The Ultimate Moving Checklist For Concealed Carriers

Whether it's a job promotion or just a change of pace, Moving can be a fun and stressful time. As a Concealed carrier, we have additional considerations to make. Our permit may only be good for our state (New York, California) or not be reciprocated in the state we're moving to. Some local areas have added restrictions (New York, Massachusetts, California), and some places are constitutional Carry (Maine, Vermont).

In this article, we'll make an easy checklist so your moving as a gun owner can be a bit simpler.

1: Does your future home state acknowledge your current state's concealed carry permit?

Issue:Concealed carry reciprocity

Fix:Check with your future home state's issuing authority to find out.

If YES:Great! You're covered during the moving process. Carry away!

If NO: Find out the state's criteria for getting a Concealed Carry Permit. If the move is still some time off, attempt to get a non-resident concealed carry permit and then just switch it to resident once the move is complete.

2. Does your state have magazine restrictions?

Issue: Magazine restrictions

Fix: Check to see if your state has any restrictions on magazine size.

If YES: Invest in magazines that have 10 or fewer rounds.

If NO: Great! No problemo!

3. Do you have to pass through any states that don't acknowledge your CCW?

Issue: Traveling through states without CCW reciprocity

Fix:When in doubt, protect yourself under FOPA by unloading the firearm and placing it in the trunk separate from the magazine, preferably in a locked container. That way, if you get pulled over, you're good.

If YES: Unload the firearm while you're in a state that still acknowledges your right to carry concealed. Place the unloaded firearm in a locked container separate from the magazine and lock it up for the duration of your time traveling through that state.

If NO: Fantastic! Drive on!

4. Packing checklist

5. Don't assume just because a neighborhood is “safe” that it is safe.

Issue: A lot of home invasions happen in “nice” neighborhoods. People moving into an area may not be familiar with local threats and may inadvertantly make themselves vulnerable to attack.

Fix: Almost every state has some version of “Castle Doctrine”. Be friendly but carry everyday and especially in the home.

6. Have you prepared your home for home defense?

Issue: A new home means a new home defense plan is required. Different layout, different area, different people.

Fix: Take some time and plan how you would break in. Use those common routes to plan for defense and how to protect your family in case of a home invasion.

Hopefully, this list was helpful in identifying several key questions we all ask ourselves when transitioning to a new place. A new place is a great new opportunity to improve your situational awareness, meet new friends, and commit to carrying everyday.