Moving Out of State: Five Things to Consider for Your Lake House

It’s no secret that moving is an emotionally taxing life event. Even if you’re excited about your move (who wouldn’t be excited about moving to the lake?), it can still be highly stressful. There are so many things to consider — and even more factors when you’re moving out of state. Whether you’re in the process of moving or just thinking about it, we’re here to help you cover the basics.

Update Your Address

This one might go without saying; it’s important to update your address when moving out of state. First, you can fill out the change of address form on the USPS website. This will forward mail from your old address to your new one. You’ll also receive discounts at places like Bed Bath and Beyond for all your new home essentials. Don’t forget to change your address on your bank account, credit cards, and subscription platforms like Netflix. Finally, remember to change the address of your voter registration. Voting in your new state and getting involved in local politics will allow you to be more integrated into your community.

Learn the New Tax Rates

Once you update your address, your zip code and house number aren’t the only things that change — so do your taxes (hopefully, they change in your favor!). When moving out of state to a lake house, many people pick lake homes in states with lower tax rates. For example, lakes in Tennessee will not come with a state income tax, although you will still have to pay the federal tax. Other states without income taxes include Texas, Washington, and Florida. Keep in mind that if it’s the middle of the year, you will have to pay taxes in both states, which can get confusing.

Switch Your Licenses

If you drive a vehicle, this is one of the first things you should do when moving out of state. The grace period between moving and updating your license can range anywhere between 10-30 days, so be sure to check state requirements. Given the short turnaround time, it’s best to make an appointment with the DMV before your move. This way, you can avoid the long lines, which are ubiquitous across states. Lucky for lake homeowners, though, one thing that does not need to be updated is your boating license. If you take a boating test approved by the NASBLA, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, these certificates are valid in all 50 states.

Understand the Lake Fees

If you’re moving to a house with lake access, specific fees can add up. But this depends on who owns your lake. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers owns many larger lakes. Their interests are preserving wildlife, maintaining flood control, and other public concerns. On Army Corps lakes, living in a home with direct lake access can be expensive because owning a boat dock comes with a fee. There may even be certain size limits on boat docks, so be sure to check the regulations before visiting. On the other hand, homeowners associations (HOAs) control many smaller lakes in the country. Since they do not share the same public concerns as Army Corps lakes and are more focused on recreation, there are different regulations. Usually, you’ll need to get approval for the construction of a boat dock, and membership fees may be required.

Find New Healthcare Providers

Photo courtesy of Barber McMurry.

If you’re moving out of state, you’ll need new health insurance. For those of us who are self-employed (a freelance business working remotely from a lake house? Sounds perfect!), you’ll need to alert the health insurance marketplace about your move and search for a health insurance agent to assist you. If you have health insurance through your job, you’ll need to find new healthcare providers in your network.

Searching for providers can be difficult for those who live on the lake, especially if your lake house is in a remote location. As such, choosing a lake house with close proximity to a hospital is an important consideration, especially if you’re moving for retirement. However, this doesn’t mean you have to choose an urban lake. For example, Tellico Lake in Tennessee is in a remote community with a 45-minute driving distance from the city of Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee’s Medical Center. Even if you aren’t someone with routine medical needs, it’s best to be prepared for the future. 

The Lake Home Essentials Checklist

Person checking off lake home essentials boxes

Preparing to stay for a while at your lake home can be hectic, and the last thing you want is to forget the toilet paper or toothpaste. While it’s easy to let the little things slip your mind, going without some lake home essentials can make for a miserable experience.

Having a good, solid list of the things you’ll need makes the process run so much smoother, and the headaches a lot less frequent. So here’s a checklist of the most important lake home essentials to help you stay organized.

Kitchen

Kitchen and living room overlooking a Michigan lake
Photo courtesy of Lily Pad Cottage.

There’s no better pair than the lake and good food.  Wouldn’t it be the worst if you went to make a delicious meal, only to find you don’t have anything to make it with?

You can make your own grocery list, but here are the things you’ll need in the kitchen besides food:

  • A can opener/bottle opener
  • Silverware, cooking knives, cutting board, wooden spoon, spatula and tongs
  • Oven mitts
  • Coffee, filters (if needed) and coffee pot
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Sponge and scrub brush
  • Dishes: bowls, plates, cups and mugs
  • Dish soap and detergent
  • A trash can and kitchen bags

Baking Items

Recipe book and ingredients laid out on marble counter top

If you plan to do any sort of baking, bring these items along to save you a trip to the grocery store. You never know when your lake home will host the next Fourth of July or family birthday party. And, you can cook just about anything if you are well-stocked with these:

  • Recipe book
  • Glass cooking dishes and cookie sheets
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Mixer
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Flour
  • Butter
  • Shortening
  • Vegetable oil, olive oil
  • Chocolate bits

Bathroom

Wide bathtub with view of mountains and lake

An important lake home essential tip is to keep a clean and orderly bathroom. And you’ll want some emergency supplies as well. More guests at your lake home means more frequently used showers and toilets.

Here is a list of the things you will need:

  • Plunger and bowl brush
  • Soap, shampoo/conditioner
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, comb and brush
  • Bath mat
  • Towels, washcloths and hand towels
  • Small trashcan
  • Shower curtain, liner, and rings (if applicable)
  • Toilet paper and wipes

Living/Family Room

Cozy fireplace living room
Photo courtesy of New England Living.

Some days you just want to stay inside, and some days rain prevents you from enjoying the outdoors at your lake home.

Your personal taste will determine the specifics, but here are a few living room essentials for those lazy lake days:

  • Coasters
  • Board games
  • Table lamps
  • TV, DVD/Blu-ray player, DVDs, and Blu-rays
  • Gaming console and games
  • Furniture and any décor
  • Throw pillows and blankets

Bedroom

Nautical themed bedroom with view of lake
Photo courtesy of Tom Stringer Design Partners.

After a long day on the water, nothing sounds better than a good night’s rest.

Since we spend anywhere between a quarter and a third of our lives in the bedroom, it’s essential that you make it as comfortable as possible. Here are things you’ll need:

  • Bed
  • Comforter, bed sheets, pillows, and pillowcases
  • Clothes hamper
  • Hangers for the bedroom closet
  • Side table(s) and lamp(s)
  • Dresser or wardrobe
  • Full length mirror

Laundry Room

Marble and white laundry room
Photo courtesy of Sanctuary Home Decor.

If you plan on having a good time at the lake, prepare for your clothes to be covered in the outdoors. Be sure to bring these along:

  • Laundry detergent, bleach and dryer sheets
  • Laundry baskets
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Small trash can

Cleaning Closet

Organized cleaning closet lake home essential
Photo courtesy of Better Homes & Gardens.

To keep your lake home spiffy clean, you’ll want to store these supplies in a closet or cabinet somewhere:

  • Rubber gloves
  • All-purpose cleaner for glass, tile and wood
  • Stove cleaner
  • Sponges and brillo pads
  • Mop and bucket, broom and dustpan

General Items for Around the House and Garage

Organized garage shelving
Photo courtesy of Garage Living.

Other important items to keep around include:

  • Flashlight and batteries
  • Extra batteries (different sizes)
  • Duct tape, scotch tape, and electrical tape
  • Wood glue
  • First aid kit
  • Toolset which includes: hammer, Phillips and flat head screwdrivers, mix of nails, screws, hooks, and wrenches
  • Saw and sawhorses
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hose
  • Rakes and outdoor leaf bags
  • Shovel
  • Large trash barrel
  • Sweatshirt, light jacket/rain jacket for cool and wet days
  • Bug spray and sunblock

For more advice and tips for your lake house, visit here