Have you been considering relocating to a new state…maybe one with a lower cost of living or warmer weather? As much as I love life in Connecticut, I know it’s not ideal for everyone. If you’re dreaming about making a move out of Connecticut, I want to help you make your new life a reality. And I want to make the process as smooth as possible for you!
To that end, this article is going to give you a roadmap for moving out of CT. We’ll highlight the steps you can take to go from your current house in CT to a brand new life in your dream destination!
By the way, if you’re looking for a more detailed guide, check out my comprehensive guide to moving out of Connecticut.
Now, let’s get to the roadmap!
How to Move Out of Connecticut
1. Research Your New Destination
The first step in your relocation journey is thoroughly researching the general area you plan to move to. Consider essential factors such as:
- The cost of living,
- Job prospects (if you’ll still be working),
- Weather,
- Proximity to family (if this is an important factor for you), and
- Overall quality of life.
Once you have a city in mind, you can drill down into the individual neighborhoods that you might consider. With so much information online, it’s easier than ever to get to know an area remotely. You can review community websites to help you narrow your search. You can even use Google Street View to virtually walk through your new city!
Having a local real estate agent can help you get a better understanding of your options. If you need a referral to an agent in your new area, just contact me. I’ll put you in touch with a knowledgeable agent who can explain the benefits of different neighborhoods, including:
- Walkability,
- Safety rankings,
- Schools (even if you don’t have school-aged children, good schools can help your new home maintain its value), and
- Amenities (like access to grocery stores, doctors, salons, outdoor spaces, etc.).
Of course, you can also start looking at real estate listings online to get a feel for the housing market. This will help you understand what is available in your price range. But, remember, if you’re going to use a home loan, it’s important to get a mortgage pre-approval from a lender before committing to your budget.
By making an informed decision about your new location, you’ll set the stage for a successful transition.
2. Decide When to Sell Your CT Home
You may have heard that it’s always best to sell in the spring or summer. While it’s true that homes tend to sell for a bit more in the spring/summer season, trying to time the market can create unnecessary stress. And you won’t necessarily come out ahead by timing your move around higher statistical sales prices; you might just be spending that bit extra on paying elevated seasonal prices for your new home.
Instead, focus on a timeline that works for you. Perhaps you want to move in time to celebrate a holiday with family in your new area. Or you just don’t want to spend another cold winter in CT.
Sell First or Buy First?
One timing issue to address is whether you want to sell your current CT home first or buy your new home first. It is nearly impossible to time the closing of your sale on the same day as the closing of your purchase.
If you’ll need the funds from the sale of your CT home to make the downpayment on your new home, it makes sense to sell first. Then you can arrange for a “crash pad” in your new area. This will give you somewhere to land so you can live locally while searching for your new home. Your crash pad could be an unfurnished rental that you move your furniture into for the few months you’re there. Or you could rent a short-term, furnished apartment, and have your furnishings put in storage while looking for your new home.
If you would rather avoid moving into temporary housing while looking for a new place, you might want to purchase your new home before selling your current home. Some buyers are comfortable using technology like virtual tours to purchase a property sight unseen. Or you could travel to your new destination for a few days of home tours to find the right home in person.
3. Selling Your CT Home
If you’re looking to maximize your profitability potential, you’ll want to hire a real estate agent to sell your house.
This is where I can help! Selling Connecticut homes is my specialty. As a licensed agent, I can list your property on the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which alters every other agent in the area about your listing so those agents can contact their qualified buyers. Of course, I’ll also be contacting my list of active buyers for you as well. And I offer a comprehensive service package for my sellers.
Here’s what you get when you list your home with me:
- A complimentary Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you determine the best asking price for your house.
- A complimentary walk-through of the entire property to make sure your house will show its best. You’ll get personalized recommendations for:
- Highlighting desirable features
- Minimizing the impact of any negatives
- Ways to “de-personalize” the house so future buyers can imagine themselves in the space
- Ways to maximize the sales price
- A custom Marketing Plan, complete with:
- Professional photography
- A single-property website
- “Just listed” eFlyers
- A slideshow property tour
- Print advertising
- TV and online promotion
- Mobile brochures
- Neighborhood announcements
- Targeted online advertising
- Area Realtor® notifications
- Online syndication
- Social media promotion
- Email marketing campaigns
- Signage
- An open house (to area brokers and/or the general public, depending on what’s best for your unique situation)
- Analysis of all incoming offers. Every offer will be presented to you with my professional recommendation. I will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to get you the best possible terms.
- Coordination of your transaction through the escrow period, following up with escrow officers, title reps, the buyer’s agent, inspectors, appraisers, and other professionals as needed to make sure your escrow period goes as smoothly as possible.
You can view my complete list of seller services on my For Sellers page.
4. Prepare for Your Move
Moving to a new state can be an exciting new chapter in your life, but it can also be stressful if you’re not well-prepared. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for your move, so you can minimize stress and enjoy your new home to the fullest.
Here are ways to prepare for your move:
- Organize and Declutter: Go through your possessions and decide what to keep, donate, or sell. By reducing the number of items you need to move, you’ll save time and money, and make it easier to settle into your new home. You can use my Downsizing Checklist to help with this task.
- Get Packing: Once you’ve decluttered, it’s time to start packing your belongings. Make sure to label your boxes clearly and pack them in a way that makes sense for unpacking at your new home. You can also make a separate box of essential items that you’ll need right away, such as toiletries, bedding, and a few changes of clothes.
- Hire a Moving Company: Unless you plan on moving everything yourself, you’ll need to hire a reputable moving company. I’m happy to refer you to a reputable local moving company, but it’s always a good idea to get quotes from multiple companies. And make sure you read the reviews so you have an idea of what to expect from your movers.
- Arrange for Utilities and Services in Your New Home: Before moving, make sure to set up utilities and services in your new home. This includes arranging your new electric, water, sewer, and trash services, as well as Internet service. This is also the time to forward your mail.
On moving day, make sure to be present and available for the movers. They’ll need direction on where to load and unload your belongings, and you may need to sign paperwork or answer questions.
Then you can start unpacking and settling in. Make sure to take your time and organize your belongings in a way that makes sense for your new space. Don’t forget to take breaks and explore your new neighborhood to get a feel for your new home.
5. Settle into Your New Home
Your first months in your new home will be full of new experiences and adventures!
By taking the time to adjust to your new home, you’ll be able to feel more settled and content in your new surroundings.
Here are some fun ways to settle into your new community:
- Explore Your New Neighborhood: You might simply walk around town, or you could try new restaurants, visit local parks and attractions, and attend community events.
- Meet New People: Meeting new people can be a great way to feel more connected to your new state. Consider joining local clubs or organizations, attending Meetup groups, or volunteering in your community.
- Learn About Local Customs and Culture: Every state has its own unique customs and culture. By learning about these customs, you’ll be able to feel more at home in your new state. Consider reading local books, watching local films, and attending cultural events to learn more.
- Find New Activities and Hobbies: Consider taking up a new sport, trying a new hobby, or attending local classes or workshops.
It’s common to feel homesick or experience culture shock when moving to a new state. This can include feeling overwhelmed by new surroundings, missing friends and family, and struggling to adapt to new customs and traditions. But this feeling will lessen as you embrace your new life and make the most of your new surroundings. By staying open to new experiences and remaining positive, you’ll be able to build a fulfilling life in your new state.
In no time, you’ll feel at home in your new area.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Making the move out of Connecticut is a big step with lots of moving parts. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. There is a group of professionals ready to serve and support you on this journey. Whether you need painters, landscapers, lenders, or all of the above, I have connections that can help make this process as smooth as possible for you.
And, don’t forget, I have a comprehensive Guide to Moving Out of CT if you’re looking for a more detailed plan.
Whether you’re ready to start your move out of Connecticut, or you just want to talk through the possibilities for the future, contact me today for a free consultation. I’m happy to help you weigh your options and create a concrete plan for making your dreams come true!
