Moving cross-country can be difficult, especially if you’re relocating from a city like San Jose. Do you find San Jose, California, an expensive city to live in, considering how the cost of living there has been skyrocketing? Well, it is time for that cross-country move you have been procrastinating on.
Yes, the diversity, the Mediterranean climate, long beaches, and endless entertainment make this city a fun place to live in. However, you are one of many frustrated with the city’s issues. The city’s population has dropped by more than 4% as people continue to move out.
A cross-country move is a huge transition, especially if you are used to the hustle and bustle of the city. Fitting in might be easier compared to the pre-moving process. From finding a budget-friendly house in an excellent neighborhood to hiring a reliable company to transfer your belongings to the new home, the process can be exhausting.
However, with this step-by-step guide, you can make the cross-country move easier.
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Hire Professionals
If you are thinking of packing everything in cardboard boxes and loading it in the trunk of your truck, think again. Any sharp turn or an abrupt break can cause your favorite items to break. Hence, hiring a reliable moving company is the best option.
To find a trustworthy moving company, look up San Jose moving company near me and hire the most reliable movers in town. With an ATA MSC ProMover certification and A+ BBB accreditation, you’ll be at ease knowing your relocation process is being handled by the pros.
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Plan A Budget
A cross-country move can prove to be heavy on the wallet. So, properly budget for the moving process. Keep all the expenses in mind, from plane tickets and moving insurance to new housing and the miscellaneous expenses that come with it. Whether provided by the moving company or purchased separately, insurance helps protect your belongings during transit.
If you’re driving, calculate the cost of gas, food, and lodging during the journey. Also, make sure you have a separate budget for cleaning and repairing your new house and the expense of setting up a new home. That could include new furniture, home essentials, and décor.
Depending on state regulations, you might need to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration, which could incur fees. Updating your address with the postal service and changing your address with various organizations can also involve nominal fees. Hence, ensure you are all prepared.
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Strategize and Pack
Create a moving calendar to break down tasks into manageable chunks. Set specific deadlines for tasks like packing, changing utilities, and notifying the postal service of the change of address. Remember to set realistic deadlines. Setting realistic deadlines will ensure a no-panic cross-country move, help you stay on track, and avoid a last-minute frenzy.
Throwing everything you have owned in a cardboard box is a terrible idea. Embrace the “Does this spark joy?” philosophy. If an item is useless or offers no joy to you, bid it farewell. You don’t need that neon-colored lava lamp from the ’90s or that vintage coffee table you have never used.
Decluttering will save transportation costs and help make your new home more organized and clean. If you are feeling generous, feel free to donate things you don’t need or use anymore. You can also have a small garage sale to eliminate all the clutter.
The next step is to gather packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, tape, and markers. If you are low on a budget, you can try to scout for free cardboard boxes. Grocery stores and local shops might have spare boxes they’re willing to part with. Also, if you’ve run out of bubble wrap, use socks and cushion covers to pack anything fragile.
Pack one room at a time to avoid turning your entire home into a chaotic maze. Label each box with its contents and destination room to save your sanity when unpacking.
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Visit Your Potential Neighborhood
Before investing your life-saving in a house that turns out to be a farce, it is better to frequently visit your potential neighborhood. Pictures and online descriptions can sometimes be as deceiving as a magician’s trick. Only by physically standing in the spotlight can you unveil the real deal.
Plan your visit strategically. Time your exploration to include both the bright day and the night. What might be a serene suburb during the day could turn into a party central at night. Also, feel free to mingle with the locals while you are there to get a feel of the neighborhood.
Remember, you are engaging in a casual conversation and not an investigation. So, inquire about the best coffee joints, hidden hiking trails, and whether the neighborhood is as quiet and peaceful as it seems.
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Research The Cost of Living
If the high cost of living is one of the reasons for the cross-country move, you would want to avoid ending up living in a state with the same living costs. Hence, research all the expenses you will incur while living there.
Start with housing costs. Whether you’re renting an apartment or buying a home, shelter is usually the biggest expense. Other costs include utility bills, insurance, gas, and healthcare. Also, keep the average grocery costs in mind for the new area.
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Research the Market
Before the cross-country move, research the growing markets. Start with the trusty Google search. Research industries that thrive in your potential new location. Discover what’s in demand and what job openings are buzzing. By researching job markets and industries, you can unveil hidden job opportunities that might have flown under your radar.
Most importantly, look up the average salary range for your desired role. Doing your career homework will help you decide if the new state is worth moving to.
Conclusion
Moving cross-country is a challenging process. The transition will likely be difficult and time-consuming, from downsizing your wardrobe before packing to finding a new house to make it your home. However, with these tips, you can better strategize the move and make it as smooth as possible. Hiring movers is advised since they’re experts in navigating long-distance moves.
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