Ready to move to Northwest Arkansas but don’t know where to start? I created a starter pack to introduce you to everything.
You can move to Northwest Arkansas by first informing your friends and family, planning your itineraries, and then finding the right moving service. Sort through your furniture and only take what you need, then join local communities in NWA.
This article is my ultimate outline of how you can get started and finally move to NWA. Keep reading for more details.
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Informing Your Family Members
The first thing you’ll want to do once you finally make the decision to move to Northwest Arkansas is to inform your family and friends. You don’t want to suddenly leave everyone behind without a warning!
You might find this challenging, especially if you’re moving from a city that is very far from Arkansas. Prepare yourself for the pushback, but you should remember all the positives about NWA. Here are a few things you might want to mention:
- Better school systems
- Better job opportunities
- More chances for career growth
- Great for remote work
- Ideal work-life balance in the USA
Basically, give them real reasons for your decision and stay strong. Even though most of your friends and family might not know what Northwest Arkansas has to offer, it’s your opportunity to educate them.
NWA is becoming very popular for remote workers. Many facilities are popping up to accommodate those who work from home or freelance, such as the Ledger in Bentonville. To read more about this bikable building, check out my post about the 6th Floor at the Ledger and how it caters to work-centered activities.
Setting Up Itineraries
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Since Arkansas is not as popular as other destinations around the US, many people who decide to move are surprised by the number of activities and sights to see. There’s really a lot to do, and you may find yourself overwhelmed if not prepared.
I’ve created itineraries that I’ve designed specifically for newcomers to NWA, which you can download to help get yourself started. Setting up and planning your first few weeks in Arkansas can help you navigate the stress of moving and exploring the area.
Even if you won’t follow my itineraries to the T, I suggest having a look. You can change them to meet your interest and fit the pace you want to explore the place. Also, make a list of the places you want to visit and prioritize them to include in the first week of your itinerary.
If that’s still too much planning for you, I have a simpler solution. Sign up for email notifications from my Instant Home Update, including all the details of the type of home you want to move to and specifics you’re interested in. I’ll send you everything you need to know.
I’ll also include a weekly news update on NWA, so you’ll be fully informed before you move.
Affordable Trucks To Move Your Stuff
Next, you’ll need to find moving trucks. You’ll need to do this way ahead of your actual move because it is very difficult to find great and affordable moving trucks. If you live in a major city like Los Angeles or New York, I suggest getting an hour out of the city before you ask around for moving truck services.
Why? Because I’ve noticed that the price of moving trucks increases as you go towards the congestion of a big city.
It might sound like an unnecessary added step, but you’re going to want to rent a moving truck from out of the city. Then, drive to your city, load your stuff, and then drive towards Arkansas. The extra money you’ll spend on gas is still going to be significantly less than the price difference between renting from in the city and renting from outside the city.
Sorting Through Your Furniture
Finally, as things get serious, you’ll need to get packing. Unless you’re still young, you probably have a lot of stuff to pack. Aside from personal belongings, furniture is one of the biggest hassles to moving. You’ll need to sort through your furniture and decide which items you absolutely need.
I recommend that you leave most of your furniture behind, and start fresh in your new home. There’s nothing you won’t find in Arkansas. And by getting new furniture, you’ll save the time and energy of actually moving the furniture.
Besides the savings, you’ll also get to choose new furniture that matches the style (and size) of your home better. For example, your couch may have been perfect for the living area in your New York City apartment. Your new home in NWA may be significantly bigger, and the couch would make the room look sparse. Or, it may not match the interior design.
This all depends on multiple factors:
- Your budget
- How important your furniture is to you — don’t leave behind heirlooms.
- Your preferences
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Join NWA Communities
As Northwest Arkansas (or the entire state, really) is a small town, the community tends to be tight-knit. You’ll feel a sense of belonging once you get settled, and the first step towards achieving that is to join the local communities.
When you finally reach NWA, it may feel challenging to make new friends. So, I’ve decided to organize newcomers’ events to help anyone integrate with the community better. There are tons of activities and so many great places to explore here, so there’s always something to do every weekend.
Whether you want to do indoor or outdoor activities, there’s probably already a community in NWA that will accommodate you. This includes:
- Knitting
- Watersports
- Kayaking
- Web technologies
- Cryptocurrency
Basically, people from all around the US have moved to NWA. So, you’d be surprised at how diverse the communities are in this area. Ask around and don’t be afraid to make friends, and you’ll quickly settle in.
There’s something in NWA for everyone, even if you’re not moving to the city areas of Bentonville and Fayetteville. The smaller towns in NWA have a lot to offer if you prefer suburb living. To learn more, check out my post about the towns in NWA that you may not have heard of.
Final Thoughts
Read about Northwest Arkansas, such as this update on Fayetteville, and explore everything about it. I believe it’s a great place to move to for a variety of reasons. If you’re finally ready to make the move, stick to your guns and get started. Don’t listen to anyone who discourages you, because the area has a lot to offer.
I recommend visiting for a week before you make your final move. You should be able to feel whether the move is something you’re interested in or not.