Moving across the country is an exciting adventure!
Moving across the country can also be a scary prospect.
There are many things to consider when thinking about moving.
- Where do I go?
- Is this a smart move?
- Why do I want to move?
- Wait, should I really move?
- Where should I go?
- Do I rent or buy?
- Should I really do this?
Okay, you get the point.
Moving across the country requires a great deal of planning and consideration before making the big decision.
Let’s say you picked the area.. San Diego. Sure, why not?
San Diego is lovely and has a great deal to offer. Beautiful beaches, great food, theme parks, and more. San Diego is considered to be a great place to retire but it is also good for the younger folks. This is especially true given the educational system. San Diego has 23 higher education options including University of San Diego and University of California- San Diego. One of the things that I love about University of California- San Diego is the library and all of the art sculptures around campus.
Not to worry, if you are not looking to retire or to attend college, there are still plenty of options of things to do in San Diego. So let’s figure out where to live.
Personally, I would not move to a new area and immediately purchase a home.
Renting your next home is a great option.
Budget and neighborhood safety are the two most important factors for almost everyone when choosing where to live. Most people will not compromise of safety. However, many people do compromise on budget.
It is a mistake to compromise on budget.
According to Zumper, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in San Diego, CA is $2,050. A studio is $1800 and a 2-bedroom apartment is $2,740. Budget matters!
Set your top budget and do not go above it. Moving will offer many unexpected expenses. As well, you need to consider the cost of utilities.
Your housing budget should not be compromised. If you find that your budget is too limiting than consider renting with a roommate. Click To TweetI love that Zumper offers real-time analysis of the rent market so I would definitely check that out. It will help tremendously as you set budget and continue your research process.
Narrow Your Location
Safety first. Check out the crime rates nd the general feel of each neighborhood that you are considering. Ask question of the rental agent and people in the area.
Consider the commute for anyone who works outside of the home or goes to school. As well look at how close the grocery store, gym and other things that you enjoy are to the community that you choose.
Renting allows you to live in the area that you think is best for you and make sure you like it before you stake a more permanent claim.
For example, you may think that you will adore Pacific Beach but later realize that Mission Beach is the place for you.
Ask Questions
Before filling out an application be sure to ask all of your questions. Common questions in the California rental market include:
- Is parking on the premises?
- Is parking included? If not, how much is it?
- Are utilities included?
- What are the rental insurance guidelines?
- Are there any specials?
- What is the process for applying for the rental?
- What is the cost of applying for the rental?
- When will the apartment I want be available?
- What is the move out policy?
Now that you have found your apartment, it is time to move. Congratulations!
Moving Tips
26 thoughts on “Moving Across The Country”
i think despite the tiring packing and unpacking, it is also an exciting thing moving to another place.. 🙂 keep safe!
It is certainly plenty of work but also very exciting.
Moving is such a big project. I haven’t done it in the long time and always scared of thinking to do it.
Moving can be quite scary. With the proper research and prep it can be much less so.
I’m also planning to move relocate with my husband soon. Moving across country could be exciting , and daunting at the same time! Thanks for the tips.
How exciting to be reunited. I am super happy that the tips have been helpful.
Moving across the country has its perks as you mentioned above. My dad was in a transferable job and I too have lived across coz of my jobs. I love the helpful tips you gave above and the relevant questions to ask.
Thank you for your feedback. I’m happy that you think the questions are worthwhile it sounds as if you have lived in many interesting places.
Very good article with bunch of information! Thanks for sharing with us.
You are so very welcome.
During the Pandemic I shifted across the country and I can relate to your post so much. I wish read this before I moved :))
Very well written!
You are quite kind. It would be wonderful to hear your tips, as well.
Moving from one place to another was undeniably stressful but yes it can be an exciting adventure too. We have experience doing this when i was a kid and one of my problems is the adjustment as i had to get to know my new neighbors, new school and all that stuff.. Luckily we were able to find a place where we stay for good haha
Budget is indeed one of the things you must highly consider when moving.. As much as possible, you mustvlend budget for those unexpected expenses that you might encounter along the way
There are many unexpected expenses when one moves. As well being a homeowner also brings with it unexpected expenses. Preparing for those is important. As well preparing your children for any move is important and should include a conversation around how to make new friends. Thank you for bringing up this important point.
It’s a long way to move across the country and requires a lot of work as well. Great tips to check on the area and safety.
It is a great deal of work to make a small move and even bigger for one so far.
I know these facts are true when moving. However, when I moved for residency and med school, I moved as close as possible to the school or hospital. I should have investigated the areas more but I just didn’t want to have to travel far. LOL
It’s ironic that you mentioned San Diego — we considered that city before we move to our current location. The cost of housing scared us sufficiently that we backed off at the time!
The prices in California can definitely be offputting. However what it offers is pretty amazing.
I can definitely understand the decision to live in your school. It would seem much easier.
These are great things to think about when moving anywhere, not just across the country. The more you plan for your move and the location you go to, the less stressful it will be, and the happier you will be, and if you are renting, and signed a 1-year lease, you can always move again somewhere else if you don’t like that particular area. Another reason why renting is good to do at first.
That is another wonderful benefit of renting.
If you make a steak with where are you Peck it is easy to fix the issue if you’re wanting to.
Moving cross country is such a big undertaking. I have never moved from a house (just an apartment). I can’t imagine moving everything! But with movers it helps.
Moving is a big job made so much easier when you hire a moving company.
We moved halfway across the country, from Orlando, Florida to Houston, Texas about 6 years ago. It was definitely a lot of planning, especially with a one-year-old and me pregnant. But we did it and it was such a great move for our family. We were so many years still from elementary school that I truly didn’t think about the school options, but we are in one of the best districts in the area right now, so I am happy with the decision.
The universe conspired with you to make sure that you had a great school. That move must’ve been tremendous and especially with you being pregnant.
We recently moved to another city and I can vouch for the fact that each of these is true! Thanks!
Thank you for your verification. I hope that you are getting settled in nicely.