Helping You Transition to Your Next Adventure

5 Reasons People Are Moving from California to Wyoming, Utah & Montana

It’s kind of depressing to see people starting to lose interest in a place as great as California. Despite its strong economy, the Golden State features considerable drawbacks like high living costs, exorbitant tax rates, nightmarish traffic, and safety concerns…. Continue Reading →

Ultimate Wyoming Adventure Relocation Guide

Have you ever dreamed of a life filled with adventure? One where you wake up to the smell of the forest or hear the whisper of the mountain breeze as it caresses your face? Where you get to conquer formidable… Continue Reading →

How to Plan Your Upcoming Move to Wyoming

Wyoming has everything you can ask for in a paradise – rolling hills, rows of magnificent mountains, biodiverse forests, and bountiful aquatic life. It is the epitome of natural beauty and elegance. On top of that, the community makes it even more interesting. This state has the smallest population in the tenth largest geographical state. With just six residents per square mile, Wyoming offers plenty of room to spread out and enjoy nature. Plus, the state offers affordable housing, a low crime rate, and reasonable taxes.

If you’re thinking about making Wyoming your home, now is the time. Here’s how you can efficiently plan your relocation to the good old Cowboy State.

Pay Wyoming a Visit

This is the most logical first step to any relocation. You might think you know everything after reading some articles on the internet or spending a few days browsing properties on realtor.com. But that research just scratches the surface.

That said, try to free up your schedule and visit your new town or city in person. Besides having fun, your goal this time is to get an overall feel of the place. Scout out potential homes and apartments, dine in one of the restaurants and talk with the locals. Do some shopping while observing the community.

How do you feel? Remember that you might live here for many years. Think it through. Once you’ve carefully weighed the pros and cons, the next step is to start planning.

Create a Game Plan

A plan helps keep things on track, especially when doing something as complicated as moving out-of-state. It’s best to start making preparations a few months before the move to account for changes and challenges that may crop up.

Below are some questions to ask when outlining your plan:

  • Can I perform a DIY move without issues, or should I hire a moving company?
  • Do I need to pack my own, or should I leave the task to the movers?
  • How big of a budget do I need? What can I do to reduce the costs?
  • When should I move? Can I afford to be away from work for a while?
  • Should I ship my car and fly? Or is it cheaper to drive to my new home?

Your answers to these questions will serve as the backbone in developing a timeline and moving checklist. If you decide on a DIY move, list down what you need to do, like renting a truck and buying packing supplies. Likewise, if you choose to employ movers, start taking notes of prospective companies and their services.

Hiring a Moving Company

Enlisting professional help is more complicated than it sounds. With so many rogue movers lurking on the market, you’ll have to be careful with the company you choose to deal with. Avoid making compromises. Try to hire movers who provide affordable services and give the best value for your money.

Don’t know how to find the right movers? No worries! Here are some valuable tips to ensure you hire from among the best Wyoming moving companies:

  • Compare quotes from multiple companies. Why? Because every business operates differently. Some will have a better price-to-performance ratio than others. Look for the one that can deliver your demands without straining your wallet. Explore your options as much as possible. Don’t settle for less.
  • Ensure that your movers are licensed and insured. How to check? Start by asking for their USDOT number and see if it’s registered to the FMCSA database. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau for any complaints regarding the company. Lastly, don’t bother with movers who are not transparent with their insurance coverage policies. It’ll help you avoid stress if things go south.
  • Check online reviews and recommendations. No amount of marketing can beat the feedback of a customer. Knowing other people’s experiences will help you dodge a bullet if the company has some questionable practices.
  • Be on the lookout for red flags. Sometimes, you can spot a shady moving company in advance. Rogue movers typically:
    • Request a large deposit before initiating the move.
    • Tell you the estimate over the phone.
    • Lure you in by providing a low-ball quote.
    • Don’t have a website, or they run a poorly maintained one.
    • Ask you to sign incomplete or blank documents.
  • Only agree to a binding estimate: This type of estimate obliges movers to name a price and honor it when the move’s over. It prevents them from collecting extra charges unless you’ve specifically requested additional services or added inventory after the initial walkthrough.

Make Necessary Arrangements and Preparations

Alrighty. With reliable movers to take care of the heavy work, you can now focus on other important matters. Here’s a list of the things you might want to settle first to avoid getting stressed on moving day.

  • Make travel arrangements ahead of time. The earlier you start hunting for flights, the better deals you can get. If you plan to hit the road, perform car maintenance and book hotel reservations in advance to avoid delays.
  • Update your health insurance. You want to have full medical coverage the moment you make the transition. Depending on your provider, you might have to purchase a new plan when moving to Wyoming. Some job-related relocations don’t require you to get new coverage – be sure to ask your HR person.
  • Secure your children’s school records. Start looking at the schools in your potential neighborhood. Notify your kids’ current institution about your move so they can gather the documents you need. Subsequently, enroll your kids at their new school. 
  • Transfer utilities. More likely than not, you’re going to need new providers (for gas, electricity, water, etc.) in Wyoming. However, it won’t hurt to ask your current company if they provide services in your new state. Furthermore, the best timing for utility management is to turn them off a day after you move out and reactivate them a day before you arrive at your new home.
  • Gather packing supplies. Looking to save? Be resourceful and utilize existing materials in your home. You can use newspaper for packing, old blankets for cushioning, and clean trash bags for stowing laundry. As for moving boxes, try to secure some from neighbors and friends or gather boxes from your local grocery store.

Downsize Accordingly

One common mistake when moving is trying to relocate everything you own. Besides making it hard to manage space inside the truck, it also increases the final price. That’s why you see plenty of blogs encouraging homeowners to downsize before moving.

Check out these great tips on how to declutter your house:

  • Organize your inventory. Separate belongings into three groups, namely: to take, to sell, and trash. Get rid of duplicates. A general rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used something for the past six months, chances are you won’t need it after you move.
  • Sell your items. Try to sell unwanted items on platforms like FB marketplace or eBay. If you’ve got time, having a garage sale is a great way to make some fast cash.
  • Donate your stuff. If you don’t have time to market your goods, it doesn’t hurt to give them away to those that need them most. You can donate clothes to a local charity or hand old toys over to your neighbors’ kids. Making people smile will make you feel great!

Streamline Your Packing Process

Packing is one of the most crucial tasks when moving. There’s more to it than just cramming stuff inside boxes. You have to make sure the contents are secure despite the rattling and bumping during transit. Packing might seem tedious, but it has to be done. So here’s some advice on how you can get it done in no time.

  • Avoid spending your entire day packing. You’ll only exhaust yourself and make little progress. It’s better to pack for a few hours in the morning. Rest during lunch. Perhaps watch a movie or get some fresh air outside. Continue boxing up in the afternoon. You’ll be surprised with your progress when you don’t overwork yourself.
  • Prepare an essentials box. It should contain necessities that’ll help your family survive the first few days in your new home. Put in some fresh sets of clothes, medications, bathroom supplies, plates, and dining utensils.
  • Color code boxes. Take labeling up a notch with a color code system. How? Simply assign a color to a room and use markers with the said color to mark the boxes. This will make unpacking and setting up your new home much more manageable.
  • Packing hacks. Caught in a rush? Save time by packing laundry in clean trash bags. You can also roll clothing instead of folding to save more space. Suitcases are great for stowing books, so you can easily drag them around. All in all, there are many creative ways to make packing a lot easier.

Additional Tips When Moving to Wyoming 

  • Do some more research. Start by comparing living costs between towns. Familiarize yourself with state laws and regulations. Dig deeper into the Old West culture. Find out more about recreation and festivities. Your goal is to learn as much about Wyoming as to avoid culture shock.
  • Pack or purchase additional winter clothing. The things you heard about Wyoming’s winters are true – cold, bitter, and harsh. You’ll appreciate having extra layers to keep you warm as the Christmas season approaches.
  • Finally, travel by car. Sure, taking a plane is convenient and all. There’s no denying that. Still, this move is the perfect chance to see Wyoming’s beauty. It would be a waste to skip on the scenery. Enjoy every moment of this ride of a lifetime.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Wyoming in 2021

‘Low key’ is the phrase to describe Wyoming. It is a large state in the West with a small population of only 600,000. Even Baltimore has more people than the entire state of Wyoming! But looking beyond the remoteness, the region… Continue Reading →

Six Things to Know When Hiring Interstate Movers

If you’ve attempted a DIY move before, you must understand how difficult it is. Many things can stress you out, like creating a plan, packing stuff, sticking with your budget, or lifting furniture. With all the chaos surrounding a move,… Continue Reading →

Nationwide Real Estate List – Best Places to Move for Outdoor Enthusiasts

For those of us who love spending time outdoors, breathing fresh air and releasing pent up energy, nothing can be worse than living in an area with limited options. It may even be worth considering a move to a more outdoor-friendly area, but where might you find such a place? Below, we’ll look at the five best places for outdoor enthusiasts looking to relocate.

1. Seattle, Washington

While many of this city’s 637,850 residents might complain about the winters and the rainy season, this location still rates at the top for the activities it provides. Sunny days can be spent in one of the 44 nearby state parks or at one of the 19 beaches. Surrounded by water on two sides, kayaking, sailing, and boating are common activities in this maritime gem. Prefer the mountains? Seattle has those too in the form of Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.

seattle

Though known for its rain, Seattle also offers abundant recreational opportunities.

2. Costa Mesa, California

This city of 111,635 has a smattering of five state parks in the area, but that’s not all California visitors, and locals love about the city. Costa Mesa boasts 47 beaches that play host to sun worshippers and water lovers all year long. Whether you love surfing or jogging the beach, this sunny town has plenty of options to spend the endless summer days.

costa-mesa

3. Cambridge, Massachusetts

While most people associate Cambridge with MIT and Harvard, those prestigious universities are just one reason to come to this city of 106,844 people. According to Charlesgate Realty, Cambridge, and its neighbor Boston offers the ideal “launching pad” for those who love outdoor activity. With 43 state parks and 120 beaches close by, here there’s always something to do, whether it’s kayaking down the Charles River or biking at Cambridge Common. The rich history of this New England town also provides a host of tours and memorials to educate and entertain.

cambridge

4. Austin, Texas

This city of 947,890 can get a little crowded, so it’s a good thing the area provides plenty of opportunities to get outside and take in the breathtaking state parks populating the area. Activities include spelunking, rock climbing, swimming, and hiking, so there’s always an opportunity to test your skills and explore the gifts nature has bestowed on this Southern city.

texas

Set in the rolling hills of Central Texas, Austin has myriad activities for nature lovers. Go for a trail run on the greenbelt or paddle your kayak down the Colorado River through the heart of downtown.

5. Alexandria, Virginia

The 146,422 residents of Alexandria join frequent visitors in enjoying the 20 state parks and 19 beaches this city has to offer. Sitting on the shores of the Potomac River, Alexandria offers over 940 acres of outdoor parks and recreational centers. Possibly one of the biggest attractions may be the 17 mile Mount Vernon Trail. For those ambitious enough to take this hike, they’ll be rewarded by arriving at the estate of George Washington. Along the way, the trail intersects with the Potomac Heritage, Custis, Rock Creek, Four Mile Run, and Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trails.

virginia

6. Phoenix, AZ

This bustling city on the fringes of the Sonoran Desert is one of the ultimate places for those who love spending time outside. Though Phoenix itself sits in a valley, it’s surrounded by various mountain ranges that offer ample opportunities for hiking and trail running. We asked friends at a local moving company for their top trail recommendations. They say Camelback is a must-do for vacationers and first timers, and other popular hikes include the Lookout Mountain Summit Trail, Tom’s Thumb, and the Siphon Draw Trail.

While this is by no means a comprehensive list, these cities are among the best regarding providing maximum enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer the forests and mountains or the beaches and the waterways beyond, there’s always something to do in these areas. Pack a bag or a moving truck and head for the nearest interstate. You won’t regret it.

Professional Mover Tips for Packing and Moving All Your Adventure Gear

When moving to a new home, properly packing up your belongings is one of the most arduous but important tasks. Improper packing can expose your prized possessions to breakage, dents, and scratches. And if you are an outdoor enthusiast, packing gets trickier as most of your equipment is not only expensive and fragile but also hard to pack due to its shape, size, or material. To help you with your move, here are professional packing tips from these NYC movers to prep your gear for relocation.

Transporting Fishing Equipment

Fishing might be fun, but packing fishing gear for a move isn’t. Fishing rods are abnormally long with parts that can be easily snapped and broken. Normal moving boxes are too small and will almost undoubtedly lead to cracked parts. A cargo carrier specifically designed for fishing equipment minimizes such risk. There are several options when it comes to selecting a rod and reel case, from rod socks to bazooka tube cases. Browse the best fishing rod cases and select the optimal one for your needs. Not only will the case protect your expensive equipment during your move, but it is an investment for protection during future travels as well.

Moving Your Biking Gear

A bike rack is the most dependable way to move your bike over long distances. Attaching a rack to the back of your vehicle will not only free up space for other belongings in the trunk or roof, but it will also ensure your bike reaches its destination in one piece. Additionally, a standard bike rack carries up to five bikes eliminating the need to have a rack for each bicycle. In the absence of a rack, you can also move your bike safely by having it secured inside a moving van.

Kayak Relocation

A kayak is best transported by a kayak carrier attached to your vehicle’s roof or hitch (see how to install here). When securely fixed, your boat is safe to move hundreds for miles. The saved space on the moving truck can thus be occupied by other belongings. Should you lack a carrier, a cargo van can do the job too. Position the kayak diagonally inside your cargo van, leaving room to spare for other belongings to be packed in around it.

Safely Stowing Your Skiing Gear

For lovers of this sport, you might want to invest in both a ski boot bag and a ski bag. A large enough boot bag will securely hold your helmet, boots, and boot dryer, while ski bags are designed to accommodate poles and skis. As ski gear like jackets and snow pants are extremely bulky, you might want to transport these in vacuum seal bags that shrink items to a more manageable size.

Organizing Camping Equipment

For those who love to backpack or camp, there are lots of small gadgets and bulky items that need to be contained. Invest in a few heavy-duty, clear plastic storage boxes. These are perfect for consolidating all your camping gear, including backpacks, stoves, hammocks, sleeping bags, cookware, and more. Plus, you’ll be able to see what’s in each box for easy unpacking. Or, you might just want to leave your camping gear stowed away in these containers even after you’ve settled into your new home.

Overall, the key to a successful move is methodical packing. By purchasing the right packing supplies, you’ll protect all your expensive outdoor gear so it’s ready to use as you start exploring your new surroundings.

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