Must-Haves When Moving to Oahu Hawaii

You’re moving to Hawaii and you want to make sure that you bring the right things. I’m going to tell you the must-haves when moving to Oahu, Hawaii.

Moving Company

The price of a move to Hawaii varies depending on a few different factors. It can depend on how much you’re moving, what company you’re using, and the destination. In general, it will cost about $1 per pound for packing and storage, plus your destination’s port charges. Be sure to find a good, reliable company that has experience with overseas moves. You won’t want to make a mistake in hiring the wrong company because the process is complicated and unforgiving  — not to mention expensive!

Downsizing Your Belongings

The key to moving to Hawaii is to keep it as simple and minimalistic as possible. Remember that living in Hawaii means that things are more expensive than they would be elsewhere.

Before you move, go through your entire home and mark what you’re going to keep, store and get rid of. If you have a difficult time making decisions on what to keep and what not to, ask yourself if you can see yourself using that item within a year. If the answer is no, get rid of it! Be honest with yourself and make good choices.

For the items you’re getting rid of, hold a garage sale to obtain extra cash for your new place in Hawaii. If it doesn’t sell, donate. Sell your furniture and electronics on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or another online site. Sacrifice your books by giving them away or selling them at a used bookstore for more than they were worth.

Remember when shipping your items, the more weight you have the higher the cost will be. The price will also depend on a few other factors such as how far your destination is from your old home and what company you use.

Personal Vehicles

I highly recommend shipping your cars to the island. Car prices have gone up in recent years and it’s more expensive to buy a car here on the island than on the mainland. Shipping your car is more affordable than you think.

Clothing

Nearly everywhere you go in Oahu, the average temperatures are in the 80s and sometimes even the 90s. People wear shorts and t-shirts year-round. Bring a light jacket and some pants for when it does get cooler. Keep any valuables and jewelry with you while traveling.

Don’t forget to bring a good pair of slippers! You’ll be on your feet a lot here in Hawaii, so it’s important to have comfortable footwear. Slippers are perfect because they’re easy and quick to slip on and off before entering the home. Here in Hawaii, it’s customary to take off your shoes when entering a home. If you’re going on hikes or want to do some exploring, be sure to pack some tennis shoes.

Documents

Carry with you all important documents such as: birth certificates, SSN cards, passports, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, custody paperwork, medical and dental records, credit cards, multiple copies of PCS and web orders, travel itinerary and tickets, hotel confirmations and phone numbers, car reservations, insurance information, mortgage information, 2 years of taxes, bills, vehicle titles, copies of vehicle registrations and inspections, keys, vehicle shipping information and pet immunization records and licenses.

Traveling with Children

Be prepared. If you’re traveling with little ones or young ones at heart, pack plenty of snacks and activities for them to do on the plane. Have changes of clothing, baby wipes, diapers, toys, iPads, tablets, phones, laptops (carry chargers for all electronics), headphones, a good book or magazine. Enjoy your flight and settle in, you’re almost there.

Traveling with Pets

If you’re bringing your pets to Hawaii, be forewarned the policies for importing pets are very strict here. Pets are not allowed to enter Hawaii unless they were born in Hawaii or certified as having been rabies-free for more than 12 months.

Tool Set Handy

The moving process means lots of assembly and disassembly. Make sure you have a small tool set to help with these tasks. This will come in so handy!

Once you arrive in Hawaii, the key is to go out and explore! Hawaii is a great place for meeting people, having fun, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.