Charlotte, NC, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with approximately 100 people moving to the region daily. The climate, job industries, unique neighborhoods, and cost of living make Charlotte a fabulous place to be.
If you're planning a move to Charlotte, NC, you have a lot to consider. From packing to finding a home, knowing where to begin and how to get organized can be difficult. Luckily, you'll just need to know where to focus your energy initially, and everything else will flow from there.
So, tune into this guide to learn moving tips that will prepare you for your move and new life in Charlotte, NC!
Learn the Basics About Charlotte
Before moving to Charlotte, NC, it's a good idea to get a handle on the basics of the city so that you know what to expect when you arrive.
Population
With a population of 903,211, Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and the 15th largest city in the US. Charlotte is nicknamed Queen City to honor Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who was married to King George III.
Charlotte has also consistently ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the US by Fortune 1000 companies like Bank of America and Wachovia Corp.
Finally, Charlotte is culturally diverse, with over 17% of the population foreign-born.
Climate
The climate in Charlotte is relatively comfortable all year round. The Appalachian Mountains shade the region during the hot summer months, and you can enjoy mild temperatures during winter.
The average temperature hovers around 71 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, temperatures range from 30 to 60 degrees, while the summer heats up to an average of 90 degrees.
Job Industry
Charlotte has a diverse and growing market in the tech industry, specifically in IT and new software companies.
Charlotte also has the second largest financial industry in the US and is second to New York. You'll find Bank of America, PNC Bank, and Wells Fargo in the mix. This combination leads to a wealth of opportunities in Fintech start-up businesses.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Charlotte, NC, is 5% lower than the national average. Grocery prices are 1% less than the national average, and the average home price is $328,276.
You'll also pay approximately 18% less for housing expenses, and transportation costs like gas prices and bus fares are also 6% lower than the national average.
Prepare for Your Move
Your first step in the moving process is to get organized! Moving to another state takes a lot of coordinating and planning, so you'll need to keep on top of your organization game right from the beginning.
You can start by buying a binder or a folder to keep everything organized. This will be the place you keep your moving checklist, paperwork, receipts, contracts, and important documents.
If you'd rather go digital, you can create a digital folder for moving day and save it to Google Drive or another file hosting service like Dropbox. You can then scan all your receipts and paperwork to keep them organized.
Some other helpful moving tips include:
Decide on Your Moving Budget
Moving to a different state is expensive, so you must implement a smart budget plan.
Make a list of your current expenses and the cash you have on hand. Next, calculate a budget for your moving expenses, and don't forget to include items such as:
- Security deposits
- Deposits for new utilities
- New vehicle and license registration
- Fuel
- Vehicle shipping costs
- Transportation costs like plane tickets
- Meals
- Packing supplies
- Storage
Next, you'll need to budget for a moving company or do the move yourself. Keep in mind, with a moving company, you'll have to pay rates based on the distance and weight of the move. You'll also have to consider packing services and insurance.
However, moving on your own doesn't necessarily save you money since you'll need to pay for a truck rental, mileage, and gas. You'll also need equipment like ramps and dollies.
Take Inventory
Moving is a great time to get rid of the things you don't need anymore. Take inventory of all your belongings and start sorting them into different boxes. It's best to have keep boxes, donate boxes, and garbage boxes.
This way, you're not paying to move items you would eventually throw out.
Once you've completed this, you can compile an accurate inventory list for hiring moving companies. Remember to give yourself enough time before you move to complete this process.
Get Estimates From Moving Companies
It's best to get estimates from three different moving companies. This way, you can get an idea of what types of moving services are within your budget. Get estimates for both professional movers and self-moving expenses.
If you're hiring movers, you'll need to check if they're licensed and insured. Moving companies should also carry two different liability coverage options by law. These are Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection.
Full Value Protection means your mover is responsible for the total value of any damaged belongings. This type of insurance is the most expensive option but offers the most comprehensive coverage.
Released Value Protection is the more economical option as it doesn't cost you additional charges. However, the protection is limited, and movers only have to pay a fraction of the total value of damaged items.
You'll also need to check online reviews and Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings to find out what other customers say about their services.
Moving Checklist
You'll need to create a master moving checklist. It's all too easy to forget the details when you're caught up in the moving process. This list should include:
- Notify your current utility companies of your move
- Cancel cable and internet services
- Change your address with credit card companies and banks
- Forward your medical records to new healthcare providers
- Notify any subscription services of your move
- Change your address with any subscription services
- Tie up loose ends like canceling gym memberships and returning library books
Don't forget to activate electric and gas services at your new home. Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas are the main companies in Charlotte that you'll need to contact.
Find a Home in Charlotte
When moving to Charlotte from another state, you'll need to decide whether you're renting or buying. Make to start this process early, so you give yourself enough time to do thorough research.
Buying
In North Carolina, housing prices and sales are rising, with housing prices less than the national average.
Buying allows you to build equity and get a reasonable interest rate to secure a lower monthly payment. You also won't have to deal with any lease terms or things like pet restrictions.
However, buying a home is a long process, and you'll need money for a down payment. You'll also be responsible for maintenance and repairs.
Renting
Renting may be the best solution when you're in a new area you're unfamiliar with. This way, you can sign a lease for a period of time and get used to your new city. You also won't be locked into one location and won't have to worry about maintenance or repairs.
Finally, when choosing a rental home in Charlotte, you'll have more opportunities to find a location that works best for your situation.
Location
You can begin by looking at Charlotte's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Wildwood is 15 minutes from downtown and is affordable. It was also voted one of The Hottest Neighborhoods to Watch in 2020.
Madison Park, located south of Uptown Charlotte, is a popular area close to the well-known shopping center Park Road. It has bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and schools within a four-mile radius.
If you're interested in living in the suburbs of Charlotte, you can check out Waxhaw, NC, which is located 30 miles from downtown Charlotte. Waxhaw is a laid-back community with quaint shops and local breweries.
Amenities
You'll need to decide what type of amenities you can't live without. You can easily find rental homes in Charlotte with pools and spacious yards.
On the other hand, apartments have a variety of amenities like washer and dryer connections, pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses.
Lease Options
You'll also need to decide on your leasing terms if you're renting. Do you need a short-term lease for six months, or do you prefer to settle into a lease for a year?
In addition, some rental properties include utilities like electricity, gas, or water in rent, while others charge an additional fee. You can also find properties that allow pets. However, you'll need to be prepared for certain breed restrictions and pet fees.
Finally, you'll need to be prepared for other fees such as maintenance or tech fees.
Work With a Property Management Company
Whether you're looking for apartments or homes for rent in Charlotte, NC, your best option is to work with a property management company.
Companies like the Bottom Line make finding the perfect rental easy. You can go online and find numerous homes, condos, townhomes, and apartments for rent.
You'll be able to search by price, location, property type, and pet policy. Once you find something you're interested in, you can schedule a showing online.
Finally, you can apply online using a digital application and check out the rental requirements to ensure you qualify.
Planning a Move to Charlotte, NC
There is a lot that goes into planning a move to Charlotte, NC, but with this guide, you'll be able to keep everything organized.
To keep your move running smoothly, be sure to turn to Bottom Line Property Management for all your rental needs. We have over 55 years of experience helping people in the Charlotte area find rentals, manage properties, and buy and sell homes.
We'll go above and beyond to meet your needs and answer any questions that you have. Make sure you contact us today to find the perfect rental!
