People are moving from California to Texas in droves, and both states are entirely different from one another in many ways. While it can be easy to get caught up in the excitement of moving, there are some things to consider, like how to ship a car, to make your move to Texas easier.
Understanding the Environment
You will experience an entirely different environment in Texas compared to California. While earthquakes and fires are entirely too common in California, Texas does not get many earthquakes. However, different parts of Texas experience hurricanes and tornadoes, so being prepared for that is essential.
Many people who move from California to Texas also remark how incredible the thunderstorms are compared to back home. Late April and most of May tend to be the wettest months in Texas, and flash flooding, along with heavy rains and major thunderstorms, is normal to experience. With that in mind, you will want to check the weather history of the area you are considering to be better prepared.
Summers are hot, and the weather is mostly mild in the winter. Snow is also not a regular occurrence in Texas. Occasionally, there are weather extremes in different seasons, but most of the time, whether in Texas is largely considered pleasant.
Getting into Traffic
Some of the largest cities in Texas, like Austin, Dallas, and Houston, have a reputation for having terrible traffic. Rush hour in these areas can create ridiculous amounts of drive time, so be sure to think about where and why you are moving to Texas.
For example, if you work in Central Austin but want a more affordable property, you will probably consider one of the suburbs in the area. Driving from one of them into Central Austin during rush hour can mean over an hour behind the wheel to get to work or to get home at the end of the day.
If you are moving with children, you also need to consider the school districts. Every single school district in Texas manages itself, and zoning regulations can vary from district to district. It is also not unusual to have districts re-zoned yearly based on the growth in Texas neighborhoods and associated traffic.
Adjusting to the Cost of Living
Texas has a highly varied cost of living. Metro areas have a markedly higher cost than surrounding suburbs. Living in Austin, for example, has become beyond the reach of many native Austinites due to the cost of living. Dallas is also expensive compared to the suburbs, but that is to be expected.
Another perk of living in Texas is the lower cost of utilities, healthcare, transportation options, fuel, and food. As each area of Texas has a seemingly separate culture, you will find a variety of neighborhoods and lifestyles at the cost of living you can afford.
Along with adjustments to the cost of living, you will also need to make changes to your existing insurance coverage, including car insurance in Texas. Where you end up can affect your premiums, so to find the most cost-effective insurance option, you will want to discuss the possibilities with your current company and companies that are local to where you plan to live. Ideally, you will want to make that change before you make the final move.
Shipping Your Belongings
The move to Texas can prompt you to start over without anything other than your car, or you might need a moving service to get you there. Before hiring a moving company, you will want to check on certifications to make sure you are covered if anything happens to your belongings.
When it comes to shipping a car, there is a little more involved. You will need to find an auto transport company that can take your car to your new state. The company may require you to be present upon delivery, so you will need to coordinate your dates for on-site delivery. The company may not deliver your car directly to your home due to road policies, which would mean coordinating a location, like a big empty parking lot, for delivery.
Remember, the bigger the vehicle, the more it costs to transport from state to state. Other issues that can impact costs include choosing an open versus enclosed auto transport and the mileage from pickup to the drop-off location.
