This article was written to help make moving to Seattle a simple and affordable mission for everyone.
We give you our best local tips about adventure spots as well as the best local neighborhood guide to help you make critical decisions to settle down.
If you are clueless about Utah, after reading this guide you will sound like a local.
Moving to Utah: Even Without a Clue About the State
Relocating to Utah is an exciting time in life, whether you’re drawn by its natural landscapes, outdoor sports, incredible adventures, or welcoming communities. Here’s a Pricing Van Lines guide to help you navigate the move and find the right area so you can start enjoying it faster.
Overview of Utah
Utah is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and national parks like Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches. The state has a great and soon-to-grow economy, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong sense of community. If you too are into skiing, hiking, or even bungee jumping, Utah has something for you.
Utah Moving Guide
1. Planning For Utah
- Research Areas: Identify regions that match your lifestyle and needs. Simply read on to hear more about our favorite areas. Utah is very diverse so you should have in mind what you are looking for to land correctly.
- Budgeting: Factor in housing costs, utilities, transportation, and general living expenses. Utah is generally affordable, but prices vary by area. The prices here may be very different from the city you currently live in.
- Timeline: Create a realistic timeline for the move to help you stay organized, from packing to settling into all the small details.
2. Moving Logistics
- Hiring Movers: This is the simplest part of the move thanks to Pricing Van Lines. We have mapped out all the best local movers that are affordable and professional so that you will get the level of service you deserve.
- Packing Up: Start early, determine the timeline of the task, declutter, and use quality packing supplies.
- Utilities: Set up your utilities (electricity, water, internet) ahead of time. Research local providers for the best deals.
Areas to Consider for Relocation
1. Salt Lake City
- Vibe: A bustling urban center with a mix of cultural, recreational, and business opportunities. While it is known for being Mormon, this is more in closed-knit communities and the feel of an average town is what you will experience here.
- Pros: Diverse neighborhoods, great public transit, and proximity to outdoor great adventures.
- Cons: Some areas can be expensive for Utah prices, especially downtown.
2. Provo
- Vibe: College classic student town with a young energy and strong community. Many local events for the 20-30s age group.
- Pros: Affordable housing, local arts scene, and beautiful natural surroundings.
- Cons: Can be busy and noisy during school times, particularly around BY University. Make sure the street you choose is far from the student bars and frat houses.
3. Park City
- Vibe: This is an upscale mountain town known for skiing and festivals. If you love the great outdoors, this is a favorite spot in Utah.
- Pros: Stunning scenery, amenities galore, incredible spas with hot tubs overlooking the mountains, and a great mountain community.
- Cons: High cost of living; primarily tourist-driven economy.
4. Layton
- Vibe: Family-friendly suburb with a small-town feel. Has everything you need and nothing more.
- Pros: Affordable housing, good schools, and a strong local community.
- Cons: Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities. Limited dining and bar options. Small town feel.
5. Ogden
- Vibe: Thanks to its growing arts scene the vibe is becoming more hipster from 2022 on.
- Pros: Proximity to skiing and outdoor recreation while still being very affordable.
- Cons: Some areas have higher crime rates, so ensure you know the crime rate of your exact address so keep your family out of harm’s way.
6. Draper
- Vibe: Growing area with residential and commercial spaces. Many small and medium-sized companies are relocating to Draper since 2022.
- Pros: Access to outdoor activities and a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Cons: Increasingly expensive as it gains popularity. If you have the ability to buy it is smarter so your rent won’t increase drastically from year to year.
Tips for Enjoying Utah’s Natural Beauty
Utah is the place to be if you love the great outdoors. Get excited for your proximity to Utah’s finest activities under the sun.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The best resorts are in Park City, Deer Valley, Snowbird, Alta, and Brighton. The ski season typically lasts from November to April.
Hiking
Some of the best and most popular trails like Angels Landing (Zion), The Narrows (Zion), and Bonneville Shoreline Trail will now be a short drive from home. Check out the vast parks of Arches, and Bryce Canyon with stunning hikes for all levels of fitness.
Mountain Biking
The best locations for mountain biking are: Moab, Park City, and the Wasatch Range. Popular trails include Slickrock Trail (Moab) and Round Valley (Park City).
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
Top Spots: Moab, Zion National Park, and Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Rafting and Kayaking
You have the Colorado River (Moab) and Provo River at your doorstep for whatever crazy whitewater activity you choose to do. In spring the rapids tend to get stronger so come prepared and only go out with proper gear and trainers.
Running
There are many great areas for a run. Even your local neighborhood can be the perfect spot. If you want to take it up a notch then try going for a run in Mill Creek Canyon, Bonneville Shoreline, and the trails around Park City.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Utah as a nature lover will have you thanking yourself for making this choice for years to come. Take the time to explore different neighborhoods and engage with the community to find the right spot for you. Consider the proximity needed to your workplace or sports activity to set up shop in the right spot.
Utah offers many sports and outdoor adventure activities year-round, making it a great place for both adrenaline lovers and casual runners. Enjoy exploring everything this beautiful state has to offer! Pricing Van Lines will get you there in a stress-free and affordable manner. Let us do the heavy lifting, save your strength for the rock climbing!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I know the amount of cardboard boxes I will need to prepare for my move?
Start with your personalized inventory list to understand the items you have and their quality stage. From there you should be able to estimate how many closets of smaller items and similar things will require their own boxes.
Your movers from Pricing Van Lines can bring you a first load of boxes and you can always request more later or buy them on your own at your local hardware store.
As a rule of thumb, always take 15-20 more than you think so that you don’t end up overstuffing your boxes. You can also find free boxes from local stores to get rid of inventory.
What’s the best way to declutter and clean my old home before moving?
To start you’ll need all the items out and packed up. Don’t even try cleaning room by room as you pack or you’ll end up wearing yourself out and cleaning the same place twice.
Things get dirty from boxes and tape. Once you are fully packed up, stack your cartons in a central place that allows you to vacuum up and mop all the floors.
Wipe down surfaces such as countertops and the insides of drawers to really make this squeaky clean. You can always hire a cleaning crew post-move if you don’t have time and energy to clean.
How do I handle and plan for a move with many pets?
Your furry family members are the most loved yet don’t have a say in the move. Prepare them by booking a doggy sitter or doggy day care for the day of the move so that you aren’t stressed about them getting lost while things are astray and to avoid them being stressed from the changes in their common spaces.
When you arrive at your new home and they are brought home, make sure their corner of the house is prepared with their food and water dishes, bed, and toys in one central area. Give them plenty of treats so they will associate the place with good things.
Your pets need to feel they have their safe space since their surroundings have now changed, so they don’t get stressed out. Try to stay home with them in the beginning while they get used to the place, and take them for long walks.
Should I use the full packing option that Pricing Van Lines offers?
Consider hiring professional packers to speed up the packing process and ensure the safety of your items. This will save you time and energy, especially if you’re busy with work or other important projects.
Opting for a full-service packing option may also prevent delicate items from breaking and save you the hassle of searching for packing supplies.
What is the most important thing to do before moving?
Plan your moving schedule ahead of time, and checklist and book your affordable movers to keep prices in line with your budget.
Planning ahead and getting rid of all that excess clutter before moving day will save you more than you would ever imagine. Don’t take my word for it, check out our client’s tips and tricks!
