Where to Move in 2022

 

Choosing Your Relocation Destination (and How to Budget for It)

Pandemic Push: Moving for a New Lifestyle

No doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way people think about where they work and where they live. Since March, 2020, job flexibility has increased dramatically. With more employees able to work remotely, many people are making the decision to relocate.

In looking for a new home, many people are also looking for a major lifestyle change as well. The decision to move to a new state can be overwhelming. Before choosing a spot, first consider moving trends. Then, think about how a big move might impact your budget.

Main Relocation Trends

Where are people moving? Overall, recent reports suggest a few patterns:

-The states experiencing the greatest population growth are in the southern and western parts of the United States. Florida, Arizona, and North and South Carolina experienced the biggest population increases in 2021.

-People are leaving large cities for suburban areas or smaller cities. The cities with the biggest growth in the past year are all considered smaller metropolitan areas. Last year, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Lakeland, Florida, and Sarasota, Florida reported the greatest population increases.

-Population levels in rural areas remain similar to pre-COVID numbers.

Moving Means Budget Changes

Moving homes is a huge ordeal. It can be easy to get caught up in the type of house that you want to buy. And making such a major purchase is exciting. However, if you’re making a big move to a new state, your lifestyle may change. And, with that, your budget may change also.

When researching new places to live, consider the way that climate, cost of living, and quality of life may impact your budget.

Climate Considerations and Costs

Many people move to a new place because they want to live in a different climate. Maybe you want to give up your harsh winters for the year-round mild temperatures of southern California. Or, perhaps you live in a tropical climate and are longing for a new location with four distinct seasons. No matter what the case may be, if you’re moving to a state with a new climate, know that you may incur new expenses along the way.

Consider increases in utilities, insurance, and even gas, depending on your new location. For example, if you’re moving to a cold climate from a warm one, you can expect to a higher heating bill over those cold winter months, not to mention the cost of a new winter wardrobe.

You may also face new insurance costs, depending on where you live. For example, if you’re moving to a tropical climate, be prepared for flood and hurricane insurance, which you might not need in your current location.

Cost of Living Changes

When investigating a new location, always consider a few key metrics, like average home size and price. However, other items that can have a real impact on your daily living as well. When considering cost of living changes, don’t forget to budget for:

-Taxes: property, income, and even sales tax.

-Daily expenses: food and utilities.

-Commuting costs: gas, tolls, parking, and/or public transportation.

-Preferred amenities: season tickets, gym memberships, and entrance to special events

Nelson Westerberg: Your Moving Partner

You’re all set. You’re ready to make a change, and you’ve got your new budget ready. To do your move right, choose the best mover for the job. That’s us. At Nelson Westerberg, we’ve moved families to new cities, states, and even new countries. We have the team, the tools, and the support to make your move a success.

Our support services include:

-Loading and Unloading: If you want to rent the truck yourself, no problem. Just hire our trusted team to load and unload it. Your move will be easier if professionals are doing the heavy lifting.

-Expedited Shipments: If you need to get to your new location fast, no problem. Our expedited shipments utilize the latest in technology (without compromising safety) to get you where you need to be.

-White Glove Services: Need major support? We can provide a team to pack and unpack your goods, assemble your furniture, and even haul away trash. Our white glove movers will do it all-and then some.

-Storage and Warehousing: We provide storage solutions of all kinds. From climate-controlled lockers for small items to large hangars for vehicle storage, we’ve got what you need.

Ready to Go

We’re standing by to answer all of your moving questions. After you share some video footage of your space and tell us what you need, we’ll provide a free, contactless quote. A big move is exciting. We’re here to get you off to a good start.