for.
What should I do if my move-in date changes unexpectedly?
If your move-in date changes unexpectedly, contact your new and current landlord right away to discuss options. Ask whether you can adjust your lease start date or arrange a short-term solution like a month-to-month extension or flexible move-in window. While not ideal, you can also store your belongings in a storage facility and find a hotel or short-term rental.
It also helps to alert your moving company as soon as possible, since date changes can affect availability and fees. Acting quickly gives you more flexibility and helps avoid extra costs during an already stressful out-of-state move.
