Benefits and Challenges of Moving From West Coast to East Coast

If you know how to organize an efficient move, you won’t have to worry about anything regarding your relocation. Naturally, that’s a lot easier to say than to do, but it can be managed with proper relocation tips and tricks – learning them is your number one priority on the to-do list. However, one thing that people often overlook is the cultural difference and the overall lack of similarities between the two coasts. This can often present an issue but also be the exact reason to move – let’s get familiar with all the challenges and benefits of this long-distance relocation.

The Number of Relocations to the East Coast Increased in Recent Years

Why should I move to the East Coast (EC)? This is a common question from residents of the western part of the US, and there are many different answers. Whatever you find appealing on the Atlantic shore, know that you’re not the only one. There has been a steady increase in the number of these interstate moves in recent years. Now we can claim there is a trend of relocating to the EC (mainly from California – it’s a so-called California exodus).

Relocating From West Coast to East Coast Will Be an Exciting Experience

Once you finally set a date for your move to another state, the adventure begins. Yes, you’ll have so many things to do before the relocation day, like figuring out how to pack fragile items or which packing materials to get. But the main thing to keep in mind while preparing for your cross-country movers is this – you are opening yourself to many new possibilities and great experiences.

You’ll Find a Million and One Option for a Job – Improving Your Career Is One of the Main Reasons for Cross-Country Moving

So, why do people move from the East Coast to the West Coast? Usually, the reason is employment or quality of life. However, it’s a less popular choice lately – more Americans are relocating to the EC. Getting a job in another state is one of the main reasons that drive people to move there – job opportunities in all areas and industries are endless, and many young people or those with families pack their bags and come in the search for a better life. Sure, there are a few things to consider when relocating for a job, and it’s not so simple as it seems, but overall it’s an excellent choice and an opportunity not to be missed.

Long-Distance Moving for Education Is Another Common Occurrence

Packing for college and heading to another part of the country is something many young Americans do, and coming to the EC to attend university is always an excellent choice. Many of the most famous universities in the country (and in the world) are located on the Atlantic coastline, such as Yale, Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia.

High Quality of Life Is a Trademark of the EC

It is well-known that EC has an excellent quality of life, apart from a stable economy. There are many great cities, big ones like New York, Boston, DC, and Philadelphia, and small towns that can offer just as much as any metropolis. The educational system is excellent, and transportation options in most parts of the EC are top-notch, not to mention the fantastic entertainment opportunities that living in cities like New York can bring you. Indeed, there’s a lot to look forward to.

West Coast Might Have Beautiful Weather, But on the East One You Can Experience All Four Seasons

Although we can’t say that living in Los Angeles doesn’t have its privileges, endless summer can get a bit tedious after a while. If you have decided where to live and the EC is the answer, you will finally experience all four seasons during a year. But remember – if you plan on relocating in winter, you’re in for a really drastic change. Nonetheless, that has its advantages – relocating in the summer is often more complicated because it is the peak of the relocation season.

You Have to Keep in Mind Relocation Expenses and the Cost of Living on the EC

Obviously, relocations are pricey, even if you’re not moving to another city. The financial aspect of relocating is one of the crucial things to keep in mind – and it often presents a challenge. However, if you have been saving money to move, you will be ready. The first question you’ll ask yourself is whether you should contact a long-distance moving company for relocation services or should you go for a DIY relocation. We’ll make it easy for you – a DIY move from one coast to another is a mission impossible. So, it’s best to count the costs of long-distance moving services into your final budget.

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

Hiring cross-country movers is essential yet often not enough for relocating to another state. Depending on how many items you plan to bring, you might require packing services (and in some cases, storage services could be necessary). Also, let us not forget about transporting your car. Driving a car all across the US is exhausting, which means you’ll probably need to contact a car shipping company.

To make things easier for yourself, it’s best to contact an auto transport company that also offers a relocation service – it’s a two for one. So, does it cost a lot to move to the EC? All in all, the end price of your relocation can vary dramatically depending on the type of service you book and the company you contact. It can be anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.

Is It Cheaper to Live on the East or West Coast?

Although EC is known for a high quality of life, not all places are as insanely expensive as you might think. Sure, you can’t expect it to be affordable in New York City, but you also know that California isn’t the most affordable place in the world (it’s basically the opposite of that). However, when you compare the two most expensive big cities on both coasts, NY and San Francisco, you’ll see that calling New York City your home is slightly less expensive than residing in San Francisco. If The Big Apple is on your shortlist of places to move to, the video below might help you figure out whether or not this city is a good fit for you.

While New York Is Indeed Quite Pricey, Costs of Living on the Most of the Atlantic Shore Are Excellent

Naturally, large cities on EC can be pretty expensive, but keep in mind that smaller towns are fairly affordable, with high quality of life – it’s just a bit different than residing in metropolitan areas. Your choice of city will likely depend on many factors, such as where you will get a job before you move – or your partner if you’re about to move for love. Either way, you can learn a lot about different places on the EC by checking out websites such as:

• Niche,
• AreaVibes,
• Livability,
• NeighborhoodScout.

You’ll Need to Bring More Than a Few Documents With You When Moving From West Coast to East Coast

Before you move, it is best to organize important documents at home and figure out what to pack with you. To help you out with that, here’s a list of the necessary documentation that you shouldn’t forget when relocating across the US:

• Birth certificate and social security card,
• Passport,
• Driver’s license and the title for your car,
• Vehicle registration records,
• Tax records,
• Insurance records.
• Vet records if you’re relocating with a pet,
• Medical and dental records.

Also, there are some essential tasks that might be tedious but shouldn’t be forgotten – changing your address and transferring utilities. There’s also the issue of changing your driver’s license and registration. If you’re relocating with kids, you’ll have to transfer school records as well. Lastly, don’t forget to update your voter’s registration.

Different Lifestyle Will Certainly Give You a Bit of a Culture Shock, But Look at It as a Benefit, Rather Than a Challenge

No need to sugarcoat it – relocating from the Pacific shore to the Atlantic one will be a huge change. It might even seem like you’re not staying on the same continent (all four seasons, remember?) but don’t let the anxiety about relocating fool you. People often feel strange even if there are only a few miles between their old and new house, let alone 3,000 miles. It’s normal to experience stress (there’s no such thing as entirely stress-free relocation) and even have trouble accommodating to every single difference you’ll come across on the EC.

You shouldn’t be surprised if you experience adjustment insomnia, but know it will pass quickly. You will adapt to the EC and the environment, and we’re sure you will love the Atlantic shore once you get used to the change. Although depression after relocating can happen sometimes, it is manageable and will pass eventually. So, while there are (undoubtedly) challenges surrounding cross-country relocations, they are nothing that can hold you back. Remember that this move will bring many beautiful things into your life, and change is necessary in order to grow as a person.

All You Need for an Efficient Move Are Long-Distance Movers From a Reputable Relocation Company

We’ve mentioned the importance of finding a good relocation service, but that task isn’t as simple as it seems. There are plenty of scammers out there, and you’ll have to do your best to avoid them all. Cross-country movers are the key to a successful relocation – you should find movers who work in a reputable, trustworthy company with plenty of experience and positive reviews. It will take time, just like any preparation for a move, but you’ll get there. Keep in mind that you should always get quotes from more than one company in order to find the one for you. Once you book your relocation crew, everything will go smoothly – you will be on the EC before you know it.