Perhaps you have just landed your dream job on the West Coast. Maybe you have decided you need to feel closer to the ocean. Whatever your reason, a cross-country move can feel like an overwhelming ordeal.

There are countless things to consider. You must pack, secure your affairs, and find a new home, all before transporting yourself, your family, and belongings potentially thousands of miles. This is an understandably overwhelming process. If you find yourself in this position, be sure to follow these tips when getting ready to move to the Gold Coast.

Find a Moving Company

When preparing to move to California, the first thing to do is find a moving company that will accommodate your needs. There are many options when it comes to cross-country movers. International Van Lines offers a variety of discounts and a month of free storage. American Van Lines has excellent customer service ratings and price matches as well.

What is available in your area? Ask people you know if they know anyone they trust. You can also do your own research online. Look for good reviews and transparent rates, and make sure they are both licensed and insured. Identify three to five options to call and get quotes from.

Declutter By Thrifting

Go to your nearest Goodwill store and drop off any old or outdated clothing and household items you no longer need. If you suspect some of your wares may have value, consider selling them at a consignment shop. In addition to brick-and-mortar shops, there are also a variety of online thrift stores to choose from.

Get Ready for Sticker Shock

The cost of living in California is exceedingly high compared to the rest of the United States. Not only do their large cities often suffer the highest gas prices in the country, but the cost of living near the beach hurts, too. Everything from groceries to taxes costs a high price. California has a high sales tax, income tax, and property tax. If you plan to buy a home, you will likely need to account for paying all of them.

Ship Your Car

California is a large state. Even its most bustling metropolises are quite sprawling. This means you will want to take your car with you. Cross-country moves are difficult enough. You do not want to be stuck wondering how your car will make the journey. Consider shipping your car. It will save you time and can be quite affordable.

Firstly, you will need to know the different methods available to you. The most budget-friendly option is open-air shipping. Doubtless, you have seen this ubiquitous form of transportation.

Open-air shipping involves loading your vehicle onto the back of an open-air truck. This means your vehicle is exposed to the elements for the duration of the journey.

If this does not sound appealing to you, you may choose closed-container shipping. This method is a small step up from the open-air variant. The vehicle is loaded into a covered truck or shipping container.

If you are the kind of person who values convenience above all else, consider door-to-door shipping. This hassle-free method eliminates the need for pesky coordinated pickup and drop-offs. It ensures your car is both picked up and delivered straight to your front door.

Lastly, some companies offer premium services where the utmost care is given to the car’s protection. This method is usually reserved for classic and exotic vehicles.

Figure out which method is best for you and your vehicle before you commit. Do not forget to look at the best California car shippers before committing to one. Be sure to call around and get quotes to make sure you are getting a good deal.

Switch Your Insurance

If you are moving to California, consider this as an opportunity to review your car insurance. You could save some money. Look at the best car insurance in California.

GEICO is a great pick. It has affordable rates, good coverage, and widely available discounts. Another company, Wawanesa, does its best work in the state of California. It offers basic coverage at a great cost and boasts some of the best customer service scores in the industry. Be sure to call and get quotes.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to insurance, and different companies reward different kinds of drivers. You may qualify for special discounts, so ask around. Remember, you want to best coverage for you and your vehicle. If you have an old or outdated car, you may want to consider an extended warranty.

Although it is a beautiful place to live for several reasons, California, like any state, is not without its drawbacks. It has an incredibly high cost of living and high taxes. Generally, places are far apart, and you will need to use your car. If you are ready to pull the trigger on your move to the West Coast, be sure to follow these tips. Be discerning and do research at every stage of your move. You will surely be rewarded with peace of mind, and your budget will thank you.