Many Texans prefer to relocate to another town instead of leaving the Lone Star State altogether. That’s why the population of several Texan cities decreased after the pandemic, such as Dallas, which lost around 25,000 between 2020 and 2021. Young adults in Dallas are just getting out of D-Town but staying in Texas to benefit from the state’s weather and affordability.
But even moving a few towns over can be a little stress-inducing if you haven’t managed it properly. As you bit adieu to Dallas’ iconic skyline and bustling streets, follow these tips to make your move a comfortable one:
- Research your destination
You may wish to leave Dallas because it has become too urban. The weather isn’t bearable anymore, pollution makes it difficult to go outside, and constant traffic jams are a headache. Well, research your destination and make sure it doesn’t have all these faults. Do some sniffing into the new city’s job market, neighborhoods, local amenities, and other factors before heading there.
- Hire reliable movers
Relocating to a new city isn’t possible without working with experienced professionals, so you should hire reliable movers to transport your belongings to the new home. Dallas has no shortage of expert moving companies since it’s a popular moving destination for Americans coming to live in Texas from other states. This obviously means you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding long-distance movers willing to take you out of D-Town.
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Look for Dallas long distance moving company near me online. Ask for recommendations, or simply consult your neighbors about it. Go to a mover’s website to read reviews and testimonials. Only work with BBB-accredited movers.
- Compare the cost of living
Many Dallas residents are moving out because of how expensive the city has become. The rising prices of Dallas have made it the 53rd most expensive city in the world, and the cost of living remains 11% higher than the state average. Data can show that, even without having any kids, Dallas residents must earn more than $64,000 a year to live comfortably. That’s why you should compare the cost of living in other Texan cities before finding the ideal one. Consider these cities:
- Waco (3% lower than the state average)
- El Paso (30% lower than the state average)
- Amarillo (9% lower than the state average)
- McAllen (14% lower than the state average)
- Brownsville (8% lower than the state average)
- Budget your move carefully
Calculate all the moving expenses you will bear during this journey. Long-distance moves (typically the interstate type) range from $2,600 to $7,000 depending on different factors, such as how much stuff you’re transporting or how far you’re relocating from your current home. Intra-state movers, the ones that end up in the same state, may cause a little less if you have managed it carefully. Budgeting will help you easily leave for your new home in Texas.
- Declutter and pack
Packing your entire life in a few boxes and then unpacking them in your new home can be a hassle. That is why we recommend decluttering and removing the things you don’t use anymore.
Look into your attic or basement and survey all the junk you’ve been accumulating ever since you first moved into your Dallas home. Are there any things you can live without? Throw this clutter away, give it to charity, or sell them in a yard sale to reduce the load you have to carry to your new home. That’s how you can spend less on packing materials and finish packing your things in no time.
- Change utilities and services
Living in Texas means spending less on utilities ($400 a month). However, you don’t wish to keep paying for these services after moving out of your Dallas home. So, schedule the cancellation of these utilities and have them set up in your new home immediately. Make sure your new home has gas, water, electricity, internet, telephone, and other services installed when you try to settle in there.
- Update all your information
Don’t forget to update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration with your new address. However, moving within the same state doesn’t mean you need a new license. Your local DMV generally updates your information in their systems. You may apply for a duplicate license, though. Different states have different laws about updating your driver’s license. In Texas, you’re given 90 days to update your information.
- Pack essentials separately
You don’t know how long it’ll take movers to arrive with all of your belongings. Dallas is known for its miserably slow traffic; it’s regarded as the 14thworst US city in terms of traffic congestion. That’s why you must pack a bag of essentials to spend the first few nights in your new home comfortably.
Besides your toiletries and pajamas, pack your phone chargers, medications, original documents, and other valuables/essentials.
- Clean and prepare your new home
Make sure your new home is prepared for your arrival. Hire deep-cleaning and home remodeling experts to touch up your house’s façade. Recolor the entire property to give it a bit fresher look. If minor repairs are to be done, such as fixing leaks or replacing light bulbs, consider doing them on your own. Give the place a personal touch by hanging family photos.
Enhance security by changing the locks on all exterior doors. If you have kids, childproof the house by installing safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks. Check smoke detectors to make sure they’re working properly.
Conclusion
This blog guides you through the intricacies of an intra-state move as you leave Dallas and move to another city within Texas. Follow the guidelines mentioned above to relocate comfortably to your chosen destination. These tips include researching your new favorite city in Texas, packing smartly, transferring utilities to the new location, and cleaning your new home before arrival. Hire local, reliable movers to navigate the traffic of Dallas. And that’ll be your roadmap for a smooth and successful relocation within Texas.
