8 Tips For Moving To New Orleans

Ask anyone who’s considered moving to New Orleans, and they’ll tell you that it is a vibrant, gorgeous city. They’ll let you know that it’s full to the brim with culture and history. That the food is fantastic and that your ears will love the music there. And that, once you arrive, you might never want to leave.

If you’re moving to New Orleans, though, it can be a bit overwhelming. Many things are different in NOLA, which can make it difficult to get acclimated. To help, we’ve put together this list of tips to make your move a little easier. From what to eat, how to get around, and how to translate the dialect, we’ve got it all. Before you pack your bags, do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to check it out!

tips for moving to new orleans

Tip 1: Start Planning Your Move to New Orleans Early

Moving anywhere is a hassle, plain and simple. When moving to New Orleans, you should start planning your move as early as you can. That way, you can get everything done and all loose ends tied up nicely. We recommend starting 6 to 8 weeks before your moving date. That way, even if you forget something, you’ll still have time to get it done.

Tip 2: Find a Moving Company For Moving to New Orleans

Unless you plan to do all the moving yourself, you’ll need the services of a good mover. We recommend getting at least three moving estimates. That way, you can determine the best price and service combination. Like the rest of your plans, you should start searching for a mover early, especially in summer. (That’s when movers are the busiest.)

Tip 3: Before Moving to New Orleans, Get Rid of Stuff

What many people don’t realize is that moving companies charge by weight. The more weight (i.e., household stuff) you have, the more your move will cost. (That goes for packing costs also.) That’s why it behooves you to get rid of everything you don’t need, use, or want. Old toys and sports equipment. Broken furniture or electronics. Clothing that you don’t use or doesn’t fit anymore, etc., etc. The best methods to get rid of all that stuff includes;

  • Having a yard sale. We suggest placing a free ad on Craigslist.
  • Giving anything with value to Goodwill or donating it to charity.
  • Throwing it away if it has no value and you can’t repair it.
  • Giving things to friends, family, and neighbors.

Tip 4: Bring Clothes For All Four Seasons

Don’t think moving to New Orleans means cold weather in winter? Think again! The Big Easy has short but very cool and windy winters. Spring and Fall are both moderate and call for long sleeves occasionally. Summer can be sweltering, of course, so prepare for that too.

By the way, there are four other seasons in New Orleans; they’re just different than what you’re used to. They include:

  • Football season with the fantastic New Orleans Saints. (Starts in September through February.)
  • Carnival season with Mardi Gras. (Most of February.)
  • Crawfish season. (Early March through Mid-June.)
  • Snowball season. (Snowballs are NOLA’s version of a snow-cone or shaved ice. These delicious, icy treats make an appearance in spring and go until the end of summer.
8 Tips For Moving To New Orleans

Tip 5: Moving to New Orleans, Get Ready for Adventure

If there’s one thing about moving to New Orleans that surprises many, it’s the diversity of wildlife. With bountiful bayous, the Gulf of Mexico, and several nature preserves, adventures await! Plus, the arts and culture here are as vibrant as you’ll find in many other US or European cities. Whatever type of activity makes you happy, you can bet you’ll find it in New Orleans.

Tip 6: Arrange Your New Utility Services in New Orleans

Many folks forget they need utility services when moving to New Orleans. That includes electric, gas, cable, and a few more. Contact utility companies ahead of time. That way you can arrange all the services you’re going to need, including:

  • Electricity. The biggest electricity provider is Entergy.
  • Gas. Several companies provide gas in new Orleans, although Atmos Energy is the biggest.
  • Trash. The city offers bi-weekly curbside pickup. Even better, they offer free weekly recycling pick-up! (Your particular property and location need to qualify.)
  • Water. The Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans is the company to call to get your water services.
  • Internet and Cable TV. Cox, Spectrum, and Xfinity are available. (Cox gets the highest marks for customer satisfaction.)

Tip 7: Rent a Storage Unit Before Moving to New Orleans

Moving is undoubtedly a stressful and crazy time for the entire family. One of the problems people encounter is when the closing on their new home ‘falls through.’ Your movers might take your household goods to their warehouse for storage. That can be extremely expensive.

Instead, consider renting a storage unit from Southern Self Storage when moving to New Orleans. We offer clean, secure storage units in New Orleans that are affordable and safe. 24/7 video security protects your things as well as on-site managers during the day. Access is easy, even with a big moving truck, through our large front gates. Plus, if you need something, you can come to Southern Storage any time and get it. (You can’t do that at your mover’s warehouse.) It’s the easiest and most affordable way to store anything in NOLA. Plus, a storage unit can help you out of an expensive situation if your closing falls through. If you’re ready, you can reserve a storage unit online right now!

Tip 8: Bring Your Bicycles!

One of the best, and most scenic, ways to get around in The Big Easy is by bicycle. If you’re moving to New Orleans, bicycles are a must. This city has hundreds of trails through many of our most beautiful areas. That includes the Garden District, the French Quarter, and many more. If you don’t have a bicycle, you can always rent one too. (We suggest buying your own, however, because you’ll want to use it regularly.)

Welcome To New Orleans!

Moving to New Orleans may be a hassle, but we know you’ll love living here! We wish you all the best with your move and your new life here in NOLA! Go, Saints!

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