Guest Author: Brian Slater
The housing market has set records in the past several years. Remote work opportunities, cost of living and amenities draw people to homes in new cities and states. Learn more about the cities attracting new residents, the ones people are leaving behind and other nationwide moving trends here.
Recent moving trends look different than those of the past. Some stem from the COVID-19 pandemic, which normalized working from home. More than 4.9 million Americans named remote work as their reason for moving since the beginning of the pandemic.
The years 2021 and 2022 brought about a massive housing rush, causing home and rent prices to skyrocket. Higher interest rates and inflation add to the factors working against home buyers and renters in cities and states with higher living costs.
Other factors influencing moves include warmer weather, lower crime rates and proximity to loved ones. Many people are showing that they prefer a lower cost of living and laid-back lifestyle to expensive, congested cities with little access to nature.
Florida reigns as the state receiving the highest number of new residents. The most popular cities include Tampa Bay, Melbourne, Jacksonville and Sarasota. However, Myrtle Beach, SC, and Wilmington, NC, which are only about 1.5 hours apart by road, have seen the most significant jump in relocations among cities. These coastal towns offer warm weather and picture-perfect beaches at a lower cost than many throughout Florida.
Other North and South Carolina cities, like Charlotte, Raleigh and Greenville-Spartanburg, have become popular among movers. They offer big-city amenities without the high prices associated with New York City, Miami or Los Angeles.
Toward the other side of the country, Texas and Arizona remain popular moving destinations. Dallas, Houston and Phoenix are some of the most sought-after cities. Several major tech companies, including Apple, Amazon and Hewlett-Packard, have opened campuses in Texas, drawing more people to the Lone Star State.
Some cities have higher move-out rates than others. They tend to be those with high costs of living and congestion. Los Angeles has the highest number of move-outs, followed by the San Francisco area, Chicago and Long Island, NY. South Florida is also within the top five areas people are fleeing due to the continuously rising cost of living around Miami.
The pandemic was an integral factor affecting moves. Many of the moving trends we see today stem from that time. However, the rate at which people are moving has slowly declined over the past few years. Forbes attributes this to a combination of high interest rates and people desiring to settle down.
Even as mortgage rates rise and people continue to settle down, there will be those who move from town to town or state to state in search of new opportunities, their loved ones or more affordable lifestyles. Recent trends lean toward places that are warmer and less crowded.
Learn more about the latest moving trends and data points from New City Moving by taking a look at the accompanying resource.
Author bio: Brian Slater is the founder and President of New City Moving, a moving company in Chicago. Slater has more than 10 years of experience in the industry and focuses on providing top-notch customer service as well as a stress-free moving environment.
Guest Author: Kelli Warren
Moving is hard for everybody — but especially for people with pets. When you add a dog or cat to the mix of packing up your whole house and loading it into a truck, things get crazy fast. Before you panic, however, there’s good news: Moving (even with pets) doesn’t have to make you want to jump out a window. The key is strategy.
When moving with a pet, planning makes the process smoother. In other words, you have to think ahead about how you can reduce stress and headaches. Whether you’re moving across town or around the country, here are some key guidelines for how to make a move with your furry friends:
1. Designate a pet-care person. One person in every household should take primary responsibility for pets during a move. When so many factors are changing, having a single, consistent companion provides a dog or cat with much-needed security and stability. The designated caregiver should aim to provide as much continuity as possible — whether carving out a small pet area with toys and other belongings or religiously going for a morning walk each day, even in changing locations.
2. Get started as early as you can. The sooner a pet gets adjusted to the idea of moving, the better chance it will make it through the relocation well. As early as possible, start packing boxes a little at a time. Typically, a slower, calmer packing process will be easier on everyone.
3. Pack your pet’s stuff last. Keep your pet’s bed, toys, and dishes out all the way until the end of your packing process. Then, when you’re in your new home, bring out your pet’s stuff first. This minimizes the stressful period in which your pet feels displaced.
4. Look for pet-friendly transitional support. If you’re moving nearby, you may only need someone to be with your dog or cat for a day. If so, either one member of the household can spend the day with your pet, or you can arrange for a daycare for the single day. If, on the other hand, your move will be farther, you will need to think about possible daycare on moving days, as well as pet-friendly accommodations when you’re between homes.
5. Prepare for pet flights. If you and your pet will be flying to your new home, research airlines before booking flights. Are there fees for pets? Is your animal small enough to ride with you, or will it need to be shipped as cargo? Likewise, think about how you’ll pack travel necessities such as food, treats, food/water bowls, blankets, medications, and waste bags. Having essentials at the ready will make it easier to keep your pet calm as you move.
6. Touch base with your vet. Especially if you’ll be moving far enough to need a new veterinarian, take the time to check in with your old one before you go. Get medications filled, make sure you’re up to date on shots, and obtain any documentation you might need in the moving process.
7. Provide comfort where you can. Last, try to give your pet little comforts wherever possible in the move. Whether you’ll be traveling but plane or car, set up a space where your pet can relax and be comfortable — perhaps a carrier for your cat or a bed for your pup.
When it comes to moving with pets, the name of the game is planning. Think now about how you’ll help your furry friend weather the changes involved with relocation. From packing early to getting medical records lined up, you’ll never regret preparing for a smoother, more seamless move.
Author bio: Kelli Warren is a co-owner of Moving Proz, a moving company in Kansas City and Denver. She has over five years of experience within the moving and transportation industry and loves to help provide a great moving experience for clients no matter what their moving situation may be.
Sources:
https://www.gopetfriendly.com/blog/tips-for-moving-with-your-pets/
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/tips-for-moving-with-pets/
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-couple-sitting-beside-the-boxes-5482200/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-couple-sitting-on-the-floor-while-playing-with-their-dog-5495050/
Guest Author: Steven Reed
Now that you’ve found your next home, it’s time to pack and prepare to move — but first, declutter everything you own and donate the items you no longer want, need or use. These actions reduce stress, moving costs and clutter in your new home, all while supporting charitable community causes. Though decluttering and donating can feel overwhelming, several tips simplify the process.
Decide to keep or donate every item you own. This way, you only pack essential belongings and don’t carry unwanted stuff to your new house.
Ideally, begin downsizing as soon as possible. Give yourself time to look through all your belongings.
Set aside dedicated time each day to sort items. If possible, turn off your phone and tune out distractions so you can stay focused. Scheduling allows you to see progress, which can keep you motivated and allows you to finish the job before your complete moving company shows up on moving day.
Place every item you touch in a moving or donation box. This tip reduces your packing time, shows you exactly how much stuff you own and motivates you to keep decluttering.
As you look through your possessions, decide what to keep and give away. You could try one of these five strategies as you evaluate each item:
1. Think about when you last used, wore or looked at the item. Let it go if you haven’t interacted with it in the past six to 12 months.
2. Commit to a set number of boxes per room. For example, you might fill only four boxes of kids' toys and donate everything else.
3. Label the boxes with specific categories, such as “insulated cups” instead of “dishes.” Then, you can see exactly how much you own and further declutter.
4. Follow a 20/20 rule. Donate anything you want to keep “just in case” but can replace for under $20 in 20 minutes.
5. Ask yourself several questions:
• Do I want this item?
• What is the specific purpose of this item?
• Will I use this item in my new house?
• Do I have duplicates?
• Is this item still in style?
• Can someone else use this item?
Rather than starting in high-traffic rooms such as the bedroom or kitchen, tackle the attic or basement first. These areas probably hold less sentimental items, and you can store packed boxes there as you declutter the rest of your home.
Consume the toiletries, food and other inventory you already own. Then, restock these items after your move.
You might spend hours sifting through emotions and memories as you sort sentimental items like collectibles, heirlooms and photos. For this reason, save this category for last. Then, try not to linger too long over each item and only keep the items that bring you joy.
If you find yourself overwhelmed or stuck during the decluttering process, call on a family member, friend or professional organizer. With assistance, you can address any roadblocks such as emotional attachments to items and maintain momentum.
After you clean items and make sure they work properly, carry your donation bags directly to the car. If possible, drive to the donation center right away. Immediate action reduces your chances of unpacking donation bags or accidentally placing them in the moving truck.
Although moving is a big job, you can use decluttering and donating to simplify the process. Try these tips to stay on track as you prepare to fill your new home with items you want, need and use.
Author Bio: Steven Reed is the founder and President of Big League Movers, a moving firm established in 2008. With over 10 years of experience, Reed helps lead a dynamic growing company based on morals and integrity for the optimal customer experience.
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/peaceful-woman-carefully-packing-carton-boxes-4247729/
Guest Author: Stan Caramalac
Relocating can give your family access to a stable income, better schools and a safer neighborhood. Moving can be a stressful experience, though, especially if you have children. Consider several factors as you ensure you’re making the right decision before you relocate your family.
Your children could benefit from a move if they gain access to better schools in a safer neighborhood with stable housing. University research, however, found that moving can disrupt your children’s daily routines, lower their math and reading scores and negatively disrupt their social development and emotional health. Weigh the potential pros and cons of moving as you protect and care for your children.
Educational opportunities
As a parent, your children’s education is one of your top priorities. Evaluate the local schools before you hire a moving company for your relocation. Ensure the school’s culture, performance and extracurricular activities support your child’s holistic growth and development. Also, verify the availability of a gifted or special education program if your child needs additional support.
Potential employment
Maybe transferring to a different town includes a promotion, higher salary and better benefits with your current company. Or you might move to switch careers and pursue your dream job. No matter why you relocate, carefully consider the benefits, culture and finances of current or potential employers. A healthy company can support you well into the future rather than leave you hanging shortly after you move.
Housing market
Houses or rental units could vary in price, availability, size and amenities depending on where you relocate. Because housing expenses can impact your family’s budget and economic stability, search available houses and rental costs online before you move. Then, decide if you can afford to relocate.
Cost of living
Even if your income increases, calculate the expenses of living in your new town. Include taxes, utilities, insurance, transportation, childcare and leisure activities. Use this calculation to verify you can afford the cost of living.
Family proximity
You and your children may thrive living close to or far away from family. Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of family proximity and your personal preferences as part of your relocation decision.
Lifestyle
Think about potential lifestyle repercussions as you decide if moving is the best choice for your family. Moving could mean you can enjoy a shorter commute with more time at home. Or maybe your family will experience a new climate and related recreational activities. Even moving to a rural, suburban or urban location can affect your lifestyle.
Social life
Right now, you and your children may enjoy a network of supportive friends and activities. Maybe you swap babysitting with your best friends or enjoy walking downtown on weekends. Consider how a move will affect the social life of each family member and if you can handle these changes.
Future effects
Making a move right now might be beneficial for your family, but be sure to also look into the future. Think about the area’s high school and if it will nurture your children. Check out the development and improvement plans for the neighborhood where you’ll live. Consider if you’ll be happy in the new job over time. Of course, you can always move again later, but long-term thinking now can save you time and aggravation in the future.
Relocating can open multiple doors of possibilities for you and your family. Before your move, do some research and ensure you’re making the wisest decision.
Author bio: Stan Caramalac is the founder and CEO of Move Central. He started the company because he truly believed that moving could be simple as long as it was done efficiently. He strives to help people make their moves smoother and less stressful. Caramalac and his team proudly serve San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.