New Job and a Move to San Diego (Rainbow: sales, apartment)

[gbbg]

My spouse recently got a job in San Diego. We both loved the place last time we visited. Will be moving from DFW area to SD in about a month (I will be moving later ~ 6 months). I have some questions on the move .

1. Car is registered in my name but will be used in San Diego. How does the registration stuff work now? Do I have to register the car in California and get the CA plates? I will be in Texas for at least next 6 months. Car is financed too.

2. Is it advisable to buy a new car in Texas, and move it to SD few months from now or buy it in CA now? 6.25% is the sales tax here in Texas.

3. Best way to move one half of a 2-bed apartment? We're thinking of using a Pod (from U-Haul or U-pack), while we drive ourselves and few boxes in the car over two days. Any experience in using the pod?

Any advise on these or other things would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[ShelbyGirl1]

1). I believe the law is where the car is located on registration.
2). You will be paying taxes on the car in Ca regardless, wether you buy new or bring it into the State. Unfair, but it is what it is.

[RainbowHope]

What about getting the new car in San Diego and keeping the TX car in TX with you for now?

We used the company Pack Rat to move our stuff out. It was painless... they were excellent to deal with. We also shipped one car and drove the other.

[Cardiff Kook]

Travel light. Sell all your **** and take only what can come with you in the car. Purchase new furniture when you get out here. That's what I did and it was much easier than trying to move a bunch of furniture across country.

[RainbowHope]

Originally Posted by Cardiff Kook

Travel light. Sell all your **** and take only what can come with you in the car. Purchase new furniture when you get out here. That's what I did and it was much easier than trying to move a bunch of furniture across country.

I totally agree. We went from a 4 bedroom house with a full basement to a 15' Pack Rat container. It is very freeing to get rid of so much stuff and "start new."

[gbbg]

Thanks for the tips!
The thing is both cars are registered under my name and I am not moving. Also, the car that has the lien on it, will be the one moving to San Diego. So I am not sure how to approach this or may be just take this to the DMV and let them tell me what to do.
@ Shelbygirl1, full sales tax on the car or just the differential? Also, when you say where the car is located on registration, could you please elaborate on it? The car is currently registered in Texas and just crossed 2yrs mark.

[gbbg]

We are not planning on moving furniture, at least most of it, just the bare minimums.

[RainbowHope]

Originally Posted by gbbg

We are not planning on moving furniture, at least most of it, just the bare minimums.

Then a single pod-type container could be a good option for you. The "bare minimums" adds up quickly.

[gbbg]

@RainbowHope, I know! Gotta keep a tight ship.

[ShelbyGirl1]

Originally Posted by gbbg

Thanks for the tips!
The thing is both cars are registered under my name and I am not moving. Also, the car that has the lien on it, will be the one moving to San Diego. So I am not sure how to approach this or may be just take this to the DMV and let them tell me what to do.
@ Shelbygirl1, full sales tax on the car or just the differential? Also, when you say where the car is located on registration, could you please elaborate on it? The car is currently registered in Texas and just crossed 2yrs mark.

When the car is brought into the State, you will state the value and that is the amount of tax you will pay.
If the car is in the State, than it has to be registered in the State. It makes no difference if the owner is not with it.
You could conceivably leave it registered in Tx until you get here, but the fine is a stiff one if you are caught.