Cross country relocations are always challenging. Especially when you are moving from one end of the nation to the other, like moving from Virginia to California. There are many aspects of the move that need to be fulfilled in order for the relocation to be a success. Hiring professional moving help is one of them. Without capable movers at your side, doing a cross country relocation such as this one is almost impossible. Don’t fret, however. With the assistance of Verified Movers, you’ll be able to find reputable moving companies in no time. Until then, make sure to read this guide and see what to expect from the upcoming move!
Preparing for a cross country move such as this one is no easy task
When we are talking about moving from Virginia to California, it’s more like moving to a new world. These two states are complete opposites! Virginia, the country of rain and storm, and on the other hand, California – the land of the eternal sun. California has majestic beaches, parks for hiking and exploring, and tasty wines. Virginia though, has rolling green mountains, changing climate, and rivers for rafting and enjoying. Moving to a completely different setting won’t be easy.
That’s why it’s super important that you start planning and preparing for your move four to six months in advance. This includes giving a call to cross country moving companies California, as they will be able to take the best care of your goods. While planning a move in three months is doable, you will be exposing yourself to unneeded stress and anxiety. To stay in control of the move (and to protect your sanity), start preparing ahead!
In addition to the enormous difference in the very soul of these two states, you will have to go through a long-distance move. And if you don’t start in time to look for cross country moving companies Roanoke VA, your move may be more difficult than it should be. So take care and follow our advice. When you are long-distance moving you have to pay more attention to small things than when you are moving somewhere close. We recommend that you make a moving checklist. Write down all tasks that you need to do before the move-out date, and deal with them one by one. This way, you will remain in control of your relocation and you will increase the chances of it being a success.
Tasks that your moving checklist must have
- Inform everyone about your upcoming change of address – Contact your colleagues, employers, friends, and family, and of course postal services.
- Cancel or move all location-based subscriptions – Since you are moving from Virginia to California, you will most likely have to cancel all location-based subscriptions (magazines, newsletters, etc.) and find suitable alternatives.
- Gather all necessary documents – Collect all important documents, like medical records, certificates, and permits. It’s best that you make copies of them, both hard and digital. You never know when you might need them!
- Enroll your children in new schools – For those moving to California with children, it’s crucial that you find suitable schools. Their education should be a priority so research in advance and enroll them in schools and colleges in California.
- Cancel your utilities and find new ones in California – It’s best that you contact new utility providers in California and set up new utilities there. The last thing you’d want is to spend the first night in your new home without electricity and hot water.
- Set up a moving-out date in advance – Depending on the time of year, cross country moving companies Fremont CA can have their calendars booked. It’s best that you contact your movers and find a suitable date well in advance, so you won’t have to experience any delays.
The financial side of moving from Virginia to California
Honestly, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you that California is a lot more expensive to live in than Virginia. However, all things considered, California is 83.4% more expensive than Virginia. The biggest difference is the median house cost, which is 212% more expensive in California. Housing costs are overall much more expensive in California, 221.7% to be precise. Another aspect of the living costs that is more expensive in the Golden State is the transportation costs. Not only is getting around in California harder, but it is also 98.0% more expensive. However, even with these stunning differences in living costs, top movers in Los Angeles are still working non-stop to help new families settle in. That is because California is a state of new opportunities. Jobs are paying considerably well, so making a comfortable wage shouldn’t be a problem.
While everything seems to be through the roof more expensive in California, there are some expectations. When you’re done with moving from Virginia to California, you will notice that the utility providers will charge you 5.3% less for their services. Also, not only is the healthcare system better in California, but it is also more affordable! Health-related expenses will cost you 9.3% less in the Golden State.
Packing and shipping
When you are moving from Virginia to California, you must pay attention to moving carefully and from one time. As it is impossible to take everything, it is time to make a list. Write down what you must take, what you can leave, and, what you are still not sure about. If most things are “not sure”, think about when you last used them. If it was six or more months ago, you will probably need it in your new home as well. When packing, mark the boxes so that you know where everything is at all times. It is best to consult with experts who will give you the best moving and packing secrets.
If you have moved before, you know how important and easy it is to hire a moving company. When you packed everything nicely, the moment came for you to move it all. It would be best to move things out a few days before you leave. That way you will have the essentials with you for as long as possible. Also, this will ensure that you and things arrive at the same time. You can contact experts from long-distance moving companies about this. They will explain to you what time it is and which method of sending things is the best.
Take care of the moving budget when you are moving from Virginia to California
If you moved to California and left your job in Virginia, you will probably need every penny until you get back on your feet. Every relocation brings costs. Especially when you move to a bigger city or country. This brings with it higher prices of groceries, transportation, food, etc. But California is a place where it’s easy to find a job, so don’t worry.
You will find a large selection, and therefore the possibility of a higher salary. It is very important to know how much money you have. Write down how much money you have and how much you plan to spend. Keep records of every expense. That way you will be more frugal. If you hire a moving company, prepare additional money. This can make you a little more expensive, due to the great distance, when you are moving from Virginia to California.
A great way to reduce moving costs is to reduce the size of your household
Moving from Virginia to California will be expensive. There is no way to evade the high price of moving to such great lengths. However, there are ways to reduce that impossibly high price to a more acceptable one. First and foremost, the more you have to move, the more you will have to pay. Reducing the size of your household is a good way to go. Simply decluttering and getting rid of the excess stuff you have lying around is a good way to reduce moving costs. Instead of throwing stuff away, consider donating them. Also, you can set up a garage sale. Every penny you earn will go a long way. Also, you can ask top movers in Virginia Beach for junk removal services, if you don’t know how to get rid of the excess items.
The climate in California is poles apart from the one in Virginia. You will probably need new clothes, more suitable for hot and dry weather. We recommend that you move with only a few pairs of clothes and get new ones after you get to the Golden State. After all, the stores are better equipped with summer-friendly clothes in California.
Now might be the best time to buy a home in California
Although California has extremely high costs of living (among the top 5 in the nation), now might be the best time to purchase a home in the Golden State. The median home price in California is forecast to decrease by around 8% in 2023. Also, housing costs are predicted to drop by a whopping 18%. If you are considering whether buying a house in California is a good choice, just keep in mind that these home prices are not bound to stay this low for a long time.
Renting a place in California is still a viable option
Compared to the high cost of housing and home prices, it’s normal to conclude that renting a place to live is still on the more expensive side. And you’d be right. The median rent in California is a whopping $2,400. Furthermore, the rental prices have increased by 13% compared to the last year. While these prices might seem high, remember that California offers higher-paying jobs that make it possible to afford rentals like these. Here are some average rentals, related to the size of the apartment:
- Studio Apartment – $1,698
- 1 Bedroom Apartment – $2,413
- 2 Bedroom Apartment – $3,298
- 3 Bedroom Apartment – $4,583
- 4 Bedroom Apartment – $6,493
For comparison, the rentals are much lower in Virginia, which was expected. The median rent there is $1,350. Here are the same average rental prices in Virginia:
- Studio Apartment – $1,668
- 1 Bedroom Apartment – $1,400
- 2 Bedroom Apartment – $1,606
- 3 Bedroom Apartment – $1,935
- 4 Bedroom Apartment – $2,499
Medical and school records are a must!
We have already mentioned how important it is to gather all documents before your move from Virginia to California, but medical and school records are a must! To be eligible for treatment in the new state, you must ask to be given your medical record. Do this for all family members. These are easy and fast procedures, so it would not be bad to be one of the first things you will do. Also, if you have children, you must take their cards from school.
It is good to know that California has an open enrollment policy. With it, you can sign in your child to any school, as long as there’s enough room. California has the most colleges and universities of any state in America. California proudly owns one of the biggest public university systems in the country. Tuition has risen recently, but it still remains within affordable borderlines. It’s great to know that after moving to CA with interstate moving companies Virginia, your kids will have great educational opportunities.
With Verified Movers at your side, your move to California will be smooth and stress-free
Moving from Virginia, which has 8 million inhabitants, to California with 39 million inhabitants, is a real challenge. People can live, eat, and communicate in completely different ways, even though they are only a few thousand kilometers away. It should be clearer to you now what awaits you. From beautiful nature, and sandy beaches, to mountains and many parks. Cruising during the day and night, wine tasting, whale watching. You can see a multitude of aquariums, museums, and a Disney park. Let California show you its charms and you will surely find a part of it, where you will feel at home. With our advice, moving from Virginia to California should be easy and fun for you and we wish you a safe trip.