Moving to Alaska: What You Need to Know

Alaska is a unique and breathtaking state with a vast wilderness and stunning natural environment. Moving to Alaska can be an exciting and life-changing experience. However, when making the move it’s essential to carefully plan and organize your moving process. Doing this can make or break your transition and overall experience.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about moving to Alaska – including the steps required for a successful move, the important aspects of the Frontier State that you should research, and finally how U-Box® can assist your move.

How to Move to Alaska in 5 Steps:

1. Plan Ahead

Moving to Alaska will require a great deal of planning and preparation. So it’s important to plan early in your process to ensure everything is in order as you approach moving day. Some of the most important aspects of the move you will need to plan for include: the financial requirements of a long-distance move to Alaska, how you plan to transport your belongings, and ultimately the travel method for you to reach your new home state.

2. Prepare Financially

Preparing financially for a move is crucial, but it's even more critical for a long-distance move to Alaska. It's essential to create a detailed budget before packing your belongings, taking into account all potential expenses such as moving costs and transportation. Additionally, factor in any unexpected costs that may arise during the move. By planning ahead and being financially prepared, you can set yourself up for a successful and stress-free move to Alaska.

3. Get a Moving Quote

If you’re moving to Alaska and plan on transporting a considerable amount of belongings, then it is essential that you obtain a moving quote. When making a long-distance move like one to Alaska, there will be several options available to you. Full-service movers and self-moving services are both common choices. Alternatively, you can save money by using portable moving containers to ship your belongings to their destination. U-Box is a tremendous option if you plan to ship your belongings via shipping container.

4. Pack Your Belongings for the Move

Packing for a move all the way to Alaska can be challenging, but with some preparation and tips from this article, it can be a stress-free process. First, make a list of all the items you need to bring with you, and sort them into categories such as clothing, household items, and electronics. When packing fragile items, such as glassware and dishes, use bubble wrap or other protective packing materials to ensure they arrive safely. For expensive electronics like TVs consider using TV moving boxes to protect them during the trip. It’s also a good idea to label all of your boxes with the contents inside to make unpacking easier.

5. Travel to Alaska and Start Your New Journey

For the final step of moving to Alaska, you will need to organize your travel arrangements to your new home. When moving to Alaska, there are several travel options available depending on your location. If you’re coming from the continental United States, you can drive to Alaska on the Alaska Highway, which stretches over 1,500 miles starting from British Columbia, Canada to Alaska. Another option is to take a ferry, which departs from ports in Washington state and can arrive at several different ports along coastal Alaska. Alternatively, you can fly directly to the larger cities of Alaska from most major airlines. When traveling to Alaska, it’s essential to keep in mind the weather and time of year – as winter conditions can make any method of travel more challenging.

Things to Consider When Moving to Alaska

Now that we’ve covered the steps for moving to Alaska, let us discuss some important things to consider before finalizing your move. If you are seriously considering a relocation to the Frontier State, there are several things you should research and consider prior to making the move. Alaska is a unique state, with its own set of rewards and challenges. While it can be a great place to live, the transition will be much easier if you have researched the differences between where you currently reside and the beautiful state of Alaska.

To help, here are some things to consider before moving to Alaska:

Geography and Climate

Alaska is a vast state with a total area of over 660,000 square miles. It is the largest state in the United States, but also one of the least populous with a population of only around 730,000 residents. The state is of course known for its beautiful yet rugged terrain which includes mountain ranges, forests, and tundra. The climate in Alaska is unique among other states as well. While it may snow and reach chilly temperatures in other regions of the country, nowhere else in the US truly compares. Alaska, especially in its most northern regions – experiences long, cold winters followed by short, cool summers.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Alaska is generally much higher than in other parts of the United States. This is greatly due to the state’s remote location, resulting in the high cost of transporting goods to the region. Overall, the cost of living in Alaska is around 28% higher than the national average. Despite this, there can be financial incentives to living in Alaska as the state collects no sales or income tax from residents.

Transportation

Alaska is a large state with a fairly limited road system. While there are major highways that connect the largest cities, many communities can only be reached by boat or plane. If you plan on living in a remote area of the state, you may need to purchase a boat or plane to frequently access your community. If you plan on living in one of the major cities, such as Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can get around by car or public transportation. However, you should be aware that public transit will likely be less prominent than where you currently reside.

Healthcare

Alaska has a relatively low population density, which can make it challenging to access healthcare services. There are only a few major hospitals in the state, which are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. If you live in a rural area, you may need to travel a long distance to receive medical care. If you have a preexisting medical condition or require specialized care, it’s important to research and determine the availability of healthcare services in the area where you may relocate.

U-Box Portable Moving Containers: The Best Way to Move to Alaska

U-Haul® is the #1 moving and storage resource in the United States and Canada. With over 75 years of Moving Made Easier, U-Haul strives to assist you in moving anywhere – including to Alaska. With U-Box you can utilize U-Haul’s leading services for a seamless move to the Frontier State.

U-Box and its portable moving containers are a flexible, convenient, and cost-effective option for those moving to Alaska. Using U-Box you can request a moving quote online, at any time. With a U-Box quote, you will receive a transparent pricing and shipping time for your move. One of the greatest advantages of using U-Box containers for your move is the unparalleled flexibility and control that it provides. With U-Box, you have the freedom to plan your move according to your preferences. And in the event that your plans change, you can rest assured knowing that U-Box has got you covered. You won't be charged any fees for canceling your reservation, changing your move date, or even for unused containers. This gives you the peace of mind to focus on the more important aspects of your move.

Get a U-Box Quote Today!