Things to check before leaving Massachusetts for California

Moving to another state is a big step and a change in life. Especially when those 2 states are far away from each other – on a different coast. If you are leaving Massachusetts for California soon, be prepared for this challenge. Know what to expect when moving and what to check before leaving.

Why are people moving out of MA?

In 2020, MA was in the top 10 when it comes to moving out. What were the reasons for that?

• Job opportunities – 40% moved because of a job
• Followed by family about 30%
• Retirement 12%
• Wanting a different lifestyle 10%
• Health 6%
• The rest moved because of other personal reasons

One of the biggest concerns people have when moving interstate is the cost of moving. Total costs will mostly depend on the size of your move. For example, the average cost of moving a studio apartment from MA to CA with a moving company is around $3,000. But, if you are moving 2 or 3 bedroom apartment, it can cost up to $7,000.

Also, do not forget that California has some of the priciest cities in the USA which means that you need to prepare a budget for life after moving. Cut some of the moving costs and save money. It is possible if you are organized and prepared for the upcoming relocation.

Pros of leaving Massachusetts for California

Why are people moving from Massachusetts to California? What are the pros of living there and what Califonia has to offer to residents? Benefits of this relocation are:

• The weather is amazing in California. If you love the sun and lying on the beach all year round, CA may be the perfect solution for you.
• Nature is amazing and beaches in CA are some of the most beautiful in the USA.
• Employment opportunities are the main reasons for leaving Massachusetts for California. The economy there is strong and you will be able to work in a variety of industries. The entertainment industry is main, but not the only one. 
• Culture and diversity are something that attracts many people. You can find here people from all around the world, not only Americans.
• The education system in California is great and it has a lot of highly-rated schools.
• A lot of things to do and see after moving to California.

Check all the places where you want to move and find a guide to California counties. California is a big state and it has a lot of cities to offer.

The best cities in California to move to

One of the first steps to take when moving to a new state is to choose where to move. Where are people moving to when it comes to California? Some of the most popular cities are:

• San Francisco
• San Jose
• San Diego
• Sacramento
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Rosa
• Los Angeles
• Fresno

For moving locally in California, hire a local mover. The help is around the corner, you just need to explore it. Spend some time looking for the best company from the area you are moving to.

Hiring a moving company

What is the best way to move easily and safely to CA from MA? One of the options you can choose from is to hire a moving company with experience. But, before hiring a mover, check their license number, insurance, and check other company’s information.

How to find the right moving company for you in California. Now, the internet is the main source where you can find information about companies. Every reliable moving company has an official website you can check such as goodneighborsmoving.com, for example. Also, read online moving reviews and know how to spot fake ones.

Contact a few companies from CA and pick the best one. Compare their services and prices for the relocation. A good and experienced company will give you a moving estimate, so you will know the costs in advance. Check the company before moving and do not hire a company that is not reliable.

Renting a storage service in CA

If you have a lot of items and no place to store them after moving, having a storage unit may be very handy. It is an additional space for your stuff in California. Research storage services in California and you do not have to worry about your items. Moving and leaving Massachusetts for California is not the only reason to rent a self-storage.

For example, if your new home in CA is not ready for moving in, or you are renovating, or it is too small for all your items – having a storage unit is perfect. Before moving, check if your new home is ready and do you need to rent a storage unit.

Pack like a pro for a long-distance relocation

Packing takes most of the time when moving and that is why people forget to pack something. It is stressful and emotional, especially if you need to say goodbye to some items. It is not the same if you live in Massachusetts or California if you’re a business owner, that’s for sure. The lifestyle is different, weather, as well as apartments.

That means you do not have to pack and move all your items because it is not necessary. Start by packing things you won’t use before moving. Those items are usually in the basement or garage. For the end, leave packing an essential moving box.

When moving long-distance, prepare timely and carefully

Just like for any long-distance move, when leaving Massachusetts for California, start packing on time and do not waste it. Before moving, check if you have packed everything you need. To be more organized, create a moving checklist. This checklist will help you not to forget a thing when moving. It does not take a lot of time because you can download a moving checklist online or use some of the moving apps.