The smartest first month in a new city is usually the one where you own as little as possible.
Getting your belongings — and your car — north
Many people moving to Anchorage ship household goods by sea, often on commercial barges from ports in Washington State. Transit takes weeks, so most new arrivals need a furnished rental or extended-stay hotel until their belongings land. See places to stay.
Shipped vehicles use the same sea routes. Book shipping well ahead — space can fill during the summer moving season — and plan a rental car for the gap.
Temporary housing and storage
Finding a long-term lease or closing on a home takes time. A climate-controlled storage unit bridges the gap for shipped furniture while you house-hunt. Avoid putting electronics or fine furniture in an unheated unit — winter cold can damage them. Compare storage and vehicle storage.
Daylight, weather and winter gear
Anchorage winters are defined by darkness as much as cold: about five and a half hours of daylight around the winter solstice, and more than 19 hours around the summer solstice. Blackout curtains help in summer.
Before you move, resist buying heavy winter gear you haven’t tested. Local shops sell gear suited to Alaska conditions, and some outdoor equipment can be rented while you figure out what you’ll actually use.
Getting around and getting set up
Setting up utilities may require proof of residency or an in-person visit. While you wait for your own vehicle, a rental car is the easiest way to cover a spread-out city. Anchorage has a public bus system, People Mover, but most residents rely on a car for commuting and for reaching places like Chugach State Park.
Licenses, registration and taxes
Alaska sets deadlines for new residents to switch their driver’s license and vehicle registration — check the Alaska DMV for current requirements.
Alaska has no state income tax and no statewide sales tax, and Anchorage doesn’t levy a general sales tax. Some other local taxes — such as the room tax on lodging — still apply. For tax questions, consult a qualified professional.
Read the winter car rental guide if you’re arriving between October and April.
| Item | Rent first if… | Buy sooner if… |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Your own vehicle is still in transit | You'll need a car daily from week one |
| Storage | You're between homes | You've found your long-term place |
| Winter and outdoor gear | You're still learning what you'll use | You already know your activities |
| Furniture | Your housing is temporary | You've signed a longer lease |
Your Anchorage move checklist
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Official resources
State of Alaska
Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles (official site, opens in a new tab)
Driver's licenses, vehicle registration and new-resident requirements.
doa.alaska.gov
Municipality of Anchorage
Street maintenance and snow removal (official site, opens in a new tab)
What to expect from winter plowing where you live.
muni.org
Frequently asked questions
How do people get their belongings to Anchorage?
Many movers ship household goods by sea — commonly on barges from ports in Washington State — which takes weeks. Plan temporary housing to cover the transit time.
Should I ship my car or drive it?
It depends on your starting point, time and budget. Shipped vehicles travel the same sea routes as household goods. Budget for a rental car while yours is in transit.
Do I need a car in Anchorage?
Most residents rely on one. The People Mover bus system serves the city, but a car makes daily life and reaching trailheads in Chugach State Park much easier.
How soon do I need an Alaska driver's license?
Alaska sets deadlines for new residents to get an Alaska license and register their vehicles. Check the Alaska DMV for current requirements.
