Moving out of state for first time, what to do?

[NightWatch]

I'm preparing to move from California to Florida for my first job and unsure of what I need to do. Currently, I'm living with my parents. I'm planning on driving there by myself with just clothing since my car is so small. The furthest I've driven is to the airport... I'm the only person in my family who has ever moved away.

Things to do in California: Wait until CA sends license verification and endorsement paperwork is completed, make sure car paperwork/mechanics are ready to move, ask cell phone company (t-mobile) about how things will work with the move, and that's all I can think of.

Things to do in Florida: Find an apartment, change permanent address with USPS, find car insurance and cancel California car insurance, and that's all I can think of.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Jules A, MSN]

What an adventure! Your cell should be fine just let the company know your new address when you get settled and don't forget at some point you will need to change your drivers license also.

Enjoy.

[LV3677]

I'm in the process of moving to a different state at the moment. Ugh. I forgot all of the crap that goes with moving.

Things you need to do:

-Apply for endorsement and get all that paperwork going (which you're already aware of- getting fingerprint cards/photos/nursys, all that good stuff)

-Take your car to the mechanic; get everything checked, including your tires and spare tire. Know how to change a spare tire. Get a box to put in the trunk of your car that has a spare container of oil, coolant, etc. just in case.

-Scout apartments before you get there. Find where you want to live and what's important to you. Don't pick the first apartment that seems nice. Research 4-5 places and be ready for it to take a couple of days. For me, I didn't want to take the freeway home in a busy city after a 12 hour shift, so I picked a place that was slightly more expensive (but ten minutes away from the hospital!)

-Have a copy of your acceptance letter or whatever to show the rental company if they ask for income. Demonstrates that you have money coming in, especially since it's your first job.

-Once you get your apartment, you can go get your driver's license and change your license plates, car insurance, whatever.

-Set up internet and electricity in your new place.

-Get renter's insurance. And nursing Liability Insurance if you don't already have that. Insure everything.

-Forward all your mail using USPS (you've mentioned this one already)

-Live like a college kid for the first year- don't spend that money coming in. Live simply.

...I can't think of anything else at the moment, but I'm sure I'm missing something.

Congratulations on your first job! Best of luck to you!

[bagladyrn, RN]

Lots of people on here live or have spent time in Florida. If you are comfortable posting the general metro area they may have neighborhood/apartment suggestions for you.

[SubSippi]

Let your credit card company know that you're moving. Otherwise, when they notice you making lots of purchases in another part of the country, they might freeze your account. And the worst part is you won't know your account is frozen until you're trying to pay for a shopping cart full of groceries and your card is declined.

I've moved around a lot, and this has happened to me each time. I'll never learn.

Also have a hand written list of phone numbers, including a tow truck company. There's nothing like your car breaking down when you're alone in a new city and realizing you left your phone at your apartment.

When you're looking for a place, don't sign the lease until you've driven through the area at NIGHT. Would you feel safe getting out of your car by yourself? Some places completely change when the sun goes down, and you realize that the parking lot is pitch black and there are people lurking by themselves on the sidewalk. And another tidbit...even though it can be a pain, I always felt much safer living off of the first floor.