Aloha from Hawaii! Whether you are moving for a brand new job, a new school, or just a change in scenery, Hawaii is wonderful place to call your home. However, one of the biggest challenges of moving to the Aloha State is deciding what to pack and how in the world to get it all to the island, especially if you’re moving from the Continental US. Here are a few pointers about what to pack (and what not to pack), and how in the world to get it to your new home in one piece.
What do you absolutely need?
Ask yourself what is going to be absolutely essential to your new life and new home. Begin by thinking about the new home you’re moving into. Is it a smaller or larger place than you were in before? Is it an apartment, condominium, or a house? The first thing you have to think about is your available space. Depending on your previous home this may include downgrading and selling some furniture or perhaps upgrading and purchasing more furniture for more rooms. However, purchasing more furniture should always be done once you’ve made the move. Chances are this will be cheaper than paying to have it shipped.
When it comes to moving furniture, don’t forget to factor in the new weather conditions of your new home in Hawaii. Hot and humid tropical climates are not ideal for antique furniture or delicate artwork. Dryer, and seemingly more moderate climates, are also not ideal for older furniture. These may be items that you want to sell, or leave with friends, before moving.
What do you definitely want to take with you?
Once you’ve thought about the logistics of your new home, then move on to thinking about the items that you are sentimentally attached to. This may include photographs, books, pictures and gifts from loved ones. You may find that you are able to part with some items, in which case, you’re doing a great job of de-cluttering and reorganizing your life! However, some items cannot be parted with and you’ll have to decide if you can take them with you. This entails packing those items up and having them shipped over to Hawaii separately. Depending on how long you plan on living in Hawaii, you may have the option of asking friends and family to take care of some of your more sentimental belongings while you’re away. This is a great idea when it comes to books, or other heavy items, which will cost a fortune to ship.
How are your items going to make it across seas?
The only downfall to moving to the always beautiful and tropical island of Hawaii is the island’s distance from the continental US. This makes the move a bit tougher. Some items can be easily tucked away in your luggage, but others require a lot more planning and unfortunately, a lot more money.
A lot of mailing companies like the United States Postal Service, FedEx and UPS, ship overseas to Hawaii. But the cost is usually determined by size and weight so this may end up costing you a pretty penny. Just like before, you’ll have to ask yourself what items you absolutely cannot live without, and which items you can donate to places like Good Will, or leave with friends and family.
Another option is to have a professional moving company help you out with the move. Moving companies can the make the move a lot less stressful but coming out to your current home and giving you an estimate on the items you want to move. Depending on where your home is, and exactly where you are moving, the price will vary. But best of all, you won’t have to worry about packing up your items, packaging them, and actually moving them! A reliable moving company will provide all these services for you.
And our last tip…
