It’s no secret that moving can be an expensive process, regardless of if you’re relocating a couple of miles away or to the other side of the country. If you’ve been thinking about making Houston your new home, one thing that’s likely crossed your mind is where you’ll work.
So, can you move to Houston without a job? In a general sense, yes, you can. However, whether this is a wise or feasible decision will depend on how much you have saved, the industry you work in, and whether you have any prospects before the move.
Houston is a fast-growing major city, and while the cost of living is lower than the national average, you’ll still want to be prepared, especially considering that rent costs are increasing all around the country.
Factor in Moving Costs
Before we get to the living expenses after you move, you’ll need to figure out the cost of moving in the first place during your planning. The average cost of a local move can range from $800 to $2,500. For a long-distance move, movers can average between $2,200 to $5,700. That’s not even factoring in all the other costs that come with moving.
Along with movers, consider the costs of signing a new lease (first month, last month, and security) along with setting up utilities. Depending on the property, you may also have to think about things like parking fees, pet deposits, and more.
You may also need to purchase new furniture or even a car if you’re coming from a city that’s more compact and has better public transportation.
Determine Your Budget for Living Expenses
Aside from the moving costs of settling into Houston, you’re quickly going to have monthly expenses to think about. It will be useful to have an idea of what your monthly costs are going to look like beforehand so you can be prepared if your job search takes longer than expected.
Before your move, research the different neighborhoods in Houston and look at how much it would cost in rent on average. If you’re looking to be in the city center or a trendy, affluent neighborhood, be prepared to shell out more per month in rent. Aside from rent, add up your other expected monthly costs like power, water, internet, and other services you use on a regular basis.
If you plan on driving, add in the costs of any monthly payments, gas, maintenance, and insurance. Once you have all of the recurring expenses out of the way, think about how much you’ll likely spend on food, entertainment, and other costs that will come up in your daily life.
While this isn’t going to determine the exact amount you’ll be spending, you’ll have a better idea of how much you’ll need to have saved, because you may or may not find a job right away.
Researching Job Opportunities
Though the ideal scenario would be to have a job lined up prior to moving to Houston, if that isn’t possible and you’d like to start your job search after you move, researching the industries in Houston will make the transition easier.
Houston has a very business-friendly climate and is home to 24 Fortune 500 company headquarters. While the biggest industries in Houston are in the STEM fields (aerospace, aviation, energy, life sciences, etc.) there are also plenty of opportunities in other sectors. Keep in mind that while there are a variety of opportunities, there is also a large amount of competition; it’s not uncommon for Houston job postings to get hundreds of applications.
If you’re moving from a high-cost-of-living city, you may be used to slightly higher salaries than what you may get in Houston, but the cost of living is also lower (and there’s no state income tax in Texas). It would be wise to start applying prior to your move, or at least check out prospective employers so you can hit the ground running once you’re settled.
Planning Your Houston Move
If you’ve decided that you’re going to make Houston your new home, you can absolutely move without a job. With the right planning and enough wiggle room for unexpected expenses, you can have a smooth transition between cities.
Hiring a moving company is one part of the moving process that you don’t want to rush. This can not only save you stress in the long run, but it can ensure your move stays on schedule and that your furniture and personal items are not damaged in the process.
Isaac’s Moving & Storage is located in the Houston area, which other locations across the U.S. We’re ready to assist you with your local or long-distance move. Our professional movers receive extensive training and are properly certified. Plus, over 77% of our business comes from referrals of happy customers, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re working with a Houston moving company you can trust.
Ready to start planning your Houston move with Isaac’s Moving & Storage? Contact us today.
