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Posted in Moving Essentials, Moving Preparation on July 5, 2021
Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

How to Deal With Moving from West Coast to East Coast

Moving from the West Coast to the East Coast is a significant journey, even for experienced travelers. The two coasts are very different, and the cultural shock when moving between them may last a few months.

City-skyline-during-night-time
Going from West Coast to East Coast will bring many changes

Prepare for moving across the country by gathering necessary documents and finding a new home quickly. Plan the long trip accordingly and set the relocation budget since it will be a long ride. And don’t neglect the emotional affect of this long-distance move. Moving from the West Coast to the East Coast of the USA will feel like moving to a different place entirely. It will be like moving to a whole new country or continent.

A Lot of Paperwork Regarding Your Cross Country Move

Whether you’re relocating for a job or with children, you’ll have to handle a lot of paperwork. You will need to organize your important documents and start with the administrative tasks. If you wish to move efficiently, you should start with these preparation weeks before your relocation day. Take a pen and start writing down all the things you will have to do:

  • Find a doctor and vet – This should be on your to-do list to transfer all their medical records. The same goes for you, too. And it’s no different with your vet if you have pets with you.
  • Transfer school records – You will have to find a school for your children and arrange the transfer of all records.
  • Cancel or transfer your utilities – With some utility accounts, the transfer is possible, but not with all. Contact your utility providers the week before you move in order to cancel or transfer your services.
  • Update voter’s registration – Once you relocate, you will have to update your voter registration address. You can do this easily online. Just go on the Register and Vote
  • Change address at the post office – Fill out the change of address form at the post office, and your mail will be sent to your new address for a year.
  • Update your insurance – If your car is one of the things you plan to keep when relocating, your insurance plan will probably change, so make sure to contact the insurance company before you relocate.
  • Change your driver’s license and car registration – Once you relocate, you will have to change your plates and car registration as well.

As you can see, there will be a lot of work to do, so plan tour relocation wisely and try to avoid last-minute relocating.

Folders filled with papers.
Don't forget to do all the paperwork before you relocate

Finding a Home When Moving West To East Might Be Challenging

If you plan to move your piano, think again. Finding a huge mansion will probably be more complicated than you think. Depending on the city you choose to live in, your housing options will be much different.  The Atlantic shoreline truly offers everything for everyone.

Some statistics show that people tend to rent more on the Atlantic shore. You can choose to live in some mansion in the Hamptons, rent in New York, or live in a beautiful Miami suburban area – it is up to you.

Implementing small apartment ideas can be challenging, especially in New York. Living on the East Coast offers more affordable housing options compared to California. These options can easily meet your needs and budget.

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Do Good Research About Neighborhoods and House Costs

When looking for a new apartment, it’s important to find the right neighborhood and have some creative storage ideas to organize your space. And this will depend greatly on the reasons why you are relocating. If you are relocating without a job, it’s best to be close to busy areas in a big city. These areas include downtown, where there are more job opportunities.

If you are moving for love and want to have a family, find a suburban area to live in. Go online and research your city of choice and its neighborhoods.

Picture of Boston
You will find a home on the EC much easier than in California

Plan Your Shore-to-Shore Trip

When relocating from one ocean line to another, you will have to plan your trip thoroughly. Plan ahead for a long road trip with your family to see America’s landmarks. Book motels in advance and map out your routes.

Also, do not rely on GPS too much. Take some maps along because some areas probably will not have phone coverage. Download some music and movies, and make sure to stick to your schedule. If you decide to ship your car with the auto transport service from the chosen cross-country moving company and not drive, make sure to book your flights as soon as the relocation date is set.

Girl holding a map of her long-distance move
Map requires no technology, so have it with you

How Much Does It Cost to Move From West Coast to East Coast?

Even if you are relocating to another state alone, the costs of 3,000 miles move can not come cheap. But surprisingly, you can find affordable movers if you know where to look and who to hire. Movers determine prices based on how far you’re moving and how many things you’re taking with you.

When it comes to hiring our Long-Distance Movers, the good news is that we offer a transparent quote for our white glove moving services with no hidden fees. That way you can plan your relocation budget accordingly without dealing with any unexpected costs.

So when searching for long-distance movers near me, make sure you find the ones that don’t base their price on the weight or volume of shipped items but on your relocation inventory list. This way, you can pack your pots and pans without worrying about the costs. Double-check your long-distance moving company to see if it is legit, and the best way to avoid relocation scams is to see if your company of choice has a USDOT number.

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From Weather to Food, Everything Is Different on the EC

The Atlantic coastline, like all of America, is diverse in many aspects. You can choose to live in a snowy town or tropical paradise, just as you can pick between the most exciting city in the world and a family-friendly community.

And depending on where you plan to live, you will have to prepare accordingly – whether to pack your shoes for snow and your winter clothes or not. Also, you will have to get used to the fact that pizza is better on the EC and that you will never find an avocado as delicious.

Public Transportation Is Much More Used in the East

Another thing you will have to think about when relocating to the Atlantic part of a country is getting around. Easterners rely on subways and other forms of public transportation much more than you’re probably used to.

So, once you move or before the big day, do research about the transportation system in your city of choice, and bear in mind that the cheapest option is to take a monthly pass. Also, there is a strict rule about walking everywhere, streets are much more walkable than on the west side of the country, but traffic is way worse.

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You’ll Have to Implement Some New Car Maintenance Rules When Relocating From West Coast to East Coast

Depending on your state of choice, you will have to think about different car maintenance rules and the type of car you are shipping cross-country. If you have a car that is not made for winter conditions, think about selling it before you relocate.

On the other hand, if you have a car for snowy weather, you will have to implement some rules regarding maintenance. For instance, antifreeze is something you will have to check once the temperature reaches freezing point. Also, speak with your mechanic about anti-rusting solutions you have to put on a car. And last but not least, you may need some snow tire chains as well.

Tesla Model X electric vehicle
Make sure you prep your vehicle for the move

Hiring Long-Distance Movers Moving From West Coast to East Coast

So you decided to move to the Atlantic coastline. If you wish to have a stress-free relocation, the best option is to hire white glove movers to help you. You could try some DIY methods, but in most cases, that ends up being more time-consuming and more expensive.

There is a lot of stuff you have to consider when relocating this far. You will have to make some living arrangements, for starters. As you know, no matter if you are buying a home or renting, this process can last for a whole month.

And if you decide to rent a truck and do this on your own, you will have to coordinate every part of the process alone, from hiring a car shipping company to getting packing materials and more. Also, you will still have to think about getting a job in a new city and your kids’ school if you are relocating with children.

Why is Hiring Professionals Better than DIY Packing

The largest part of every move is packing. If you wish to do this alone, you will have to learn how to pack fragile items and all the hacks about packing glasses. But, first things first, you will need proper packing materials if you wish to implement most packing tips and tricks that every professional includes in white glove moving service.

You will need some boxes (get them for free at your local grocery store,) some packing paper, bubble wrap, duct tape, and some blankets to protect your furniture, though you can use sheets or towels as well. Take some old newspapers or regular paper for cushioning and make a protective layer out of it.

You will have to pack a moving truck in a certain order if you wish that your items don’t smash on each other. Put large items first, then smaller ones, and fragile items should be on top. Because of extreme mileage, you will have to be careful when packing your stuff.

But if you don’t know how to pack dishes or something else, you can always hire professionals for packing service. This way, you will be assured that your items are protected, and best of all, you will get moving insurance for your items as well.

Make Sure You Have Your Essentials With You When Long-Distance Moving

Whether you plan to have a road trip to your new destination or go by airplane or in some other way, you have to pack your bag of essentials. This bag should have everything you need, like you are going on a short vacation.

And it is crucial because so many unpredictable things can happen (your home is not ready for move-in, for example,) and you will want to have your belongings with you so you can function if anything happens.

So pack your hygiene product, underwear, shirts, and pants for at least seven days, and don’t forget to put all your documents there as well.

Girl packing a box
Just make sure you pack your essentials first

Leave the Glamour of the West Behind and Embrace Down-to-Earth Lifestyle

Now that you learned the answer to “How do I move from the West Coast to the East Coast,” all it’s left to do is start making all the necessary arrangements to begin this exciting process. And even though you will feel some culture shock once you get there, in the end, the answer to the question “Is the West Coast or East Coast better” will come easy.

Contact our white glove moving company and see for yourself why our ratings are among the best ones on the market. After all, everyone who is relocating to a different place surely wants to have the most reliable relocation crew by their side.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving from West Coast to East Coast

What are the biggest differences between moving from the West Coast to the East Coast?

The biggest differences are weather, lifestyle, and culture. The West Coast is known for its mild climate and laid-back lifestyle, while the East Coast is more humid and has a faster pace of life.

How long does it typically take to move from the West Coast to the East Coast?

The length of time needed to move from the West Coast to the East Coast typically depends on a variety of factors, including whether you are driving or flying, what route you take, and how many stops you make along the way. It’s best to contact your long-distance moving company and check with them all the details you need to know.

What is the cost of moving from the West Coast to the East Coast?

The cost of relocating from WC to EC will vary depending on factors such as distance, amount and type of belongings, and white glove moving services needed. But, generally speaking, it could range anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a short-distance move up to tens of thousands of dollars for cross-country moves.

How can I prepare for the cultural differences between the West Coast and the East Coast?

In order to prepare for the cultural differences between two Coasts, it is important to research, read up on, and gain an understanding of the history and customs of both areas. It may be helpful to talk with people who have lived in both places or who are knowledgeable about the two cultures.

What are the most common things to consider when organizing the move from the West Coast to the East Coast?

The most common things to consider when organizing a relocation like this one include budgeting, researching movers and moving services, packing and organizing items for transport, estimating travel time and distance, transferring utilities, canceling subscriptions or memberships in one area and establishing them in another, finding short-term housing if necessary, and learning about the new area.

Can I hire a moving company to help me move from the West Coast to the East Coast?

Yes, you can, in fact, you should do it because professional movers can provide a variety of services such as packing and loading your belongings, and transportation across long distances.

How should I plan for the long-distance move from the West Coast to the East Coast?

It is important to research and compare long-distance moving companies, establish a timeline to organize packing and other preparations, secure any necessary permits or licenses, set a budget, plan out an itinerary for the trip.

What are the most important documents I need to have when moving from the West Coast to the East Coast?

The most important documens you’ll need when relocating are your driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport, proof of residence, vehicle registration and insurance information.

Can I bring my car with me when moving from the West Coast to the East Coast?

Of course, you can bring your four-wheeler to the EC, but it’s much more efficient and cost-effective to have it shipped with professional relocation company.

How can I find a new home and job on the East Coast after moving from the West Coast?

The best way to find a new home and job is to research local job markets, network with people in your field, and explore housing options in your area.

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