You’ve done the research, weighed the pros and cons, and have decided to make Houston your new home. So, what comes next? Before your pack up your items and make the move to H-Town, we’ve compiled some helpful tips to make the moving process easier with fewer hiccups along the way.
The key to making a successful move involves one key factor: planning. Throughout the moving journey, things may change and you may have to make adjustments, but the important thing is to plan ahead and be prepared so that the changes don’t set you back.
Start Planning At Least 2 Months in Advance
Even if you’re only moving between cities, the earlier you start, the better. This includes making a reservation with a moving company, getting estimates for any services you may need, and even visiting the area before the big move. The peak moving season usually goes from April to September, so if you’re planning to move during this time, keep this in mind as moving companies will get booked up quickly.
Get to Know the Houston Neighborhoods
If you haven’t yet found a place, you’ll want to find a neighborhood that suits your lifestyle and needs. Houston is made up of various neighborhoods, from the trendy Montrose to the family-friendly, desirable neighborhood of West University. While searching for your apartment or home, try to get as much information about the neighborhoods from locals as you can.
If you’re moving from a city that has a comprehensive public transportation system and you’re used to getting around via public transit or by foot, you’ll probably want to stick to areas within the main city center, as Houston doesn’t have a robust public transportation system like some cities in the northeast.
During your visit, you can ask locals that you meet, or if you don’t get a chance to visit beforehand, then you can do research on online communities like Quora or Reddit to get insights from locals on which neighborhoods are best (and which to avoid).
A few popular neighborhoods in Houston include:
- West University
- Montrose
- Midtown
- Greater Heights
- Galleria / Uptown
Know the Cost of Living in Houston
If you have a budget that you want to stick to, it’s essential that you factor in everyday expenses like groceries, gas, and household items. While Houston has the third-lowest cost of living when compared to the most populous metro areas in the U.S, you still want to factor in all these costs for your budget.
Get an Idea of the Houston Job Market
Houston has a diverse business environment, with many large organizations headquartered in the city. Some of the top industries include energy, manufacturing, technology, as well as aerospace and aviation. If you’re working remotely for a company in another state this may not be as much of an issue for you, but it’s still important to see if Houston has good job opportunities in the field you’re in if your job were to change.
Make a List of the Services You’ll Need to Set Up or Transfer
From electricity to water to the internet, you’ll want to have these utilities set up and ready to go in advance, if possible. In Houston, there are different energy providers that locals can choose from, so review different companies and their plans to see which provider you want to go with. Many times these accounts can easily be set up online, but it’s better to look into them before you move.
You’ll also want to make sure that you register your vehicle, as you’re required to have a Texas license plate after you move (if you’re coming from another state). To keep yourself organized and ensure you don’t forget anything, make a checklist (you can make it on paper or on your phone). Sometimes things get busy and something can easily be missed.
Find a Houston Moving Company
It’s best to lock in a reservation with a moving company as soon as you finalize your move-in date. For a high-quality moving company, dates fill up fast, and the last thing you want to do is be in a time crunch and have to get any random company to help you move.
Highly reviewed moving companies will not only handle your household items and furniture with care, but the level of communication and professionalism truly make a difference in the overall experience. Isaac’s Moving & Storage has been in business for over 30 years and has served over 100,000 customers.
Our professional movers receive the most extensive training in the industry and are properly licensed and certified. We have a Houston location and are familiar with the moving process within the area, as well as in many other states. We’ll make sure that your moving experience is smooth and goes according to plan.
Ready to get a free quote and start your Houston move? Contact us today.
