Moving to Hawaii – All You Need to Know
If you’re planning a move to Hawaii and worried about the logistics of shipping your personal items, fret no more! I’m here to fill you in on the details to make the moving experience as seamless as possible. Here are some hot tips that I created to help you with the move to the islands.
Budget
You should budget between $10,000 and $15,000 to move the contents of an average 3-bedroom house on the mainland. If you own a car, then it will cost around $1000-$1500 to ship it to Hawaii. These figures may vary slightly depending upon the size and dimensions of your items, but it is a good baseline to keep in mind. City to City Moving is a great resource that helps you to estimate the cost of moving your belongings.
Shipping
Hawaii is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, so it’s not as simple as packing a truck and hitting the road. Instead you will need to engage the services of a cargo shipping company such as Matson, a leading ocean carrier. They offer a twice weekly service from the mainland to Hawaii, so you won’t be waiting long. Dedicated customer support is available, making this the easy choice for those that want a hassle free and quick move. If you don’t mind doing the packing and loading yourself, then U-Pack is another option to consider. You can use a small weather-proof container known as a “ReloCube” or a large ocean container depending upon your needs. Small items can be sent by courier or USPS mail service, and these can arrive in as little as a few days.
Know the rules
Hawaii is rich in biodiversity, and introducing invasive plants and animal could have a devastating impact. Biosecurity is taken very seriously, and a new plan has been developed which will run from 2017-2027. Because Hawaii is rabies-free, pets need to go through a quarantine process before they are released. If you plan to take your pets to Hawaii, make sure you read through the animal quarantine information page.
The Essentials
Moving to the Hawaiian Islands is a big lifestyle change, and you may find that you simply don’t need so much stuff. Therefore, many people choose to sell their belongings and buy new appliances and furniture when they arrive. Not only will you save money on shipping, you will also find you are able to settle in a lot quicker and easier – and with a lot less clutter! Adopt a “less is more attitude” and only take the absolute essentials. Don’t bother bringing heavy clothing, you’ll be comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt all year round. Keep this packing list in mind and don’t forget to bring your:
Passport and personal ID
Tax and business papers
Medical records
Prescription medications/scripts
Follow these hot tips and you’ll be settling in to island life in no time. It’s a big lifestyle change, but it’s worth it. Moving to Hawaii is something many only dream of – but you get to say you did it. All the best with the move!
Check My Listings For Homes For Sale in Hawaii
This goes without saying of course, but check to be sure you’re getting the best deal for your new home. You can browse my listings which I update daily and another option is that you can always create notices for me. You can do this by simply contacting me and letting me know which locations you are interested in and I’ll add it to my notes to send you an update if a new listing comes up for sale or rent, which I’ll contact you immediately. I specialize in Kailua homes for sale because I’m from this area but I can help you with any town in Hawaii.