So you’re not only brave enough to make the big move to the Frontier State, you’re actually going it alone! You must really be adventurous, which we applaud, but before you make the jump, we have some practical tips on moving to Alaska alone.
Tips for Moving to Alaska Alone
Housing
Research, research, research before you do anything else! Moving out of state alone can be scary no matter where you’re headed, so it makes sense to enlist as much help as you possibly can, especially when it comes to finding a new place to live. Get in touch with an Alaskan realtor to help you in your search for a home or apartment. Check out everything online, then ask your realtor to go visit the places you’re interested in and that are affordable for you. Housing in Alaska can be expensive, and depending on where you plan to relocate, could be hard to find. You might consider renting a room for a while or sharing a dwelling with a roommate to share expenses.
Traveling
No matter if you are flying, driving, or a combination of the two, moving to Alaska alone is a big undertaking. If you can avoid making the trip alone, we recommend having a friend or family member with you for the trip who can stay a few days and help you get settled in your new environment. There are many spots where cell phone reception is spotty or nonexistent, and if you were to have trouble and get stuck by the side of the road, having another person following you in another vehicle means you have someone who can go for help, which could be lifesaving.
Community
Alaska can be isolating, so becoming an active member of your new community is essential to making Alaska feel like home. Weather conditions, lack of daylight in the winter months, the abundance of wildlife and their close proximity, and other aspects of Alaskan living can be challenging to get used to. Being an active member in the community will help you make friends easier and tap into helpful community resources.
Weather Conditions
Most people know Alaska has very different weather compared to the lower 48 states. It is important to educate yourself about the weather patterns in your area. Alaska is called The Land of the Midnight Sun because that’s exactly what you will experience during the summer months, when the sun never really fully sets. During the winter months, the opposite is true, and daylight is minimal. This can be challenging for many residents, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is prevalent. This can be combatted by taking proper amounts of Vitamin D, but you need to be aware of what sort of challenges you’ll face when moving to Alaska alone. If you don’t absolutely love winter weather conditions, Alaska may not be your best choice. If you do love winter, however, Alaska is a great choice and having a 4WD or AWD vehicle will help make getting around a lot easier once you get there.
Employment
We do not recommend moving out of state alone, especially to Alaska, without having a job lined up. There are a lot of job opportunities available, but unless you have unlimited funds, having secure employment in place is a must before you make the move to Alaska. Healthcare is responsible for a lot of local jobs, as is the military.
When moving your household to Alaska, Golden North Van Lines can take the worry out of your move. We have the years of expertise that makes us the best choice to tackle your relocation. When you put your trust in Golden North Van Lines, you can rest assured that we’ll treat your household goods as if they were our very own. Golden North Van Lines is the Alaska moving company you can trust with everything that’s important to you. With decades of experience successfully moving households and businesses to and from Alaska, Golden North Van Lines is the moving company you can trust. Contact us today for a free quote and let us help you prepare for a smooth, successful move.