Tips for relocating to Phoenix

Relocating to another state for any reason is always an exciting and scary experience.  Building a new network of friends, finding new favorite restaurants, dry cleaners, vet, or anything else you might need are typical obstacles after a big move.  Each experience can be different depending upon your new location. Here are a few quick tips if you are moving to Phoenix:

• Register your car – The police in Arizona don’t mess around.  Register your car and obtain an Arizona drivers license within 10 days of your big move.  There is a fine imposed if you wait any longer. Visit AZ Motor Vehicle Department for locations, a list of what you’ll need to bring with you and rules specific to Arizona. One of my favorites: make sure the word “Arizona” is visible on your license plate or expect a hefty fine.
• Banks – Make sure your bank has branches in your area.  The more popular banks with easily accessible branches in the Phoenix metro area are Bank of America, Wells Fargo and JP Morgan Chase. You don’t want to pay those obnoxious ATM fees for using a different ATM, so consider making a switch to a major national bank before the move.
• Check the power of your car’s air conditioner – You can’t survive without it. I’m not joking. Also if you have leather seats, prepare to feel the burn without some sort of cloth seat protector.
• Evaluate your wardrobe – You’ll need five jackets at the max. Anything more and they’ll go out of style before you find the occasion to dust it off and wear it again.  Leave those wool suits to friends in your colder climates and invest in light cotton t-shirts and flip-flops. The standard of attire is very casual for temperatures sake.
• Something will melt – Depending on the time of year you’re planning your big move, you can pretty much count on any sort of candle, medication, or other temperature sensitive item to be completely useless if not kept in a cool container.  I’m talking anytime between May through mid-October. Again, no joke.
• Ask a local for recommendations before you pick a place to rent.  Chandler has some great deals on amazing rental homes and apartments but may not be a great choice if you’re planning on working in Glendale.  30 miles may not seem too terrible on paper but can mean serious gridlock during rush hour.  The Phoenix metro area is pretty sprawling, and traffic is often horrendous.

Arizona really is a fantastic place to live, especially the Phoenix area.  There is plenty to offer and you can count on never shoveling a flake of snow again in your life. Just be prepared when moving to this truly unique climate and you should be ready for an exciting adventure in this vibrant and young city.