Moving to a new city is an adventure filled with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, apprehension, and the dream of a fresh start.
But let’s face it, the process of moving isn’t as romantic as the end goal. Between packing your life into boxes, handling countless logistical details, and managing the costs, moving is a monumental task that requires meticulous planning.
This is especially true if you’re like me, always looking for the most cost-effective way to get things done.
Recently, my boyfriend and I traded the mountain views of Denver, Colorado for the plains of Tulsa, Oklahoma. We had been contemplating a move from Denver for various reasons:
- lower cost of living
- a safer environment
- the opportunity to create the lifestyle we’d always dreamed of
Unlike our previous last-minute moves, this one was well-planned and executed. So, in this blog post, I’ll break down the real costs involved in our move, along with some unexpected surprises and lessons learned.
Whether you’re planning a move or simply curious about what it entails, stay tuned as we delve into the nitty-gritty of relocating.
Why We Moved: The Backstory
Change is a part of life, and for us, the allure of change was rooted in the search for a place that offered a lower cost of living and outdoor spaces that we could truly enjoy.
The primary driving forces behind our decision to move to Tulsa, Oklahoma, were these specific desires, making it a deeply personal choice for us.
Lower Cost of Living
Living in Denver had its perks, but affordability wasn’t one of them.
The steep rents and general cost of living were a constant strain on our budget. When we compared that to what Tulsa had to offer, the choice seemed like a no-brainer. Who wouldn’t want to swap a $1,600/month studio in Denver for a more spacious one-bedroom apartment in Tulsa, all for a total cost of $1,200/month?
A Safer, More Accessible Community
Safety and accessibility were also major factors.
While Denver has its charm, it also had pockets that were less than ideal for a peaceful life. Tulsa, on the other hand, offered a welcoming environment with accessible outdoor spaces. The city’s robust network of scooters and a fantastic river trail were an added bonus that perfectly aligned with our lifestyle.
An Opportunity for a Fresh Start
This move was also about creating a life that was more in tune with our values and aspirations.
We wanted a safe and affordable place that still offered opportunities for work and leisure. With Tulsa’s burgeoning job market and community-focused initiatives, we saw a perfect fit for our goals.
So there it was—a decision months in the making but years in the yearning. We had a good amount of time to prepare, given that we had known about the move since January 2023. This allowed us to plan out the logistics and finances in a way that was both efficient and frugal.
Counting the Dollars: The Real Costs of Moving
The Logistics: U-Haul and Movers
Moving isn’t just emotionally taxing; it can be heavy on the wallet, too.
We decided to use a U-Haul U-Box for transporting most of our belongings. The U-Box cost us $1,004, including transit from Denver to Tulsa. We also got a month’s rental of the U-Box for free, which originally would have added another $80 to the total cost.
To make things easier, we hired movers at both ends to help with the loading and unloading. In Denver, it cost us $191.95 plus a $40 tip, while in Tulsa, the cost was slightly lower at $160 plus a $40 tip. We highly recommend this service; it’s quick, reliable, and eliminates needing a truck if you don’t own one.
Packing Supplies: Saving Where Possible
Being frugal, we got creative with packing.
Instead of buying boxes, we saved up boxes from Amazon orders and other deliveries. We spent about $12 on packing tape and $20 on stretch wrap. Old towels, clothes, and blankets served as padding, further reducing costs.
The Drive: Car Rental and Gas
Since we don’t own a car, we had to rent one for the journey.
Through Costco, we secured a mini-van for $230 for two days. Gas for the trip totaled around $120.
Utilities and Accommodation
One of the small wins was that we didn’t incur any setup fees for utilities.
In terms of accommodation, we decided to spend our last week in Denver sleeping on an air mattress in our empty apartment, which turned out to be more comfortable than anticipated. For the road trip, we utilized hotel points for a free stay, another frugal win!
Hidden Costs: The Unexpected Expenditures
While we planned meticulously, a few costs did catch us off-guard.
Once we arrived in Tulsa, we found ourselves dining out more often than we had anticipated. Also, we had to replace some household items that we’d thrown out as part of our downsizing effort, like non-stick pans and a drying rack.
All told, the move involved a multitude of expenses, some expected and some that came as a surprise. But thanks to careful planning, we were able to mitigate some of these costs and make financially sound decisions.
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Planning and Logistics: A Smooth Transition
The Preparation: How Early Planning Paid Off
We had a significant advantage for this move: time.
Knowing about the move since January of 2023 gave us ample time to prepare, contrasting sharply with our previous, more rushed relocations. This longer lead time allowed us to avoid extra costs like lease breakage fees and to strategically plan every aspect of our move.
It also allowed us to make sure we ate all of our food and nothing went to waste. You wouldn’t think of this a major benefit to planning a move, but after two rushed moves, we threw out a lot of good food.
Downsizing and Decluttering: Less is More
While we consider ourselves minimalists, the move offered another opportunity to further declutter our lives.
Items that had survived previous relocations were finally parted with, contributing to a lighter move and a fresh start in our new home. We also used this opportunity to change lifestyles, discarding toxic household products like non-stick pans.
Utilities and Services: The Administrative Side of Moving
Switching utilities and services is an often underestimated aspect of moving.
Our planning also helped here; we made a comprehensive list of all accounts that needed to be closed and opened. We took advantage of our apartments handling the utilities, making that part of the move seamless.
For the internet, we had to cancel our service in Denver and set up a new service in Tulsa. Both were handled without additional fees, thanks to careful planning.
A Mixed Approach: DIY and Professional Help
While we hired movers to handle the heavy lifting, we also took a DIY approach in some aspects.
We packed our belongings ourselves, and for more valuable or delicate items like our tech gear and musical instruments, we personally transported them in a rented minivan. This hybrid approach allowed us to save money while ensuring the safety of our most treasured possessions.
In a way, the transition period became a comfortable in-between space. The week we spent in our empty Denver apartment with just an air mattress wasn’t just tolerable—it was surprisingly enjoyable, offering us time to reflect and prepare emotionally for the new chapter ahead.
Emotional and Lifestyle Costs: The Intangible Factors
Saying Goodbye: The Emotional Cost of Relocation
Every move comes with emotional strings attached, and ours was no different.
We did have to bid farewell to the community we built while playing Pokémon Go in Denver. While we didn’t particularly miss the city, the friendships forged over raid trains and community events like Global Go Fest certainly added a bittersweet note to our departure.
The Lifestyle Shift: A Breath of Fresh Air
On the flip side, Tulsa welcomed us with its quieter charm, safer environment, and more manageable pace.
Our Denver studio was cozy but constraining, so the newfound space in our Tulsa one-bedroom was nothing short of liberating. Though smaller in scale, Tulsa impressed us with its accessibility and beautiful parks and trails—amenities that Denver didn’t quite offer in the same way.
The Comforts of the Familiar
One unexpected upside was the comfort we found in the transitional phase.
Staying in our old, albeit empty, Denver apartment for a week as we awaited our move to Tulsa felt like a comfortable in-between space. The air mattress wasn’t the luxury of a plush hotel bed, but it was ours, in a space we knew well.
It allowed us time for introspection, making the emotional transition to a new city a bit smoother.
Unforeseen Benefits: The Silver Linings
While we had moved before and felt prepared, there were still unexpected benefits to our approach this time around.
By staying in our empty Denver apartment instead of a hotel, we found comfort in the familiar, and the time flew by faster than we had anticipated. It was a comforting interval between the goodbye and the new hello.
The Tale of Two Cities: Denver vs. Tulsa
Cost of Living: The Wallet-Friendly Switch
The most glaring difference between Denver and Tulsa is the cost of living.
In Denver, we were shelling out over $1,600 a month for a studio apartment. In Tulsa, we’re enjoying a more spacious one-bedroom apartment, and the combined cost for rent and utilities is just $1,200. The savings here are both evident and substantial.
Accessibility and Outdoor Spaces: Tulsa Takes the Cake
Though smaller than Denver, Tulsa has been surprisingly more accessible for us.
The city’s efficient scooter system lets us zip around easily, making day-to-day commuting a breeze. Plus, Tulsa boasts fantastic parks and scenic river trails that were less crowded and more enjoyable than Denver’s outdoor spaces.
Social Life: A New Chapter
Although we had to say goodbye to our Pokémon Go community in Denver, we’re optimistic about building a new social life in Tulsa.
The community feels welcoming, and the city offers an array of activities and social events that promise the formation of new friendships and networks. We’ve even been able to find the new Pokemon Go community in Tulsa!
Safety and Comfort: A More Relaxed Atmosphere
We moved to Tulsa in search of a safer, more comfortable environment, and so far, it’s living up to our expectations.
The smaller population lends a kinder, more community-focused vibe to the city, offering a pleasant contrast to Denver’s busier, sometimes less secure atmosphere.
Final Thoughts: A Win for Tulsa
While Denver had its perks, our initial impressions suggest that Tulsa better aligns with our lifestyle preferences and financial goals. We already appreciate the lower living costs and enjoy the city’s easily navigable layout and welcoming community.
The Financial Breakdown
Before wrapping up, let’s tally the total costs of moving from Denver to Tulsa:
- Movers in Denver: $191.95 + $40 tip = $231.95
- Movers in Tulsa: $160 + $40 tip = $200
- U-Haul U-Box: $1,004
- Packing Supplies: $12 (tape) + $20 (stretch wrap) = $32
- Travel: $120 (gas) + $230 (car rental) = $350
- Miscellaneous: Approximately $100 for meals and a few new household items in Tulsa
Total: $231.95 (Denver movers) + $200 (Tulsa movers) + $1,004 (U-Box) + $32 (packing supplies) + $350 (travel) + $100 (miscellaneous) = $1,917.95
So, the grand total for our meticulously planned move comes to $1,917.95. Though not insignificant, this investment facilitated not just a physical relocation but a significant positive shift in our quality of life.
Living a Better Life for Less
It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about what those numbers represent. With a drastically reduced cost of living, a safer environment, and an overall better alignment with our lifestyle, the benefits of this move go well beyond financial savings.
A Farewell to Denver, A Welcome to Tulsa
Emotionally, every move comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. While we did leave behind a fledgling social circle in Denver, the promise of building a new and hopefully richer life in Tulsa feels invigorating.
The Road Ahead
This move symbolizes a new chapter in our lives. And the best part? The freedom and financial stability we gain will allow us to explore even more life opportunities down the road.
