As summer approaches, so does moving season. Many people choose summer to move for a variety of reasons, from school being out of session to new job opportunities. Some people choose to move within the same city or neighborhood, while other moves involve new experiences in unfamiliar areas. Whether moving across the country, to another county, or across the city, it’s important to be prepared when relocating to an unfamiliar area. This month, Security Public Storage offers tips for moving to a new area.
Tips for Preparing to Move to a New City
Visit Your New Neighborhood, City, State
Before picking up and relocating to a whole new area, it’s important to visit the city at least once. Get a feel for the neighborhood and the surrounding area. If you’re staying in a hotel, ask the concierge for local recommendations and branch out from the typical tourist attractions. You can find a wealth of information via internet research, including review sites. Check out under-the-radar hangouts and businesses frequented by locals.
Research Cost of Living
If you’re moving from a small town to a bigger city, for example, the cost of living may be higher than you’re used to. Don’t let the financials be a surprise when you move to a new city. Research to find out typical costs in your new city. This includes housing, healthcare, transportation, food prices and more. Knowing what to expect will help you plan a realistic budget for your life in a new city.
Budget Your Move Accordingly
Moving to a new area, especially out of the state, can be expensive — whether hiring movers or going the DIY route. Research the average cost of professional movers in your area and check that against the amount of money you have earmarked for the move. If you opt for DIY, plan to pay for a moving truck rental, moving supplies including boxes and tie-downs, and other expenses. Remember to put money aside for unforeseen costs. If you’re moving for a job, verify if the company covers part or all of your moving expenses.
Do You Need a Storage Unit?
Depending on your circumstances, a storage unit rental may be a big help when moving to a new area. Security Public Storage has locations all across California, as well as in Oregon, Nevada and in the Washington DC metro area. Check with the storage company to see what kind of deals are available at the time you need a storage unit. If you only need storage temporarily, you may be able to score great savings on storage unit rentals for specific sizes.
At SPS, we offer touchless storage unit rentals at all of our locations. Rent a storage unit online or over the phone with us and you’ll be able to sign all of the paperwork digitally and, after a quick check-in at the office, go straight to your unit on move-in day.
Rent a U-Haul® for Your DIY Move
If you plan on foregoing professional movers in favor of driving your belongings to your new home, renting a U-Haul® is a great way to move yourself. Renting a U-Haul® as opposed to professional movers will save you money, and you’ll be able to see exactly what you put in the truck and where.
Select SPS locations include U-Haul® rentals onsite. That means you can buy moving supplies, rent a storage unit and rent a U-Haul® all in one convenient location. U-Haul® rentals can also be processed online, which minimizes touch points, except for when you need to grab the keys.
Communicate Expectations with Moving Companies
Moving to a new state can be challenging without the help of professional movers. Before hiring movers, do your research and make sure the company is reputable and trustworthy. Read reviews on Google, TrustPilot and Yelp before signing on the dotted line. Many movers will perform an in-person or video inspection in order to give you an accurate quote. Once you’ve hired movers, confirm the moving date and the arrival time with the company. Save yourself the stress later by verifying that they have the correct address and moving date. It’s also important to ask the movers how long delivery will take and to know the maximum number of days allowed for delivery and to ensure that’s specified in your agreement.
Give the movers multiple contacts, as cell phones may get misplaced or unusable. Giving the movers backup phone numbers ensures they will be able to contact you if they need to reach you.
Pack Strategically with the Right Packing Supplies
Moving out of state or to a different city takes a little more planning and strategy than the typical move from one apartment to another in the same area. Before you begin packing, create a timeline and strategic plan. Secure all of the necessary packing and moving supplies you need in advance. SPS locations sell a variety of boxes, packing and moving supplies in our offices, making it easy for you to get everything you need in one convenient stop.
First, pack non-essential items — books, movies, home decor, electronics. Essentials should be packed last including toiletries, kitchen supplies and dinnerware. Donate items you no longer need to local charities. Remember to pack important records and documents separately in a clearly labeled box, so as to keep them safe.
Be Prepared When You Move to an Unfamiliar Area
Many of the resources you need when moving to an unfamiliar area can be found online. Many cities have websites with all of the information you need for scheduling the installation of your utilities, forwarding your mail, registering your children for school and learning about public transportation options. Doing the research in advance before you move to an unfamiliar area will help you adjust quickly once you arrive. Find yoga studios, gyms, restaurants, music venues, libraries and auto repair shops to ensure your transition goes smoothly.
SPS offers storage unit rentals and moving and packing supplies for sale at our locations throughout the West Coast and the Washington DC metro area. Select locations also offer U-Haul® rentals to make your DIY move touch-free and easy. Browse our locations to find a self-storage facility near you.