Moving While Working Remotely? 5 Tips To Make It Easier & 5 Hotspots Remote Employees Are Moving to in 2026

Although fully remote roles have, overall, stabilized in the past few years, there are still some professions that are ideal for working remotely. This freedom may have you questioning your current location and ultimately deciding that moving while working remotely is the right choice for you.

Maybe you originally chose the big city life because your career required it, but you’d prefer somewhere with a more affordable housing market. Perhaps you’re expanding your family and wanting to live somewhere more suburban. Or, maybe working from home means that your partner can explore their own professional opportunities or that you can both finally move to your dream city. Whatever the reason, if you have no plans to return to the office, moving out of state is certainly a very real possibility.

Before you officially leap, take some time to consider these aspects of relocating while working remotely.

You’ll need to notify your company about your plans for moving while working remotely to better understand their policies.
(Source: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels)

5 Tips for Moving While Working Remotely

Moving while working remotely sounds like the best of both worlds, right? You can take care of your job and do some packing when you need a screen break. Though there’s truth to this idea, it can also be overwhelming living and working in the same space while also preparing for moving out of state. To keep your sanity in check — and to ensure you’re following your company’s “working from home” protocol, here are some ways you can make moving while working remotely more successful.

1. Consider Your Company’s Policies

Whether this is a local move or a long-distance move, make sure you understand your company’s policies and expectations. Don’t forget to run your plans by your manager and HR representative. Even with businesses adjusting their attitudes and expectations, along with their rules about working from home, you still need to understand where there’s flexibility and what factors are non-negotiable.

For example, if you work for a company that is going to expect you to attend in-person meetings on a regular basis, that should be a deciding factor in how close you need to live to your employer.

If you’re a remote employee moving to another state, your taxes might be affected.
(Source: Karolina Grabowska via Pexels)

2. Keep Financial Matters in Mind

Moving will likely affect your taxes, at least to some extent. Real estate, local, income, sales, and estate taxes are all subject to change according to location.

In California and New Jersey, for example, state income taxes can be more than ten percent, while there are none in Texas, Nevada, Florida, Tennessee, and a few other states. Consider consulting a tax advisor or estate planner for advice on how your finances may be affected if you’re a remote employee moving to another state.

If I Work Remotely, Am I Taxed in My Resident State or My Business’s State?

If you’re relocating while working remotely, you may have to pay taxes in both the state you live in and the state where your company is located. Again, it’s wise to consider consulting a tax advisor if you are planning on moving out of state.

Will My Benefits Change?

Check with your current benefit carriers to see if they have coverage and accessible providers in your potential new area. If you’re moving to a relatively close area, this may not be an issue, but a longer move could affect your options. You may need to change providers, which could be an additional expense.

As for your retirement benefits, state and local laws governing 401(k) contributions can vary, so do some research to see how your retirement plan may be affected.

Moving while working remotely means mastering the art of multitasking so neither responsibility gets left short-shrifted.
(Source: Ketut Subiyanto via Pexels)

3. Make “Multi-Tasker” Your New Middle Name

As many remote workers know, it can be tough to turn off work and focus on home, especially since everything is happening in one place. With some organization and a little delegation, though, you’ll be multi-tasking in no time.

Keep a Schedule & Take Productive Breaks

Scheduling your day can help you stay on track to accomplish your work goals and manage planning your move while working from home.

When you need a short work break, you can clean off a shelf, clean out a drawer, or load your car with donations. In fact, consider keeping a running to-do list for your move so you don’t waste time trying to decide what to do during those moments away from the computer.

If you have paid time off, plan to use some for packing instead of dedicating all your time to moving while working remotely, too.

Pack Smart

• Choose flexible moving services like portable moving containers to help you work at your own pace and ease some of the stress. What’s better, casually loading a container in your driveway as you go through belongings or haphazardly piling boxes into a truck as you race against the rental-period clock?
• Label everything — bonus points for using one of these guys.
• Start packing your least-used items first, and save the essentials for last.
• Declutter before moving, ideally as you pack. Stay away from the “I’ll just throw it in a box and deal with it later” trap.

Working from home and moving out of state can be a lot — make time for relaxation to prevent burnout and exhaustion.
(Source: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels)

4. Be Mindful of Self-Care

Self-care is important for everyone, but it is crucial for someone trying to juggle the demands of moving while working remotely. Make sure you take some time for yourself, even if it’s five minutes to make a cup of tea or take a brisk walk around the block. Have lunch with a friend or treat yourself to a shopping trip, and don’t feel guilty. Working from home requires breaks to maintain balance and sanity. 

There’s no shame in asking for help while you’re juggling the responsibilities of moving while working remotely.
(Source: RODNAE Productions via Pexels)

5. Appreciate Your Ability To Delegate

"Clean while you pack" is the new “whistle while you work.” If you have friends or family who offer to help, this is the perfect task to delegate. In fact, consider hiring a cleaning service to help take some of the pressure off so you can focus more on getting to your new place. If you’re renting, here’s a simple move-out cleaning checklist that’ll help you get your initial deposit back.

Need more than a neighborly helping hand? Some companies offer professional packing and loading assistance.

Where Are Remote Workers Moving?

People who decide that moving while working remotely is right for them likely make the decision because they want a better quality of life. That can mean more affordable housing options (and more affordability overall), access to the outdoors, more favorable weather conditions, and a welcoming community.

Where are remote workers moving? According to SmartAsset, the top five locations for working from home are:

1. Frisco, Texas

According to SmartAsset's data, Frisco, Texas, has become the nation's work-from-home capital, with over a third of its workforce logging in remotely. The appeal of living in Frisco, TX, is probably due to the city’s fast-growing community, family-friendly atmosphere, and close proximity to the big-city amenities of Dallas-Fort Worth. Many remote workers come here for the excellent schools, miles of parks and trails, and a cost of living that feels refreshing compared to many pricier cities.

2. Berkeley, California

Claiming the No. 2 spot on SmartAsset's list, Berkeley is not only home to a world-class university but also a walkable community, an award-winning food scene, and a staunch commitment to sustainability and carbon solutions. With only about 24 percent of people driving solo to work and over 18 percent walking, your "commute" to a favorite cafe, a lunch break in a park, or a dash to the grocery store makes those work breaks not only enjoyable but healthy, too.

3. Cary, North Carolina

Cary, part of the renowned Research Triangle Park, attracts remote workers with its mix of forward thinking and Southern charm. The SmartAsset data shows nearly 30 percent of its workforce is remote. The city is known for its livability, safety, and extensive greenways, offering ample opportunity for outdoor activity between work sessions. Its proximity to major research universities and a strong tech presence also provides valuable networking opportunities and a culture that values innovation.

4. Boulder, Colorado

Living in Boulder is attractive to remote workers who prioritize an active, outdoor lifestyle. SmartAsset reports that over 28 percent of workers there are remote, perhaps because they wanted to swap a commute for a hike, bike ride, or climb in the iconic Flatirons. Boulder’s compact, walkable downtown, filled with cafes and co-working spaces, complements its easy access to nature. Plus, if you like a college town vibe, you’ll get it in spades — the University of Colorado Boulder is in the heart of the city.

5. Scottsdale, Arizona

If you’re tired of those chilly New York City winters, then Scottsdale may be calling your name with its promise of almost 300 sunny days per year. More than 27 percent of the city’s workforce is remote, perfect for the professional who wants to hit the links between conference calls. The city boasts excellent dining, shopping, and spa facilities, alongside a growing number of modern co-working spaces. For remote workers, this means the ability to design a workday that feels more like a vacation.

Moving While Working Remotely — FAQs

Q: Can I move if I work remotely?
A: Moving while working remotely might be possible if you have a job that is currently remote and will not return to an in-office setting. Ask your company if relocating while working remotely will be a problem or go against policies. For example, working in the Central Time Zone and moving to Europe may be a bridge (or country) too far for your employer’s comfort level.

Q: What state is offering $12,000 to move there?
A: Many cities and states pay you to move there. In fact, West Virginia is currently offering remote workers up to $12,000 to move there, including some additional sweet perks. To get it, you basically just need to have a remote job from outside the state and agree to call one of their charming towns home for a couple of years. A few other spots, like Tulsa, Oklahoma, have similar incentives, but West Virginia's offer is one of the most generous.

Q: Can I keep my remote job if I move to another state?
A: Determining if moving while working remotely works for your role depends on your company's policies. Many employers now support it, but they must first handle important legal steps like payroll taxes and state employment laws. Some companies have restrictions based on where they're legally set up to operate, so it's crucial to ask. Always have an open conversation with your HR or manager before making any plans to ensure it's allowed.

Moving With PODS While Working Remotely

You’ve talked with your manager, checked the HR boxes, and are ready to undertake moving while working remotely. If you feel prepared for this journey, the next best step is to partner with a professional who understands the ins and outs of moving and storage.

That’s where PODS comes in. Make your short or long-distance move flexible with PODS portable moving containers. Pick the date you want your container delivered, load it right in your driveway, then have it transported to your new town when you’re ready. You can take your time loading and/or unloading — one month’s storage is built into the cost of every move. And remember what we said about delegation? Take a literal load off by asking PODS to refer you to local packing and loading services.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

LB Gabriel is a freelance writer and frequent PODS Blog contributor. When she’s not on a deadline, you can find her on a tennis court or golf course.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}