Written by: Kate Becker
Date:

Relocating from one state to another is a lot more than simply transferring your belongings to a new home. You will need to adapt to a different lifestyle, different circumstances. However, this has the potential to enhance your life by a considerable margin if you do it right. For example, if you are moving from California to Virginia, you will lose out on some benefits but you will gain others. Knowing what to expect and whether it works for you is critical. As is the choice of your moving company. You want a smooth relocation process so you can adapt at the earliest. If you want to be absolutely sure you get the best movers to choose from, simply allow Verified Movers to match you with them! We will find you a perfect moving partner.

Moving from California to Virginia 101

Here are the two main things you will need to do:

  • Get to know both states before you make the final decision
  • Prepare for the relocation process

While this may sound exceedingly simple, either one of those things is quite complicated in and of itself. But they are both absolutely necessary. If you want to make sure that you really know what you’re going into and make it easier on yourself, that is what you will need to do. Of course, it helps if you have one of the top movers in Los Angeles helping you out. They can provide you with quite a bit of information as they are dealing with relocations on a daily basis. But for the most part, you will need to do quite a bit of research. This article is the perfect starting point, as we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of both states. The first thing you need to do is take a look at the state you will be moving out of.

Moving from California to Virginia - a road going through the hills

Before you start moving from California to Virginia, there is some research to be done!

Vital California statistics

The state of California ranks as the #24 in overall state rankings, according to usnews.com. The main benefit of the state lies in its health care, in which California ranks #5. The economy is the next big number, as the state is tenth-best where the economy is concerned. The rest of the rankings are more in line with the “middle of the pack”, except opportunity. It may shock you that California is dead last when it comes to this statistic. If you are looking for opportunities, every single state is better than California.

Pros and cons of living in California

Before you look into hiring a moving company for your relocation, you might want to remind yourself what is great (and not so great) about the state. After that, you can safely hire one of the interstate moving companies California has on offer if you still think relocating is the best thing for you. Let’s take a look at what you will be leaving behind:

The first big “pro” is the weather. It is no surprise, however, as California has some of the best weather in the country. To be perfectly honest, it is kind of a big deal as it is influencing your life on a daily basis. And the state itself is really beautiful. You can enjoy both beaches and mountains as a resident of California.

Last, but definitely not least, people in California are happier than in most states.

person lounging in a park

California’s residents really know how to enjoy life.

You know about most of these already, so we are just going to list them again. The high crime rate, heavy tax burden, and steep living costs. That is what you have to contend with living in California.

Now, let’s take a look at what you may expect from Virginia.

Your new state

“The grass is always greener on the other side” – As the old proverb goes. But is it, really? You may want to make sure that you are going to get a better life before you relocate. And for that, you need to understand what the state has to offer. Thus, before you hire one of the interstate moving companies Virginia has for your relocation, let’s take a look at what makes the Old Dominion so special. Starting off with:

Virginia statistics

Straight off the proverbial bat, Virginia “beats” California in overall rankings. It proudly holds the #7 spot, again according to usnews.com. However, the highest individual rankings are #8 in opportunity and #9 in crime & corrections. A stark contrast to California, indeed. All of the other rankings are high, except for infrastructure which is #39. But if you plan on living in one of the larger cities, this is really a non-issue. 

Pros and cons of living in Virginia

The state of Virginia has a lot going for it. It features a low overall crime rate, great quality of health care, as well as great weather, and a happy population. Apart from the crime rate, this is quite similar to California, which is a good thing. The less you have to adapt to, the better. You will also be able to enjoy both beaches and mountains, much the same as in your old state.

three people conversing

Living in Virginia provides you with many great opportunities.

The drawbacks are quite similar to California, too. The cost of living can be said to be too high and the taxes are as oppressive as in California. However, a unique concern for some people is that Virginia has 4 nuclear power plants, 2 of which are near Richmond. Lastly, Virginia’s traffic is really something else. You will do well to plan your routes and times carefully, or you will be “pulling your hair” soon enough.

The relocation process

Once you do decide that relocation is what you want to do, here’s a short rundown of the moving process:

  • Set your moving budget
  • Make a moving checklist
  • Book movers in advance
  • Ask for help from friends/family members
  • Organize your time and efforts
  • Declutter
  • Obtain packing supplies and start packing as soon as you can
  • Don’t forget to pack an essentials bag for each family member

Of course, moving from California to Virginia is much more complicated than that, and each topic on the list warrants its own guide. If you want to know more about the long distance relocation process itself, all you need to do is get in touch with Verified Movers and we will set you up with a specific guide for your situation.