The greatest thing about moving is the excitement that it brings.
Yes, New York City is electrifying. Everyone knows that. However, California offers a different thrill with its pristine beaches, striking landscapes, unforgettable summers, and relaxed day-to-day atmosphere. There’s so much to love about the place.
If you’re planning to move from NYC to Cali, you better come prepared. It’s a 3-day trip with a lot of challenges along the way. So here are eight valuable tips for planning your move.
1. Hire an Experienced Moving Company.
You could probably give a dozen reasons why you should move on your own. But do you know the only reason why you should hire movers?
No? Well, it’s simply because this is not an easy move.
Keep in mind that you’re relocating to the other side of the country. This alone should give you a rough idea of the logistics involved in the operation. Whether you’re moving independently or with your family, you’ll save more by letting professionals handle the situation.
With that said, you should hire moving companies with plenty of experience in long-distance relocation. These movers specialize in moving from New York to California. If they have relocated people to the Golden State before, then there’s no doubt that they can do the same for you.
Moving cross-country is not an easy task. Think of all the logistics!.
2. Go All Out on Downsizing
Letting go is never easy. It might seem ideal to keep most of your stuff and furniture but don’t forget that it’s a long trip. The excess weight combined with the distance will incur extra charges from your carrier. Moving items might cost more than the price if you purchase them again.
So downsize as much as you can. Here are some tips on how to do it:
- Create a pare-down plan. This will make it easier for you to pick which stuff to keep and which to toss.
- Organize your belongings. Start by sorting them into three groups:
- To keep
- To sell/donate
- To throw away
Pro tip: Be firm with your decision. Skipping to categorize an item ‘for later’ will only make you sentimental. You might end up bringing that object along even if you don’t need it.
- Trim down your wardrobe. Cali and NYC climates differ a lot. Say goodbye to that extra winter clothing and gear.
- Get a second opinion. You’re probably gonna be biased when it comes to trimming down your home. It won’t hurt to know what a friend or family member has to say.
- Have a Garage Sale or Stoop Sale. Now that you’ve sorted things out, it’s time to sell or donate the ones you won’t be keeping. This is a great way of earning quick cash to cover some of your moving expenses.
Remember, as much as you may want to bring everything, you shouldn’t.
3. Let the Movers Pack Your Things
Before you protest, there’s a good reason for this. Although you can pack by yourself, the packing may not survive the entire journey. Bumpy roads and weather conditions could hurt your cargo. Fortunately, movers have already encountered these challenges before. They know how to properly pack your belongings using quality materials and advanced equipment. Additionally, your items will be insured when they are packed and loaded by the moving company.
4. Plan on How to Spend Your Extra Money
Did you just read extra? Yes, you did! Not to exaggerate, but you’ll be relatively richer in California than you are in NYC. That’s because the cost of living is 24% cheaper for most cities in the state. So before you get there, it’s a good idea to plan on how to spend your extra wealth. You could go on a dream vacation, purchase new furniture, or use the money to relocate seamlessly by hiring full-service movers.
5. Be Prepared to Slow Down
NYC is incredibly hectic. Residents are always in a rush looking for something to do. That’s not the case in Cali. Not to say that San Diego or Los Angeles is slow or people are lazy. It’s just that New York’s pace is on a higher level than most cities. Knowing this will save you from shock or being overwhelmed after the move.
6. Get Ready For the Road Trip
If you don’t plan to travel by plane, then brace yourself for a ride covering almost 3000 miles, through 11+ different states and more than a dozen cities. Make sure to:
- Fill up your gas tank.
- Prepare your necessities.
- Make sure your credit card is in your purse.
Who doesn’t love road trips? That’s one way you can reach Cali from NY.
7. Choose a Route in Advance
When driving from New York to Cali, there are two popular routes to choose from:
- Interstate 80: Take this one if you’re in a hurry. It’ll take you across Colorado, Nevada, and Utah until you reach San Francisco. However, this might not be the best option during winter since the interstate takes you a bit up north.
- Interstate 70 to 40: The best route if you want to have a memorable trip with lots of scenic views along the way. First, you need to follow I-70, then shift to I-40 in Oklahoma City.
Always choose your route beforehand.
8. Don’t Forget About the DMV
Renewing your vehicle registration is a must-do in California. To avoid future problems, prepare the required documents posted on the DMV website.
Last but not least, have fun! This might be your only chance of traveling from one end of the country to the other. Never skip a beat. Never miss a moment. Enjoy!