Moving from California to Texas is a big deal; there’s no denying that. When moving to another state, you’ve got to plan well in advance to ensure things go smoothly. Planning and preparation are the keys to decreasing your stress and avoiding problems big and small. check out this “moving from California to Texas checklist” — we’ve got the information, advice, and tips to help you coming right up!
PROS of Moving from California to Texas
There are many great reasons to move from California to Texas (even if it means leaving the Cali lifestyle behind). A few of the best include:
Friendly Neighbors in Texas
Although Texas is known as the Lone Star State, it’s also lovingly referred to as the Friendship State. That’s because people here are warm, outgoing, and neighborly, and Texas is known for its generous hospitality.
Moving from California to Texas Means an A+ Economy
Texas has one of the strongest economies in the nation right now. Their unemployment rate is down, and many industries, including wind, oil, and wine, are growing fast.
No State Income Taxes in Texas
As one of the seven states with no state income taxes, you’ll save quite a bit over living in California. (They have one of the highest tax rates in the U.S.!)
A Cost of Living that’s More Affordable
Housing prices in Texas are much more reasonable than in California. Healthcare, entertainment, and food are also less expensive, as well as higher education.
CONS of Moving from California to Texas
Texas is a fantastic state but not without its problems and drawbacks. Some of the biggest include:
Moving from California to Texas Means Severe Weather
In the spring, Texas often is inundated by violent storms like tornadoes and hailstorms. Flooding is also a problem in many Texas cities.
Moving from California to Texas Means Property Taxes
While they may not have any state income taxes, property taxes in Texas are higher than the national average.
Traffic Problems are Similar in Texas and California
Surprisingly, Texas has a traffic problem on their primary north-south interstate, I-35. Connecting Dallas with Austin and San Antonio, the biggest dilemma is accidents. Approximately 10 people per day die in Texas traffic accidents, more than any other state in the nation.
Extreme Heat and Humidity
Summer in Texas can be brutal, with heat and humidity that reach dangerously high levels.
Plan for Moving from California to Texas
No matter when or where you’re moving, having a plan in place is crucial. A well-made moving plan will decrease your stress and help you prevent forgetting stuff. Below are a few things you need to put on your moving from California to Texas checklist, including:
Contact Movers and Get Estimates
One thing to do as soon as possible is to start contacting moving companies. (Unless you plan to do the moving yourself, of course.) It’s suggested that you get at least 3 to 4 estimates and compare them closely. That way, you’ll pick the mover with the most accurate price and have fewer problems when you arrive in Texas.
Start Gathering Packing Material
If you plan to pack your things yourself, you’ll need lots of packing material. Below is a list of the most common things you’ll need:
- Small, medium, large and extra-large boxes
- Packing paper
- Moving and packing Tape
- Bubble Wrap
- Magic markers to note what’s in each box
Gather Paperwork for Moving from California to Texas
Once you arrive in Texas, you’ll need to do many things. That includes getting a driver’s license, car insurance, and registering your vehicle(s). Some of the essential documents you’ll need include:
- Birth certificates
- School transcripts for you and your kids
- Your Marriage license
- Automobile Titles (if you own them outright.)
- Social Security Cards
- Investment Paperwork (Stocks, bonds, 401(k), etc.
Find a Neighborhood Moving from California to Texas
This task might be the most important of all. Finding a new neighborhood and a beautiful home in a state this size is daunting at best. If you have school-age kids at home, a community with good schools is a must. The same can be said if you plan to commute into a Texas city every day. A neighborhood with good connections to mass transit options is essential. Of course, one that’s safe and peaceful is also important.
One excellent way to have more home-search time is to put your things in a Texas storage unit. Clean, safe, and secure, a storage unit can hold all your stuff while you search. If you need an extra week or an extra month, storing your things can be a godsend. Plus, if you need something, you can always get it. (With a moving company’s storage, you can’t get anything until it’s delivered to your new Texas home.)
Keep, Donate or Toss Everything You Own
Moving can be pretty expensive, especially a long-distance move like this. You want to make sure you don’t take anything you don’t truly want or need. To do that, start going through everything now. It’s helpful to put everything into three groups; keep, donate or toss.
- KEEP the things you love, need, or use all the time. You can start packing these things if you’re packing yourself.
- DONATE anything that still has value and isn’t broken. Please give it to Goodwill or any other organization that helps Americans down on their luck.
- TOSS anything that’s completely broken or just plain trash. The last thing you want to do is pay to move it and then toss it out in Texas.
- Read more tips here on storing, selling, or donating old stuff!
Say Goodbye to Friends and Family
This last task may be the hardest of all. Yes, you’re moving to Texas for a better life for your family. However, leaving friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues behind is always difficult. The good news; they can always come and visit you in your new Texas home!
Good Luck with Your Move to Texas!
We hope our moving from California to Texas checklist has been helpful today! Here at SecurCare self storage, we know moving can be a big ball of stress. We make it easy by providing safe, clean, and affordable storage units in Texas for when you arrive. You can store your things with us while you find the perfect city, home, and neighborhood for your family.
Chat with us online if you have questions about self-storage or want to rent a storage unit in Texas. Even better, visit one of the many SecurCare facilities in our state near your new neighborhood. The on-site manager will show you around, answer your questions and help you get the process started. Until then, we wish you the very best of luck on your move from California to Texas! We hope that, like us, you find living in Texas a wonderful, exciting and satisfying experience.
Check out more Texas living tips & guides!
