Living in Oahu: Things You Should Know Before Moving

Many people who have been to Hawaii would want to return to the island and live there for good. However, the locations of the island are extremely different. As the third-largest island, Oahu is the most visited of all the Hawaiian Islands. If you are considering living in Oahu, below are some of the important things that you need to know before you relocate to the island.

What is it Like Living in Oahu?

Oahu has a diverse feel not only on an emotional aspect but also when it comes to weather and scenic views. It is possible that while on the Leeward side, the weather is sunny, on the Windwards side, it’s raining and windy. Among the main concerns of living in Oahu is how large the island is and the traffic situation. In terms of geography, Oahu is smaller than the mainland and other outer islands. It is 44 miles long and 30 miles wide, which is not a lot of land. But when it comes to its population, about 1.43million people are living in Oahu, so you can expect that traffic is a challenge. Most of the working population is headed to the military base or town, so it is most congested in the morning and the afternoon. But if you are traveling outside of those times, you can surely get to your destination very quickly. If you are from big cities like Chicago and Miami, the traffic is not that bad.

Is Oahu a Good place to live?

When deciding where to live in Oahu, think about your neighborhoods. A close one to your working place is a great option to avoid traffic or it can be around where you feel a connection. Some of you may have heard and thought of Oahu as a street with a bad neighbor or a park that can be dangerous at night. However, the truth is the island is safe. The island’s population is under 1.5 million permanent residents, which is quite a lot of people living in a small area. So it is certainly safe, including other areas and regions. Annually, the island hosts about 9.3 million visitors and can be more of trouble you see around than from the residents. Tourists letting loose on the island create more safety issues than permanent residents. Like other places on the planet, there can be issues on safety in the neighborhood, but not enough to say that one place is more dangerous than the other. Oahu has a big military complex where many members of the armed forces live in any community on the island. This adds up to the many law enforcement agents, government employees, and others who work in the public safety sector.

What are the Must-Haves When Moving to Oahu

When moving to Oahu, make sure that you bring the right things. The following should be on your list.

Finding the Right Moving Companies in Oahu

The price of moving to Hawaii varies depending on different factors. Some of them are how much you are moving, the company you are working with, and your destination. Generally, a pound costs about $1 for packing and storage and the destination’s port charges. So it pays off if you have a reliable moving company in Oahu that is expert with overseas moves. You wouldn’t want to work with the wrong company because it can be complicated, unforgiving, and expensive.

Downsizing Your Belongings

The key tip in moving to Oahu is to make it as simple and minimalistic as possible. Living in Hawaii means things can be expensive. Before moving, check your belongings, which one you should keep, store, or get rid of. If you are having a hard time deciding which items to keep, think of yourself using the item within a year. If you think it is not possible to use the item, get rid of it. Be honest and make reasonable choices. Remember that in shipping, the heavy your items are, the higher the cost will be.

Personal Vehicles

Shipping your car to the island is highly recommended. Car prices on the island have gone up in recent years, so you can expect that buying a car in Hawaii can be more expensive than on the mainland. Shipping your current car is more affordable.

Clothing

Everywhere in Oahu is on the average temperature, some areas are in 80 degrees and sometimes even 90s. People wear shorts and t-shirts year-round. You can bring a light jacket and pants in case it gets cooler. Bring with you your valuables and jewelry while traveling. At the same time, wearing slippers is perfect because you will be on your feet all the time, so it is important to have comfortable footwear. Slippers are easy and quick to slip on and off before entering your home. It is customary in Hawaii to take off shoes when entering a home. However, if you are going on hikes, make sure to bring some tennis shoes.

Documents

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

Traveling with Children

When traveling with little ones, make sure to pack plenty of snacks and some activities for them to do on the plane. Bring extra clothing, baby wipes, toys, diapers, iPads, phones, tablets, laptops, headphones, books, or magazines.

Traveling with Pets

If you are bringing your pets to Hawaii, be aware that the policies for importing pets are very strict. Pets are not allowed to enter Hawaii if they were born outside Hawaii unless certified rabies-free for more than 12 months.

Handy Tool Set

The moving procedures involve lots of assembly and disassembly, so make sure to bring a small toolset to help you with these tasks. Hawaii is a great place to live in, so once you arrive go out and explore, meet people, have fun and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.