11 Things to Know When Moving to Mississippi
Mississippi is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. The state is known for its amazing culture, rich history, southern hospitality and beautiful views. The cost of living in Mississippi is extremely low and there are more than 50 technical schools in the state. In addition to this, in Mississippi you’ll get to enjoy long and warm summers and short winters. So, if you are considering moving to Mississippi, there are several things you need to know and prepare. Here are 11 things you need to know before moving to Mississippi.
What to Know Before your Move to Mississippi
1. Before you Arrive in Mississippi
Find a reliable moving company, truck rental or moving container
For your move to Mississippi, you will need to hire a reliable moving company or take on the move yourself. To find the best moving company in Mississippi, look for good reviews, a professional-looking website, and years of experience.
Planning a move to Mississippi? Have a look at our selection of
Forward your mail
If you are moving to Mississippi permanently and you receive a lot of mail (excluding packages), you may want to sign up with USPS’s mail forwarding service. Mail forwarding will allow your mail to be redirected to the right address for a given period of time. The fee for regular mail forwarding is only a little over a dollar for 6 months. If you want to extend the service, you will have to pay around $20 for 6 months more. You can begin your mail forwarding process by signing up on USPS’s website or directly at your local Post Office.
Sell or donate the items you won’t need in Mississippi
Moving to a new place is an opportunity to start afresh. If you’re moving to Mississippi, selling or donating the items you won’t need will go a long way in making your move easier. You can sell your old household items and personal possessions, and anything that will not be useful. Pick out the items that will not be useful for you in Mississippi, then decide if you want to sell them on websites like Craigslist or Facebook MarketPlace or donate them to a non-profit organization.
2. What are the First Steps to Take When Arriving in Mississippi?
Change your address
Along with mail forwarding, you will also have to update your new address with the concerned authorities in Mississippi like the DMV. To exercise your right to vote in Mississippi, you can register to vote by mail or in person. To register by in person or by mail, you need to submit a completed Mississippi Voter Registration Application to your local county circuit clerk or Mississippi DPS office. You should also change your address with your employer, bank, doctor, insurer, and service providers so that you can avoid any complications further down the road.
Exchange your driver’s license
Once you move to Mississippi and establish residency, you must transfer your out-of-state driver’s license within 60 days. In order to transfer your out-of-state driver’s license, you’ll need to visit your local Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person with a completed Application for Mississippi Driver’s License (Form DL-4) and all the required documents. You will also be asked to surrender your out-of-state driver’s license and pass the written test and DMV road test, if required.
Register your vehicle
If you have just moved to Mississippi, you’ll have to register your out-of-state vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. Failure to do so might result in a $250 penalty. To get your car registered in Mississippi, you will need to visit your county’s tax collector’s office with your car’s title, your current out-of-state registration, odometer reading, payment and state-issued photo identification. You will also have to complete a Title/Registration application while registering.
Consider getting health insurance
Getting health insurance is an excellent way to get peace of mind when it comes to your health. With health insurance, you will not have to worry about spending a ton of money in case of a health-related emergency. The state of Mississippi proposes a website to help you with your health insurance search. Simply choose Mississippi as your state and create an account.
Consider getting home insurance
Getting home insurance is essential, whichever state you are residing in. It is a kind of financial protection that will cover for your expenses if a natural disaster damages your home. Residents in Mississippi are at a high risk to severe storms, floods, tornadoes, winter storms and hurricanes. Therefore, getting home insurance will prove to be valuable.
3. Best Places to Live in Mississippi
If you are a couple, you might want to consider living in Long Beach. It offers a diverse culture, wonderful weather year-round, great neighborhood and a low cost of living.
If you are a family, you might want to consider Madison. Low crime rate, some great educational institutes, good commute options, and a low unemployment rate. In addition, there are plenty of options for outdoor and recreational activities.
If you are single, you should consider moving to Jackson. It is the most populous and active city in Mississippi and is home to the ‘University of Mississippi’. The city offers a lot of amenities and a lot of job opportunities.
4. Housing and Renting in Mississippi
How to find an apartment in Mississippi?
If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Mississippi, these websites will help you out.
How to find a house in Mississippi?
5. How to Set Up Utilities in Mississippi?
Electricity, water, and gas in Mississippi
Mississippi Public Service Commission is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, water and telecommunication services in Mississippi. They ensure that consumers are provided with accessible, safe and reliable energy services at reasonable rates. You can visit their website and search for electricity, water and gas providers and even reach out to them if you have any inquiry. The main purpose of PSC is to keep the customers well informed regarding the services they are getting from the utility providers.
Internet and cell phone in Mississippi
Getting a reliable internet service provider is what everyone desires. The state of Mississippi has some of the best internet providers and is the 42nd most connected state in the USA with 33 broadband providers and 91% residents having access to 25 Mbps internet service. Internet providers in Mississippi offer a wide range of prices, speed and connection types. When it comes to a high-speed internet connection, there is a wide variety of options to choose from in Mississippi, including cable, DSL, Fiber and Satellite. The best internet providers in Mississippi will have bundling options, various speeds, and multiple package options at reasonable prices.
6. Cost of Living in Mississippi
The average cost of living in Jackson, Mississippi per month is $1870 for a couple.
Cost of living per month for a couple in Jackson
Expense | USD $ |
Rent – Mortgage | $800 |
Utilities (gas, water, electricity, phone, internet) | $250 |
Groceries | $220 |
Entertainment | $100 |
Insurance (home, car, health) | $400 |
Other (transportation, material goods) | $100 |
Source: Numbeo, TheZebra, Love Money