Match Moves 101
Welcome to Houston!
The Texas Medical Center (TMC) is the world’s largest medical complex. You’re becoming part of an amazing medical community leading advances across all facets of medicine.
What do I love about Houston?
Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to many major US cities, Houston offers lower housing costs, no state income tax, and reasonably priced groceries and services, making it an attractive option for those starting out in residency or their medical training.
Diversity: Houston is known for its rich cultural diversity, with vibrant communities representing a wide range of ethnicities, languages, and traditions, making it a dynamic and inclusive city to live in.
Ease of Access: Houston is a major transportation hub, with two large airports—George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) —making it incredibly easy to fly in and out of the city, with numerous direct flights to domestic and international destinations.
What steps can you take now to prepare for your Match Move?
1. Review Your Budget
Assess your budget to determine what you can afford for housing and moving expenses. Factor in costs like rent/mortgage, utilities, moving supplies, and transportation to make informed decisions as you plan your move. Even getting a range for expenses like rent/mortgage will help us make decisions about where and what type of housing to consider. My tip: BE CONSERVATIVE! It’s never a good idea to blow your budget on housing. I have some tips and ratios I like to share when working with my clients.
2. Consult With An Agent
Contacting me early is a great way to talk through the options with someone knowledgable in the area. A good agent should be very transparent about any fees associated with their work, whether helping you secure a rental or purchase a home. By connecting early, we can discuss all the options, provide you with time to think about your living arrangements, and then work together to help you select the right property for you. I work closely with clients on everything from rentals to home purchases, and know all about the neighborhoods in and around the Med Center.
3. Choose Your Moving Method
Decide how you want to handle the physical move—whether hiring movers, renting a truck, or using a pod system. Consider your budget and the level of effort you’re willing to put into the process. My tip: Make reservations well in advance! The earlier you plan, the better. This information can also impact housing decisions (buildings sometimes have limitations on when/how you can move in, etc.). I’ve done it ALL - packed and moved our family ourselves, used a pod/ABF method, used full service movers …. (We’ve move A LOT). I am happy to give guidance and share lessons learned about the pros/cons of each option.
4. Start Decluttering
Begin sorting through your belongings early to reduce what you need to pack. Donate or sell items you no longer need to minimize moving costs and make unpacking easier once you arrive at your new home. The less you have to move the better (and cheaper!) it will be.
5. Document, document, document
Make sure you are super organized and setting up both physical and digital folders to store all documents related to your move. What should you be keeping track of? Everything from emails, receipts, housing details, to job-related paperwork. The more info you have in one, organized spot, the better off you are going to be!
6. Move In and Get Settled
Houston’s an amazingly diverse city. From cuisine to entertainment, you’ll find there’s so much to offer. I’m happy to provide recommendations and share insights into everything from the best Tex-Mex restaurant, to what preschools are around a certain neighborhood. We relocated to Houston for fellowship training - I know what an adjustment it can be. Let me help you settle into HTX!
