3 Things to Remember When Moving to California
It's summertime and that means a lot of people will be moving. Does that include you this year? Congratulations! What an exciting time! While some families move across town, others make a much longer move- all the way across the country! Every year, people move across state lines and find themselves living a whole new life in sunny California. Whether you are coming to CA to start school in the fall, joining family here in the state, coming back to your hometown, or taking the next step in your career and moving to make it happen, pulling up roots and moving to a new state comes with its share of headaches. Be sure to cross a few import things off your list:
#1 Save up for deposits and moving fees. Moving in and of itself is expensive! You’ll need to put a deposit down to turn the water and electricity on in your name. If you’re renting, you’ll probably need to come up with first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and a security deposit. If you’re buying, you need a hefty down payment for your mortgage. This doesn’t even include renting a moving truck, buying cardboard boxes, gasoline to drive to California, and more.
#2 Get an auto insurance quote in California. In order to legally drive in the state of California, you must have car insurance. This is not merely a suggestion or something you should do. Those who don’t have a policy through an auto insurance agency in California are not only subject to the civil damages of paying for the damage to your car and medical injuries, they are also subject to legal ramifications of driving without insurance coverage. They can have their license revoked or suspended. No one says you must be a California driver the minute your cross state lines, of course, but you don't have much time to wait. If you put this to the end of your list, you may just find yourself in a heap of trouble and wishing you had handled it sooner.
#3 Update your new information. There is a lot to remember, but it is important that you update your information in your new California address as soon as possible. Any recurring bills, like your car payment and student loans, need to find you at your new home. Don’t forget to tell your credit card company and bank of a new address too. Your regular day-to-day mail will be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service once you fill out an address change form. You'll need to register as a new driver and voter in the state of California.
Do you need to rent a truck? How soon can you get the electricity turned on in your name? Are there any moving expenses your new employer will cover? From getting your funds together to registering as a California voter to shopping around for the right auto insurance quote in California, you have a lot more to do for your move ahead. Take this time seriously! In a matter of weeks, you'll have it all sorted out and you'll be settled into your new home.
