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There are several reasons why someone may be looking to move to Oregon. Though it offers a lot, California can become too busy, expensive, or stressful to stay in.
When moving to Oregon, some things are going to be essential for comfort and daily living.
Differences Between California and Oregon
There are a few key differences between the two states. California has a lot more hustle and bustle going on than Oregon does. Oregon can also boast a bit more variety in weather than the sunshine state.
The cost of living in Oregon is significantly lower than in California—though Oregon’s cost of living is still higher than the national average. This does depend on the city being moved to. Portland Oregon actually has a higher cost of living than Fresno Ca (though Fresno has a lower population), but this is then counteracted by the cost of living in San Francisco, which almost doubles the cost of living from Portland.
Oregon is more laid-back than California. There’s less stressful traffic in most parts of Oregon—though Portland can be an exception—and the vibe of the state is a lot more relaxed than California is.
California does offer more diversity in cuisine and entertainment and is on-trend in fashion. Oregon may be found lacking in these departments for someone coming from busy California.
But despite the lack of diverse food and fashion, Oregon can offer a laid-back and scenic environment that may be hard to find in California.
Essentials When Moving to Oregon
Some things are necessary when moving to a new home, especially one in a new state with a bit of a different climate. When considering Oregon’s climate and natural environment, there are a few things that are likely to be necessary for comfort and daily life.
Rain Gear
Rain gear might be a given for moving to Oregon. But sometimes in the stress and franticness of moving people can forget things that may seem basic.
Rain gear includes umbrellas, raincoats, rain boots, and mud mats to protect the flooring of a new house.
Keep in mind that Oregon only sees sunny days less than a quarter of the year. Invest in some good-quality rain gear that can be used for the greater part of a year. There also may be more specific things someone may want to invest in, like waterproof hiking boots or patio furniture made to endure lots of precipitation.
Snow Shovel or Snow Blower
In the same vein as Oregon’s raininess, some parts of Oregon can see a lot of snow during the winter months. Different parts of Oregon are going to get different amounts of snow, and that can be a deciding factor in what sort of equipment one will get to combat a snowy driveway.
A snow shovel and some snow pants (and a winter coat) may be all someone needs in Eastern Oregon. But closer to the mountains, it may be wise to invest in heavy-duty equipment as some regions can see upwards of 59 inches during winter and around 25 inches in spring.
Anyone moving to a region in Oregon that sees snow should also buy winter coats and snow boots. Cold arms and wet feet are never pleasant to deal with, especially not when the temperature is close to zero and there are a few inches of snow on the ground.
Warm Clothing and Textiles
Along with the snow, Oregon does get cold during the winter. Some areas see a very mild temperature drop, while others can go into the negatives. If someone is used to sunshine and 80-degree weather, they might find moving to Oregon quite a dramatic change temperature-wise.
Warm blankets, slippers, pajamas, and even a nice soft rug can make someone a lot more comfortable during winter. Buying some warmer textiles can also help keep the cost of heating down, which is always helpful during the cold months.
Make sure to get some warm clothes incorporated into the wardrobe. California may not have required it, but Oregon—especially the mountain region—will test someone’s tolerance to cold.
Outdoor Equipment
Oregon can be very enticing to people interested in outdoorsy activities like hiking and camping. Even if those aren’t typical household endeavors, the scenic views of Oregon are worth exploring (especially if those scenic views happen to come as the backyard of a new home). For people moving to a more rural area of Oregon, or those who just love the wilderness, a good pair of hiking shoes are recommended.
For those not interested in going on hikes, it still may be a good idea to invest in some weather-proof patio or porch furniture. Californians may not have had to worry about porch furniture (perhaps because houses were too expensive to afford one with a porch) but with a more reasonable housing market and cooler temperatures, Oregon may be the place to invest in setting up a nice outdoor living area.
Toolbox
This is essential for any new home anywhere. A toolbox with the standard tools will help with whatever random issues may occur during the move, during the unpacking phase, and just with general life after moving into a new house.
It may not seem like a necessity for someone who’s never had to do repairs or hang a picture on the wall, but having a standard set that includes a hammer, flathead and Phillips screwdrivers, some measuring tape, and a few other bits included in a tool kit will make life a lot easier.
If furniture has to be assembled after moving, or things need hanging, or perhaps a screw has come loose, a toolbox can save someone a trip to the hardware store at 7 pm.
Conclusion
No matter the reason someone is moving from California, and no matter the region in Oregon they move to, there are things anyone doing the move should keep in mind. Of course, finding the perfect home and making sure that everything arrives safely should be a top priority.
After things have settled down, it may be time to take stock and think about what new things are needed for life in this new state.
