Coastal areas offer homeowners some of the most desirable weather conditions, activities, and dining or shopping opportunities anywhere. Whether you’re planning your coastal move to a quiet beach town nestled away in a scenic cove or to the bustling shores of an iconic boardwalk beach, this transition can pose some unique challenges.
In addition to the preparations you would make before any move, like decluttering and arranging for utility services, you must also anticipate the difficulties of coastal transportation and living. In this blog post, we walk you step by step through the seven best practices of moving to the coast.
Anticipate Sandy, Moist, and Salty Conditions
Sandy beaches and salty ocean waves are two of the biggest draws for visiting the beach, but these conditions can also be two of the biggest potential threats to your property during a transition period.
As you pack for a coastal move, keep these conditions in mind. You may need to line your boxes with plastic to keep the majority of the sand out, especially if you choose to use cardboard containers. For items that could be permanently put out of commission by sand or salt buildup and moisture, like electronics, choose plastic bins.
You will also want to invest in plastic slipcovers for all of your upholstered furniture, and pack items in bags to reduce water damage. Use moving blankets to minimize how much sand gets tracked into your home.
Choose a Mover With Local Experience
As a beach lover, you know that walking in sand can be a workout, even when the sand in question simply consists of small drifts on paved areas. During a move to a sandy beach, not only will individuals carrying boxes have to walk through sand, but movers will also have to push dollies and hoist furniture in it.
Often, local moving agents can recommend teams with the experience and tools necessary to handle the specific challenges of a coastal move.
Factor in Higher Expenses
A move is a large investment. When you move to the coast, you should set aside an even larger budget. Your mortgage or rental payment will likely be substantially higher than you’re used to, and you may need flood insurance on top of your homeowner’s policy.
Additionally, because coastal moves can be so complex, your mover estimate may be higher.
Inspect Your New Home for Weatherproofing
Ideally, you should have an inspection performed on your new home to ensure that the building is prepared for common weather conditions for the region. Regardless of whether or not you’ve had an inspection, try to visit the property and double check the waterproofing before your move-in date.
This step not only gives you general peace of mind but can also reduce the risk of you having to deal with a weather-related emergency on top of unloading, unpacking, or acclimating to your new hometown.
Keep an Eye on Weather Forecasts
While moving in most inclement weather is doable, you will want to check the weather forecasts frequently as your moving day approaches. Beach weather is notorious for quick changes and vicious storms that could delay the moving process or endanger your property.
Stay on particularly high alert if you’re moving to an area with hurricanes, seasonal flooding, gale-force winds, or lightning storms. These weather incidents could create slick areas, the risk of water damage to your property, loss of property due to wind, or even the need to take cover and stay indoors entirely at any point during your coastal move.
Discuss the possibility of inclement weather with your mover so you know what will happen if your original plan is disrupted.
Pack Light Outerwear for Accessibility
While many people associate the beach with warm weather, the breezes coming off of the ocean can create a massive temperature drop even on sunny days. If you plan to spend any time unloading your personal vehicle, helping a pet adjust to a new backyard, or enjoying the view, pack a light jacket where you can reach it easily throughout your coastal move.
Plan for Potential Traffic and Parking Delays
In addition to being highly desirable areas to live, most beach towns are also popular vacation destinations. You may need to factor high traffic levels, especially during tourist season, and lower parking availability into the plan for your coastal move.
For example, if your housing does not have its own parking space, you may need to reserve one for unloading the moving truck.
Use these guidelines to ensure that when you arrive at your new home in paradise, you’re ready to relax to the sound of the surf and the feeling of the sand between your toes. In addition to these tips, consult with your mover for personalized recommendations based on your household size, the area of your move, and other factors specific to you.
