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

Moving Tips – What to Keep, Sell, or Donate

When it comes time to move, many people throw everything into boxes, whether it’s their wedding china or the ten take out menus they have from the same Chinese food restaurant. Few people see moving as the perfect opportunity for going through and clearing out their belongings.

This task should be straightforward, direct and uncomplicated.

Keep in mind your new location when making decisions. If you are moving to Texas from Minnesota, you can probably get rid of your snowboard. If you are leaving Florida for Maine, you might want to reconsider packing all 12 of your bikinis.

box full of pictures

What to keep

Deciding what to keep is probably the most intuitive of all the categories.

Keep the things you need as essentials. This is the category for the clothes you wear daily, furniture that fits your new environment and your keepsakes.

This category also includes your kitchen items, such as pots and pans and your silverware. If you have 40 forks, you may want to donate a few. If you have two sets of dishes or cooking ware, don’t pack the second set.

It’s important you pick these items carefully to ensure that your choices are wide-ranging enough to cover all your needs in your new home.

What to sell

Generally, these are the luxury items like the recliner that won’t fit into your new living room or the bed from your guest room that you may no longer need.

You can also sell clothes that no longer fit or that you don’t wear anymore. Also consider selling your shoes, unused lawn equipment and tools, and the kitchen items previously mentioned.

Online sites like Letgo and Facebook allow you to post pictures of the items you’re selling. With each image, provide a description of the item for sale, its condition and the selling price. You can also list the price as negotiable and extend your buyer audience to reach miles from your location.

Yard sales and friend-to-friend exchanges are also ways to earn money off the things that won’t be making the move.

What to donate

Any clothing or items in good condition that you either no longer need or want to replace should be donated.

Donate whatever you can’t sell. Items that have use value can be important items for those in need.

The Salvation Army and Goodwill both accept donations. Additionally, they can provide you with receipt of donation for tax purposes.

Donating is a great way to de-clutter while giving back to the community.

On your next move, be sure to consider going through your belongings to lighten your load, and check out our other moving tips in our “Moving on a Budget” and “Make the Process Easy” posts!

Most Commonly Forgotten Moving Tasks

Moving can be a stressful affair.

From closing on the property, packing, transporting, unpacking and everything in between, it is easy to forget some of the most important jobs associating with a move.

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these most commonly missed moving tasks to help ensure your next move goes a little more smoothly.

Address Change

Putting a change of address is something a lot of people, surprisingly, forget.

U.S. postal service logo

In the past, residents would have to go to the post office to file a formal change of address. Today, address changes can be filed from the comfort of your own home.

Though the task can be completed after you have moved, it may be easier for you to get your mail squared away before leaving your old address.

On your phone, laptop or tablet, visit the U.S. Postal Service website where there is an easy and quick change of address form.

The form provides spaces to put your new address and when mail should start being forwarded to that address. You can also mark whether the residence will be permanent or temporary.

A lake home that serves as your primary residence in the summer qualifies as a temporary change of address.

Contact Utility Companies

When moving into a new home, your utilities will need to either be canceled or transferred. This depends on where your new home is located.

Some companies only operate in certain areas so it is important to determine whether your current provider services your new address.

If not, these companies may be able to provide an alternative servicer in the area to whom you can take your business.

In the event that information cannot be provided, websites like InMyArea provide databases of service providers that serve your zip code.

It may also be possible, if your new home is part of a homeowner’s association, that a list of preferred companies is provided.

Before cancelling your utilities and your current address, it is a good idea get final readings and reports to keep for your personal records.

This is the time to settle up any unpaid balances with these companies, as well.

Also, you should strive for utilities such as water, electric and gas to be connected at your new residence on the same day.

Smoke Detectors and Emergency Exits

Once in your new home, check that all smoke detectors are in working order. Be sure to check that all batteries have been changed.

Additionally, discuss a fire escape plan with your family. This discussion should include determining a family meeting place and what to pack in an emergency go-bag.

Change the Locks

High on the priority list is changing the locks.

key in door lock with house keychain

Though this may seem trivial, your family’s safety is number one. You never know how many people have copied keys to your new home.

Protect yourself and your loved ones by eliminating the chance that the previous owners, or other unwelcome guests, might try to gain reentry into the house.

Update Important Documents

It is important to ensure that all significant documents are updated with your new address as soon as possible.

These documents include your diver’s license, voter and car registration, insurance, student loans and professional memberships or licensing boards.

Subscription service services and mailing lists should be updated, as well.

Moving into the next home of your dreams may be a little nerve wracking, but checking these items off your to-do list will help ease that stress, even if only by a little.

Try reading our “Tips to Make the Moving Process Easy” and “Moving on a Budget” articles for more advice and tips.

Moving? Follow These Tips to Make the Process as Easy as Possible

Moving can be easy or hard depending on how you go about it. It is an exciting time; new home and a new start, but it can be difficult. This list will help you make the transition easier and help you to enjoy the excitement.

Organize Early

Moving boxesYou need to avoid leaving anything to the last minute. You will need to organize early. It will help you make sure that the chaos is limited when it is time to move.

Rid yourself of any items that you do not want anymore. Recycle and donate any items that you do not want.

Moving Strategy

You will need to make sure that you have a strategy for moving. Moving day will be chaotic, especially if your plan is not into place. You will need to hire a moving company or get a group of family or friends together to help you move.

Make sure to have the boxes and bags labeled and ready to go by the time you have your group ready to move you.

Talk to the Movers

Moving It is important to communicate with the moving company that will be helping you with your big day. You can write where a box goes on the side, but when it comes to large furniture or other items, it may be hard to know where to put it.

Do not leave them standing there holding a large, heavy object asking where it goes. Utilize post-it notes if you need too. You also need to make sure the movers are aware of any stair cases or elevators they will be needing to use when moving your items.

Proper Transportation

If your new home is not far away, you might be able to get away with performing more than one trip to retrieve all of your household items. However, if you are moving far away, then you must get everything in one trip. This means that you need to have adequate storage for the trip. Here are some guidelines to help you prepare for your trip.

  • Cargo van to 10′ truck: studio apartment
  • 12- to 15-foot truck: three rooms or less
  • 20-foot truck: four or five rooms
  • 24–26-foot truck: six, seven or eight rooms

Moving is an extremely exciting time. In order to keep it exciting and not stressful, take the tips listed here in order to help you keep it fun. If lists help you, then make a list to ensure that you do not forget any task that may be important. It will help you keep your peace of mind and enjoy the move.