Moving across the country from the East Coast to the West Coast is an exciting adventure, but it also requires extensive preparation. With planning and organization, you can ensure your move goes smoothly. Follow these tips to get ready for your big transition.
Research Your Destination
Before your move, take time to thoroughly research where you’ll be living on the West Coast. Learn about the job market, housing costs, schools, recreation, culture, and more. This will help you choose the right city or town to call home. Visit your top location choices if possible to experience them firsthand.
Consider where you hope to work and how your professional qualifications fit local industries. Also, think about amenities that matter to you like access to nature, arts and dining scenes, diversity, etc. Narrow your destination based on meeting your key needs and interests.
Handle Logistics for Your Current Location
Once you’ve selected your new home, begin tying up loose ends at your current location.
Provide proper notice to your landlord, employer, utility companies, etc. Cancel or transfer memberships and subscriptions appropriately. Coordinate with schools and childcare providers to transfer records out west.
Also, begin purging and organizing your belongings. Decide what will make the trip vs. what should be sold or donated. Start packing non-essentials to streamline moving day.
Secure Housing on the West Coast
One of your top priorities should be finding a place to live in your new location. Start researching neighborhoods and options within your budget. Connect with realtors, property managers, and online listing services.
Plan to visit your target area about one month before moving to tour places in person. Secure housing early so you have an address to provide for services like utilities and forwarding mail. Schedule any needed cleaning, maintenance, or repairs before your planned move-in.
Transfer Important Accounts and Records
In advance of relocating, contact providers to switch over or close accounts and services. This includes bank accounts, insurance policies, medical providers, licenses, memberships, subscriptions, and more.
Update the address attached to bills, loans, tax records, legal documents, vehicle registration and any other official documentation. Doing this paperwork ahead of time prevents hassles down the road.
Use a Car Shipping Company to Transport Your Vehicle
One major factor in your move is how to get your car or other vehicles to the West Coast. Driving across the country takes significant time and expense. Instead, use a car shipping company.
Car shipping companies safely haul your vehicle door-to-door. Simply schedule pick-up and drop-off appointments and hand over your keys. Your car will arrive at your new home without you needing to make the long trek.
Research car transport companies and get quotes. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance. Prepare your vehicle by emptying it of personal items. Some auto services allow shipping additional small boxes in the car for an extra fee.
Travel to Your New Home
Decide how you’ll get yourself and your family to the West Coast. Book moving vans, flights, hotels, etc. as needed. If you will be driving, plan your route and identify sightseeing stops or lodging each night.
Ship luggage and boxes ahead of time. Only take essentials for the trip like clothes, medications, electronics, and valuables. Keep important documents and information with you when traveling.
Use Movers or Ship Belongings
Unless you plan to haul all your furniture and boxes yourself, you’ll need movers. Hire a national moving company to handle the entire process door-to-door. Or use a shipping container like PODS that packs, transports, and stores your items.
For a DIY move, rent a truck or trailer. Pack and load it carefully with help from friends. Unload and unpack methodically at your new place. Set aside a few basics like toiletries, towels, and an air mattress so you can clean up and sleep after the grueling unpacking process.
With planning and preparation, you can make your interstate move go smoothly. Do your research, schedule services well in advance and get help transporting belongings to your fresh West Coast start.
