Tips For Moving To Ohio

As you pack for your move, you'll need to keep in mind that the weather in The Buckeye State

is fickle. It can rain, snow, and be sunny and mild all in the same day. Therefore, in order to be prepared, here's a tip for you: you'll need to have a raincoat and a jacket- plus a parka if it's between October and March- and warm and cold sets of clothing handy.

Here's a tip for pet owners: if you're moving from a warm weather climate to Ohio in the winter months, you'll need to keep your outside cats, dogs, et cetera, inside for a few days. This will allow them to get used to the cold and snow. You'll also need to prepare a place either inside your house or your heated garage for your outside pets to stay in when the weather outside is frigid.

Remember to keep your driver's license, vehicle registration, and your proof of insurance handy too.

If you happen to get stopped by the State Highway Patrol, any Sheriff's department, or any local police department while you're driving in Ohio, you'll need to show the officer these three documents.

Approximately a month before you move, you should visit the FAQ section of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce web site. You can find it here: http://www.ohiochamber.com/about/faqs.asp. This site can answer certain questions you have about Ohio. It will also provide you with relocation packets, helpful links, and more. Contacting the Chamber of Commerce can be especially helpful if you own your own business.

When you finally reach your destination, you'll of course need some time to unpack and get settled into your new Ohio home. Once you are employed in this state, have rented or purchased a home, have placed your children in school, et cetera, you are considered to be a resident! As far as the courts and the law enforcement agencies in The Buckeye State are concerned, you are a resident after you have lived in Ohio for thirty (30) days.

Here's another tip: within that time, you'll need to visit the nearest Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) office and apply for an Ohio Driver's License. If you have a valid driver's license from another state, you'll only need to pass a vision test, as well as a written test. You won't be required to take a road test. Then, once you pass those two tests, you'll be required to give up the other state driver's license. The laws of The Buckeye State only permit you to carry one valid driver's license at a time. Finally, after that, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will issue you your new Ohio Driver's License.

And, don't forget to purchase new license plates for your vehicles!

Here's a valuable tip for you: since laws change from state to state, you should familiarize yourself with the Ohio driving laws. That way, you can be sure to stay out of trouble with the law.

Finally, welcome to Ohio!