Top Washington DC Moving Resources You Need When Relocating

So you have decided to relocate to Washington DC! While this is very exciting, you might not know where to start. To help you make the transition as smooth as possible, here are some resources to utilize as you begin planning the move:

Selecting A Neighborhood

If you are unsure what DC area is right for you, visit The Washingtonian Magazine’s guide to Washington DC neighborhoods by clicking here.

If you are unfamiliar with the Washington DC area, know that the traffic may be challenging to drive daily. Consider living as close as possible to your employment place to save yourself from spending too much time in transit.

Finding Movers

YELP is a top-rated resource in the Washington DC area. To see what moving companies have been highly rated by customers on YELP, click here. Easily compare rates on Washington DC moving companies on Cheap Movers DC.

Driving To Washington DC

Washington DC traffic is unique, and depending on where you are coming from, you may not be used to highways turning into parking lots. When planning to move into your DC residence, to maximize efficiency, plan any driving around the morning and evening commute times to avoid crawling along painfully slowly.

The morning commute in the DC area begins around 7:30 a.m. and ends around 9:30 a.m., and the evening commute begins around 2:30 p.m. and ends around 6:30 p.m. If you will be traveling through Maryland, access traffic cameras by clicking here. If you are traveling through Virginia, access traffic cameras by clicking here.

New Resident Resources

The DC government has a webpage dedicated to information and resources that new residents need. This page could be used as a checklist of what you need to do when you first move into your DC residence. To visit this page, click here.

Meeting New People

Moving to an area where you do not know anyone can be difficult but know that there is no shortage of social events in the Washington DC area, giving you plenty of opportunities to meet new people after you settle in. A quick google search or a scroll through local events on Facebook or Groupon deals will give you plenty of options.

Do not hesitate to make your new social circle large. Due to the employment opportunities in the DC area, many people relocate, so the more friends you can make, the more likely you will still have plenty of friends even if a few must relocate for work.

What Else Should I Know?

Here are a few insights that might be beneficial to consider during your relocation:

  • The cost of living in the Washington DC area is high; expect to pay a premium. Depending on where you are moving from, you may have to downsize to find housing that fits your budget. If this leaves you with extra furniture that cannot fit into your new home, know that there are many storage facilities in the area to store your personal property at if necessary.
  • While The Washington DC area is considered to be in the south, the winters do get cold, so do not give away your boots and jackets if you move down to DC from a northern state.
  • Due to the demands of the jobs and the traffic in the DC area, many residents experience high-stress levels. Be sure to find ways to relax and to beat burnout.
  • Many restaurants in the DC area deliver, which will be particularly useful to you as you unpack and when you do not have time to run out for lunch. Download GrubHub or DoorDash to get delivery from a variety of restaurants in the DC area.

Summary

Depending on where you are moving from, the traffic, the cost of living, and the stress may be an adjustment for you. That said, the Washington DC area is an excellent place to live, work, and play. The Washingtonian Magazine and the Washington DC government websites are excellent resources for potential residents and new residents. Best of luck in this next chapter of your life!

Fun Facts About Moving to Virginia From Florida

More and more people have been moving to Virginia in recent years. Florida isn’t too far away, but there are several key differences between the two states. Let us take a very close look at six fun facts about moving from Florida to Virginia.

#1 Wine country

To start things off, Virginia is wine country at its finest. This is a fun fact that every wine lover should look forward to. It’s extremely easy to take a trip to the vineyard and indulge in a wine tasting test on the weekend. While Florida has its fair share of tasty citrus fruits, Virginia’s wine is truly something to behold. Bottles of wine make great souvenirs for your friends who live in other states. At the very least, take them to a vineyard when they come to visit for a couple of days.

#2 Higher education

Virginia is also home to many opportunities for higher education. If you are a young adult who wants to pursue a degree, this state is an excellent place. You can easily balance a career and classes in higher education. There are so many excellent universities and colleges that take pride in qualified professors and staff. Florida isn’t a slouch for universities either, but you might have a particular institution in Virginia in mind.

#3 Heavy traffic

Overall, Virginia has relatively heavy traffic. Many businesses and companies in the area lead to rush hour traffic in the morning and evening. However, at other times of the day, there aren’t too many vehicles on the road. Because every city has traffic, this fact isn’t too bad after all and should be something to be aware of. If you can handle traffic in a city such as Miami, you’ll be all set for Virginia’s streets.

#4 High cost of living

Similarly, Virginia has a decently high cost of living. Apartments usually come at a pretty steep price, and groceries can be more or less expensive, depending on where you shop. However, you have to keep in mind that Florida’s cost of living is no joke either. Depending on where you move to, you could be paying the same amount of even less than before. The cost of living shouldn’t deter your move.

#5 Large military presence

Virginia has a very large military presence. This might be the reason you are moving in the first place. As a regular citizen, this shouldn’t affect you that much. It’s just an interesting fact to bring up when people talk about your move to Virginia. Some neighborhoods have a particularly significant military presence that you’ll probably notice when you walk around the area. At the same time, this makes the state very secure for you and your family.

#6 Diverse population

Last but not least, Virginia has a surprisingly diverse population. While Florida isn’t too diverse in itself, Virginia has seen an increase in many demographics over the last decade. This is an excellent opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. If you are attending school, you’ll likely see this firsthand. Even in the workplace, you’ll notice more diversity than usual.

Conclusion
In conclusion, these are a couple of fun facts about moving to Virginia from Florida. If you are heading to Virginia, there is a lot to look forward to. There are some great reasons to make the transition once and for all.