Cleveland is a vibrant and diverse city in Ohio. Its affordability and proximity to nature attract countless movers from around the country looking for a new start. No matter where you move, planning is essential. So, when moving to Cleveland, working out everything beforehand will help smooth the transition and ensure you can settle in faster and provide a sense of security and comfort, knowing that you have everything under control.
Here, we will guide you and give you the best tips on moving to Cleveland. We cover how to prepare, packing tips, what to do on moving day, and how to settle into your new home. You’ll also find out how to book your move with our top Cleveland moving services. After reading it, you should feel more confident about living in the city and excited about the new adventures and experiences that await you in Cleveland.
Preparing for the Move
Research Communities
When preparing for a move, the first step is researching neighborhoods to see which suits you best. As with most cities, Cleveland doesn’t have a single best place to live. Where you will be happiest depends on your lifestyle and priorities. We understand that finding the right neighborhood is crucial, and we’re here to help you make the best choice for you and your family.
Ohio City
One option is the Ohio City community. This stylish area is close to local amenities and other attractions, making it a hit among the locals. It is a classic example of one of Cleveland’s historical and revitalized districts with a combination of Victorian-era homes and attractive Art Deco, combining artistry with the region’s industrial heritage. Getting to the downtown areas is simple by bike or public transport, and there are numerous educational establishments in the region, such as Saint Ignatius High, which is excellent for anyone with kids.
Tremont
Tremont is another much-loved neighborhood in Cleveland, celebrated for its gourmet sandwich bars and hip coffee shops. The local area is edgy and unconventional, giving it a boho feel.
Like Ohio City, Tremont is just minutes from downtown by car, bike, or public transport. Sitting close to Route 90, commuters have direct access to the central city area. The area’s most striking landmarks are St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral (a Slavic-style construction) and a local museum dedicated to the 1980s movie A Christmas Story House. Local schools include Menlo Park Academy, Bard Early College, and Global Village Academy.
Shaker Heights
Shaker Heights is another sought-after locale in Cleveland. The neighborhood encompasses the University School—Shaker Heights Campus, Thornton Park, and the Shaker Lakes, which weave their way through the suburb.
Shaker Heights is considered one of the best places to live in Ohio. Residents get an urban-suburban mixed feel while enjoying extensive lots and access to nearby parkland. However, it is further out, with car commutes to downtown taking around 25 minutes.
Warehouse District
The city’s Warehouse District is an excellent example of Cleveland’s regeneration efforts downtown. It once served as the original residential area and later became a commercial hub in the 19th century before falling into disrepair in the mid-twentieth century. Renewal began in the 1970s with extensive residential construction close to transport hubs continuing to the present.
Budgeting for the Move
Before moving to Cleveland, you should also consider your budget. Fortunately, the city is more affordable than most.
The cost of living in Cleveland is approximately $4,180 for a family of four, excluding rent, or $1,185 for a single person. This is significantly lower than in New York, making Cleveland a more affordable option. House prices averaged $134,900 this year, which is affordable for the country but has seen a 19.9% increase from a year ago.
As for taxes, Cleveland’s minimum state, county, and city sales tax rate is 8%. Local marginal income taxes are between 0% and 3%, with a property tax of 1.53% average effective rate. These taxes make Cleveland slightly cheaper than the country as a whole.
For Cleveland moving services, B2B Moving can provide a local or long-distance moving quote. Simply enter your details on our website, and we’ll send you a detailed quote.
Hiring Cleveland moving services
Given the cost of moving, hiring the right moving company in Cleveland is essential. Here are some tips for finding professionals with local expertise:
- Ask people you already know in the local area for an outfit they’d recommend
- Check online reviews on Yelp, Google, and other independent sites
- Gather several quotes and compare on price and quality
- Check valid licensing and USDOT issued by the Department of Transportation
- Check if the outfit offers any additional services you require, such as packing
The benefits of hiring local movers in Cleveland are substantial. Professionals can understand and interpret the city’s unpredictable weather and change routes according to traffic flows and patterns.
Getting Packed
Getting the packing part of the process right is challenging. However, using tried-and-tested methods can help.
Get Organized With Cleveland Moving Services
Start by creating a packing timeline. Outline what you’ll do and by when. (For example, you’ll start six weeks from the move and tackle the attic and basement first).
Be religious about decluttering before the move. The less unnecessary stuff you can take with you, the better. Have a yard sale or donate items you no longer want or need.
Gather Packing Supplies
Next, consider packing supplies. You’ll need the essentials, including cardboard boxes, scissors, bubble wrap, trash bags, labels, tape, moving blankets, and markers. You might also need cushioning, plastic wrap, dollies, and gloves (depending on the nature of your possessions).
If you want to be more sustainable, you can find eco-friendly packing options. Approaches include using reusable bins, packing blankets (like towels or sheets), or loose-fill alternatives, like shredded newspaper.
Any packaging you choose should be suitable for the Cleveland weather. Reusable plastic containers protect belongings during rain, while heavy-duty sacks shield oddly shaped furniture.
During cold spells, use insulated materials, such as blankets. These keep items warm during winter, making them less brittle or prone to breakage.
Label and Inventory
Lastly, label your boxes for easy unpacking based on the room (“living room,” “kitchen,” “bathroom”) or the contents (“CD collection,” “toys,” “comic books”). This practice helps with identifying what’s what at the other end.
Set Up Your Utilities
The next step is to arrange your utilities, including:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
Sometimes, you can bundle services into a single monthly package, simplifying your finances.
Find contact information for local utility providers and call their customer service teams. Use sites like Cleveland Public Power and the City of Cleveland Water to start services and begin payment schedules.
When arranging utilities, consider Cleveland’s seasonal weather. Cooling and heating systems should be up to the task and properly maintained.
Moving Day Tips
That’s what to do before you move, but what should you do when it’s time to move? Let’s take a look:
The Day Before the Move
1. Confirm the details with the moving company. Check they have the right time, date, and address.
2. Prepare a moving day kit containing essentials for the first day and night (such as a toothbrush, food, medications, and warm clothes).
3. Check the weather forecasts. Cleveland’s weather can be notoriously bad in the winter.
On Moving Day
- Stay organized and calm. Let the moving professionals do their jobs and relax. Once they arrive, your work will be 90% done.
- Go for a final walkthrough of your old home. Ensure you aren’t leaving anything behind that you want. Collect fixtures and fittings if you didn’t include them in the sale.
- Navigate Cleveland’s traffic patterns and potential road closures. Use Google to show you the shortest route to your new abode in the city. Avoid traveling at rush hour and look for roadwork that might prevent you from traveling to your destination without detours.
Settling into Your New Cleveland Home
Once you arrive in your new Cleveland home, the next step is to settle in (which is sometimes easier said than done!) Fortunately, this section offers some help.
Unpack Efficiently
Start by unpacking the essentials. Begin with toiletries, food, medications, clothes, and cleaning supplies—things you’ll need immediately. Then, move on to cushions, sofas, and bedding to make your new home comfortable.
After that, take a room-by-room approach. Focus on sorting out the first bedroom before moving to the bathroom or garage. Beginning with the rooms you need most (such as the kitchen and bathroom) lets you settle in faster and spread the process out over more days.
Update Your Address
After that, tell various third parties and important contacts about your change of address. You should inform:
- The U.S. Postal Services (so they can forward mail to your new location)
- Banks and credit unions
- Credit card companies
- Subscription services
- The Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
You must register your vehicle and obtain a driver’s license in Ohio. Usually, you can use any Deputy Registrar license agency if you bring an Ohio Certificate of Title (or other proof of ownership), Ohio driver’s license, Social Security Number, or Ohio State ID Card.
Explore Cleveland
With the administrative challenges behind you, it’s finally time to explore Cleveland and enjoy everything it offers. But what’s to see?
Local Attractions
Many new residents begin their exploration of Cleveland in one of its many museums. These provide insights into the city’s history and culture.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum is among the most famous. It celebrates the history of rock music with numerous prop and costume exhibits.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is another top attraction. It has thousands of positive reviews on Trip Advisor and offers gallery tours, hands-on art-making, and topical lectures.
New residents also love exploring the Cleveland Metroparks, which encompass eighteen reservations, including hiking trails, nature centers, and lakefront parks. Zoos, golf courses, and multiple gardens are dotted across the city, including Old Brooklyn, West Boulevard, North Olmsted, and Olmsted Falls.
For foodies, Cleveland offers numerous districts and local markets for dining and shopping. The West Side Market is the most popular, with hundreds of vendors and a selection of meats, cheese, and seafood. Asia Plaza in Asia Town is another popular market with an oriental twist, while the Larchmere Market (in Larchmere) focuses on local baked goods and crafts.
Eighth Street History Shopping District downtown is among the most popular for people who want retail therapy. It features antique stores and art galleries nestled in historic buildings.
The Warehouse District is another shopping location worth checking out. Currently transforming, it always has something new to offer.
Community Involvement
Cleveland is home to several local events, including:
- Brite Winter – an annual event in February celebrating the icy wintry weather
- St. Patrick’s Day – an ode to the city’s Irish population held in March
- The Cleveland International Film Festival – a celebration of the motion picture held in March or April
- Summer Solstice – a celebration of midsummer held in June
- Tri-C Jazz Fest – a music festival for jazz aficionados also held in June
- Cleveland Oktoberfest – a chance to drink plenty of good beer
Volunteer and community groups in Cleveland include StandUp for Kids, the American Red Cross Northern Ohio, and the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry.
Getting Around When Moving to Cleveland
At its heart, though, Cleveland is a car city. Interstate I-90 is the major east-west highway, while the I-71 goes north-south. Traffic usually constellates around the inner and outer loops encircling the municipality and main roads, like Euclid Avenue and Lorain Avenue.
Tips for winter driving in Cleveland include:
1. Ensuring you use dedicated winter tires
2. Demisting and defrosting your windows and mirrors before setting off in the morning
3. Slowing down if you see ice
4. Checking your battery to ensure it starts in the morning
5. Planning your route before setting off
However, Cleveland offers various forms of public transport to help residents get around. These include:
- Free trolley buses on weekdays
- An RTA rails line between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Tower City Center every fifteen minutes
However, you can also hike. Cleveland is a “walker’s paradise” with most attractions within a 20-minute range.
You can also use various pro-cycling services available in the city, including:
- Ebikes from Lime and Bird
- Basic bicycle rentals from several vendors
- Ohio City Bicycle Co-op (a volunteer-driven organization offering various refurbished bikes for sale, hands-on learning, and repair classes
Making Cleveland Your Home
Once you settle in, the final step is to make Cleveland your home. You want to feel like you should be there.
Start by meeting your neighbors. Be open-minded to connect with Cleveland’s diverse communities. Attend cultural events or international markets to experience more of what local people offer. Initiate conversations with people wherever you go and join community groups trying to solve specific problems. If you can, offer help. Being of service can be an excellent way to introduce yourself to a neighborhood.
Next, explore local home improvement resources. Find retailers to help to equip your home and fix nagging issues like broken faucets. Options include Home Depot, Torch True Value Hardware, Samsel Supply store, and Alexander’s Hardware. Be sure to check local building codes and permit requirements. You can get more information on the City of Cleveland Department of Building & Housing or its permits division.
Finally, consider your health and safety. Start by locating and contacting local healthcare providers and emergency services. Register to ensure you have cover if disaster hits. Prepare for Cleveland’s seasonal weather challenges. The city is prone to snowstorms and lake-effect weather (where cold air from Canada moves across the Great Lakes, producing torrential snowfall). Ensure you have the proper snow removal tools and weatherproofing to prevent damage to your home. Check the insulation around exposed plumbing and keep a supply of rock salt in your garage to keep surfaces ice-free.
Book Your Move with B2B Moving
Remember to download your free moving checklist to help you plan your move. It will guide you step by step through all of the details you need to handle. Then, to learn how little it could cost to move to your new Cleveland home, request an estimate from B2B Moving. Discover how we make your move to Cleveland stress-free. See hundreds of positive reviews for our moving services here.
