Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide
Welcome to Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide! Moving to Columbus is a great choice. A 2024 ranking from Forbes Magazine Report put Columbus in the top 10 best places to live in the United States.
Whether your move is for a new job opportunity, to be closer to family, or simply for a fresh start, it’s an awesome decision but the thought of relocating can be both exciting and overwhelming.
According to a report by gitnux.org, 61% of people report feeling stressed and anxious before a move. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
As local real estate experts in the Columbus area, we’ve helped countless people relocate to the Columbus area over the past decade.
Let us guide you through every step of your transition, ensuring your move is as seamless and stress-free as possible for you to join the over 900,000 proud residents calling the city of Columbus home.
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide – How to Plan for a Smooth Relocation
The key to any successful move is proper planning and preparation. By staying organized and tackling tasks bit by bit, you can alleviate much of the chaos that often accompanies a relocation. Let’s quickly look at how to get organized and stay on track throughout your move to Columbus:
1. Create a Moving Timeline
As earlier noted, one of the easiest ways to avoid being overwhelmed by relocation is to break the process into manageable steps. Below is a sample timeline to give you a starting point – adjust it to fit your specific situation:
8 Weeks Before Your Move:
Research and schedule reputable moving companies or rental truck reservations, if doing a DIY move
Use a checklist to begin decluttering items you no longer need (more on this soon)
Request school and medical records to be transferred
6 Weeks Out:
Book your travel arrangements, if driving make vehicle service appointments
Fill out a change of address form with USPS
Start using up pantry items instead of buying more
4 Weeks Out:
Finalize real estate paperwork and moving company details
Begin packing non-essential items, clearly labeling contents
If you have a pet, make arrangements for pet travel and update tags with the new address
2 Weeks Until Moving Day:
Transfer prescriptions and have medical records sent to new providers
Confirm travel arrangements and update your mail forwarding
1 Week Before:
Confirm movers or finalize your DIY moving plans.
Pack your “Open Me First” essentials box (we’ll cover what goes in it later).
Moving Day
Supervise movers or execute your DIY plan.
Do a final walkthrough of your old place.
2. Declutter & Donate for a Simpler Move
The less you take with you, the smoother (and often cheaper) your move will be. Take this opportunity to go through every room and part with items you no longer use or need.
There are places in most areas where you can donate your unwanted items. Check around your area to locate the best place to donate your items.
3. Build a Realistic Moving Budget
Moving costs can add up quickly. It’s essential to have a realistic budget to avoid last-minute financial stress. Here are some common expenses to consider:
Movers/truck rental, packing supplies, gas (if driving yourself)
Eating out during the move, temporary storage, new home setup costs (cleaning supplies, basic toiletries, etc.)
4. Gather Essential Moving Tools
Having the right supplies makes a world of difference. Here’s your moving toolkit checklist:
Variety of box sizes
Packing paper/bubble wrap
Packing tape & dispenser
Markers for labeling
Color-coded labels (optional, but a lifesaver!)
Basic toolkit (screwdriver, pliers, etc.)
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide – Navigating Your Move
One of the most terrifying and stressful aspects of relocating is usually packing up all of your belongings. You must prioritize determining the approach that meets your specific requirements.
What to Look for When Hiring Movers
In order to avoid the hassle and trouble of transporting heavy or large items from out of state to Columbus, it may be wise to employ professional movers. It is recommended that you seek out reputable and widely recognized moving companies in the state capital.
It’s crucial to ask some questions to help you make a good decision. Here are a few key questions to ask:
What training programs do you have available for your staff?
Can you provide proof of licensing and insurance?
What measures are in place to ensure that property remains undamaged?
Can you provide some case studies of individuals who have recently made a long-distance move?
Obtain written quotations from three different companies before making a reservation.
The Pros and Cons of a DIY Move
You might save money if you’re moving locally with “minimal items” if you do it yourself. You will need to plan it well, work hard, and have a lot of skilled helpers.
Make sure you book a moving truck as soon as possible if this is your choice. You’ll also need a lot of moving boxes, hand trucks, and the right tools to take apart big pieces of furniture. Plan to spend some money on snacks and drinks for your team that will keep them going.
Understanding Moving Insurance
Most movers offer basic property coverage, but it’s not much and only pays for a small part of the value of an item that is lost or damaged. Always ask movers what kind of basic insurance they offer, and if you want to protect your things even more, you might want to get extra moving insurance.
If executing a DIY relocation, your renters or homeowners insurance might help pay for some of the costs. However, each policy is different. You might want to get supplemental moving insurance for peace of mind.
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide – Moving Day Success
Now that you have a solid plan for moving, it’s time to make sure that moving day goes as smoothly as possible. When you get to Columbus, here’s what you can do to get right to work.
Prepping Your New Home
Getting your new home cleaned by a professional before you move in will make unpacking and getting settled a lot more fun. You could hire a reputable cleaning service, or you could just get some basic cleaning supplies and do it yourself.
Some things you might need to clean your new home are listed below:
All-purpose cleaner
Microfiber cloths
A toilet brush and cleaner
A broom and dustpans
A vacuum cleaner
In a new, clean space, you’ll love being able to really make it your own.
Tipping Movers (If Applicable)
If you hire a professional Columbus moving company to help you in relocating to Columbus, don’t forget to carry enough cash for tips at the end of the move. Even though it’s not required, giving crews a tip is always appreciated and shows that you care about their work.
For small, easy moves, a general rule of thumb is $20 per mover. For bigger moves that take more than one day, you might want to set the gratuity at 15% to 20% of your total fees. Give tips to each crew member separately.
Staying Organized on Moving Day
Moving day might feel like a tornado when movers are constantly coming and going, boxes are piling up, and there is a complete lack of direction. Before you move into your new Columbus house, it might be helpful to establish a specific room or area as the “command center.”
Put all the boxes here when they are taken out of the truck and start unpacking them. To make things easier, name the boxes according to the rooms. Before moving on to other areas, make sure the basics are in place in the bathroom, bedrooms, and kitchen.
Your “Open Me First” Essentials Box
This box is your moving day lifeline! Pack it with everything you’ll need to survive the first night and morning in your new space without digging through countless boxes. Here’s a checklist:
Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, a few towels, toilet paper
Basic Medications: Any prescriptions, pain relievers, etc.
Chargers: Phone, laptop, essential devices
Snacks & Drinks: Bottled water, easy non-perishable snacks.
Change of Clothes: Comfy items for sleep and the next day.
Cleaning Supplies: All-purpose cleaner, paper towels.
Simple Toolkit: Screwdriver, hammer, pliers, tape measure.
Comfort Items: A favorite pillow, throw blanket, or something that makes the new space feel a bit more like home.
You can pack this box last and load it into your own car if possible, so you have immediate access.
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide – Settling into Your New Home
You have completed the necessary steps to become a resident of Columbus! You will be fully situated in Ohio City in no time at all with just a few more tasks and some exploring around.
Unpacking Strategically
Prioritize the rooms that are utilized most often when unpacking. First things first, make sure you have everything you need by assembling the essentials package. This includes:
Kitchen and pantry
Bathrooms
Bedrooms
Home office or workspaces
Living rooms and any other remaining places can be accessed from there. No need to freak out if your boxes wind up all mixed up or mislabeled; just tackle one room at a time. Push through the pain of procrastination and reward yourself with an exploration of your new city once you’ve unpacked the essentials!
Updating Utilities & Address
While you’re unpacking, make sure you properly update your address with everyone who needs to know. Updating utilities such as power, gas, cable/internet, and water is part of this.
Notifying your old and new employers, banks, and subscriptions about your move and notifying authorities of your need for a new driver’s license, vehicle registration, etc., as you now live in Columbus.
Explore Your New Community
Get out and see all the amazing things Columbus has to offer after you’ve unpacked your essentials! The creative food industry, welcoming family-friendly environment, Ohio State University, and thriving arts and cultural scene make this city a beloved destination.
Get the inside scoop on neighborhood guides, special bargains, forthcoming events, and other things Columbus offers by joining local Facebook groups or installing the Columbus Navigator app. Get the inside scoop on the best schools in Columbus, parks, and family-friendly venues in Columbus by connecting with local parent groups if you’re a parent.
There is so much to see and do in Columbus that one might easily spend years exploring the city’s many distinctive boutiques, well-regarded restaurants, and easily accessible attractions, such as COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Columbus Zoo.
Special Considerations
While planning ahead, sticking to your budget, and being organized are the three cornerstones of a successful move, the following extra recommendations may be helpful for movers dealing with special circumstances.
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide – Moving with Kids
Kids definitely experience some level of stress during relocation. Make sure they know what’s going on and that they may be as involved as possible by keeping them informed. Here are some basic things to do when moving to Columbus with kids:
Have them do a “final walkthrough” and say goodbyes to your present house.
Make sure to personalize their new room’s color scheme or bedding ahead of time.
Keep a special box of toys and activities prepared only for moving day.
Visit local parks, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, or kid-friendly spots in Columbus to help them feel excited about the move.
Get to know other families in neighborhoods in Columbus so you’ll have someone to chat with on the move-in day.
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide – Moving with Pets
Animals in the family might also experience significant distress during a move. Making sure your new home is pet-proof before moving day is just as important as getting up-to-date tags and microchips. Here are a few more things to consider:
If your pet has trouble traveling, talk to your vet about mild sedation options.
Don’t forget to bring your pet’s favorite toys, bed, food, and treats.
Explore Columbus’s pet-friendly eateries and parks when you have settled in.
Research veterinarians in your new Columbus neighborhood ahead of time for peace of mind.
When moving to Columbus with pets, everyone in the family, two-legged and four-legged alike, should be able to settle in fast with a little additional preparation.
Columbus Ohio Relocation Guide -To Sum Up
Moving, whether within the same city or outside the city, can feel overwhelming. Remember, with a good plan and the right resources, your relocation to Columbus can be an exciting and positive experience. Follow the tips outlined in this ultimate Columbus Ohio relocation guide to reduce stress and set yourself up for a smooth transition to your new home.
As local real estate experts, the team at Re/Max Affiliates knows the ins and outs of the Columbus real estate market. We’re not only here to help you find the perfect home, but also to offer support and guidance throughout the moving process.
Ready to start your Columbus house hunt? Or, have more questions about relocating to the area? Contact us today at (614) 316-3324. We’re always happy to help in any way we can!e
