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Last Updated: Jul 12, 2024
Discover the pros and cons of moving to Alaska! From job opportunities to the cost of living, we've got you covered in this complete moving guide.
Moving to Alaska is a bold move. If you’ve gotten over your fear of the extreme cold and are looking for an adventure of a lifetime this could be the state for you! Nature lovers read on to discover our Alaska moving tips.
If you are a nature enthusiast, alpinist, love the snow, and love the great outdoors, Alaska may be your dream state. It is a wonderful place to bring up thoughtful children that appreciate nature.
Anchorage is the top spot to live with its views of towering mountain ranges, incredible salmon fishing, glaciers and more outdoor hiking and cycling than you’ve ever wished for.
Residents here have access to all types of outdoor activities as well as the typical amenities a big city has to offer like art galleries, craft breweries and live musical and theatrical performances.
While it’s known as a super welcoming city, the price tag doesn’t come cheap so do your research ahead of time! Don’t forget a visit to Cook’s Inlet!
Fairbanks which is also known as the Golden Heart City has lots of job opportunities while still keeping that mountainous glory you find in Anchorage. You have berry picking, rafting, paddle boats and hotsprings all at your fingertips.
It is known as a huge tourist destination, so if you are in the industry this is likely your best spot to move to. Living in Fairbanks is found to be about 27% higher than average US cities as beauty doesn’t come cheap!
Ketchikan is a bit of a niche spot, but if you are in the salmon industry this is your mecca. This tiny town of around 8,000 residents is a rainy spot with the national average being extremely high for downfall, but the conditions make
Juneau, Alaska’s capital is another great choice of residence. This city is what you imagine Alaska would be like. Think about grizzly bears chewing on fresh salmon they just pulled out of the river while sipping on your hot chocolate beverage.
The northern lights will become your daily view so expect to feel spoiled with your life. As someone who hates the cold I took comfort knowing that the winters here are a bit more mild than the rest of the state. It is basically the perfect spot!
Research All the Different Areas: Alaska is vast and diverse, and many areas are realistic to live in. Do thorough research on the different regions to find the best fit for your family, lifestyle, cold tolerance, job opportunities, and housing available.
Alaska has extreme weather conditions, including long dark and cold winters with heavy snowfall and short summers with different daylight hours.
Prepare accordingly with the right clothes, outdoor gear, and prep for the winter for your home and car. Make sure you have the best professional gear to handle the terrain you choose.
In my opinion a visit to Alaska before your move to get a feel for the environment, communities, and amenities is nothing less than mandatory. This will help you make informed decisions and adjust your expectations to reality in this gorgeous state.
The cost of living in Alaska, especially in rural areas, is higher than the national average due to imports of major items and weatherizing everything for extreme cold. Budget for housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and other expenses according to local rates.
Stock up on essential supplies, including non-perishable food, medications, toiletries, and emergency supplies just in case of getting stuck in a winter storm. Access to stores and services may be limited in some areas during winter months and you should be ready for extreme weather.
Have backup power sources such as generators or alternative heating methods if necessary on hand. As well, learning skills like fire building, wilderness navigation, and first aid can be invaluable.
Determine how you will make the move. Options include driving, shipping your vehicle, or using Alaska ferry system if you’re moving from the United States. Moving Feedback can assist in this realm and make the experience a pleasant one.
Find housing before your move, especially if you’re moving to a remote area where housing options are quite limited.
Consider factors like proximity to your job, needed amenities, schools for your kids and local activities, temperatures in the region and local opportunities and community.
Alaska is home to much wildlife, including grizzly bears, moose, wolves and more from the story books. Learn and teach your kids about wildlife safety, secure your home against wildlife intrusions, (yes, a bear could try to break into your hot tub and it isn’t a crazy thought).
Be cautious when hiking or camping in bear country to avoid any unwanted encounters. Make sure your kids know what to do when they come into contact with wild animals.
Ensure you have your driver’s license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and any licenses needed for specific activities like boating, wildlife hunting and fishing. As well get your utilities documents all sorted out before heading out so you will have heat when you arrive.
Alaska has a strong sense of community, so get involved and connect with local clubs. Try attending events to meet new like minded people and build a support network for your new life in the outback. There are many clubs for young families, community center events, as well as religious hubs that are waiting to meet you.
Alaska has many healthcare facilities, but availability may vary depending on your location and season. Research healthcare options that make sense for your existing conditions, insurance coverage, and emergency services in your area. Take into account the ability to reach these locations during a snowstorm.
Alaska’s natural environment is a great delight. Leave No Trace is a way of life here so make sure you follow this. Respect wildlife habitats, and follow local regulations for outdoor activities to avoid bad bear encounters.
Moving to Alaska is a unique adventure and experience. Stay open-minded, take on all those new opportunities, and enjoy the adventure of living in the heart of nature. The whole state is your new wild backyard!
If you’re looking for a reliable long-distance moving company in Alaska, we recommend checking out the following companies:
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All in all, Alaska is a vast state with many options for the adventure seeker inside of you! Do your research and spend those extra dollars on that research trip to save again a secondary move. Alaska isn’t for everyone, but if your family is up for the adventure, you won’t regret making the move and purifying your life. Moving Feedback is here for you every step of the way, including with vetted movers in the Alaska greater city areas. Hop on our platform and be amazed at the options available.
Read up on the true costs of living, job opportunities in the area, transport options, schools for your kids if relevant, nature around and any other things that are critical for you. Go and visit live if you can to get a true sense of the vibe.
The truly special pieces with sentimental value I would recommend actually packing up in many layers of bubble wrap and towels and actually putting in your personal car if the option exists.
You can of course wrap these items and put them in a plastic bin with many layers of pillows, towels and more soft items and write “fragile” on top, but I think it’s better to play it safe than sorry.
Start researching the area along with finding your favorite new spots. If you are a gym rat, make sure and do your research about what new gym you’ll soon be attending.
If you have kids, read up on the school district and sign them up on time. Along with this, prepare your personalized moving checklist and inventory so you will be ready to go. Alaska isn’t super un-remote like you think.
If any company you are considering asked you to pay the entire amount up front or pay a huge down payment, this is a really bad sign of a scammer. You shouldn’t pay more than 10% to a mover that has yet to do the job.
While down payments are common, a huge amount of funds should not be spent on this. As well you should check your mover has a DOT registration number and no recent bad accident records or claims. Moving Feedback helps you avoid this mess.
Plan ahead, ensure to have a proper checklist of your items and enough packing materials on hand.
Proper planning saves the stress of packing up at the last minute and having items get lost.
Don’t think it’s possible to pack up an entire home in one day unless you are a professional moving service.
Meet Tommy, a writer from San Diego, California with a passion for interior design and moving! Coming from a family of interior designers from San Diego, he’s been involved in the world of moving and helping to create beautiful homes for the places people move to. He’s also moved over ten times in various states such as California, Washington, and Arizona! Through these moves, he’s worked with a variety of moving companies, and prides himself on knowing what to look for and how to have the safest, smoothest move possible! For the past few years, he’s bringing his talent of copywriting and knowledge of moving together to help people all across the world start new chapters in their lives through moving! When he’s not busy writing, you can find him doing extensive research all to help your moving process.