There’s no question that living on an island brings with it some specific considerations. Whether you’re moving to Honolulu for business or pleasure, Hawaii comes with staggering beauty and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Before you pack your bags (and sunscreen), the expert Honolulu movers at M. Dyer & Sons have a few smart pointers on what to expect from life in the Big Island city. This team of professional and helpful movers has been helping residents relocate for over 45 years—here are a handful of their useful tips.

1. Prepare to Slow Down

Have you ever heard of “island time”? It’s a big reality anywhere in Hawaii, but especially in Honolulu. On the one hand, living in Hawaii invites a breezy sense of relaxation: why rush when you’re literally living in paradise? But on the other hand, Honolulu has some of the worst traffic in the nation. At least you’ll have plenty of beautiful beach views along your drive!

2. Plan for Higher Prices

Keep in mind that Hawaii is an island, which means that everything needs to be shipped from the mainland. Ordering items online is more expensive, and the basic goods you use daily—like milk, toothpaste, and even gas for your car—will generally be priced higher than what you might find elsewhere.

3. You’ll Need to Downsize

Hawaii has a high cost of living and limited space, so you’re likely going to have to move into a smaller home. This isn’t always a bad thing; moving your items from the mainland to an island can get expensive quickly, so think of this as an excuse to get rid of the belongings you rarely use and embrace island living. Trust us: you won’t need tons of shoes or winter coats in Honolulu.

4. Learn Basic Hawaiian

Hawaii has its own language, and if you’re going to live there, you’ll want to learn how to speak like a local. Here’s one of the most important terms: “lua” means bathroom!

5. Moving With Pets Is Challenging

We love our furry friends, but the Hawaiian government has a state ecosystem to protect—and that means no diseases from non-native animals! Prepare yourself for a lengthy screening process to ensure your pet isn’t harboring anything that could disrupt Hawaii’s natural beauty.

Moving can be tough, but it’s an island breeze with the team at M. Dyer & Sons. For needs like local Hawaiian moving, logistics, mainland moving, and everything in between, M. Dyer & Sons has you covered. To get a quote, call (800) 922-2490 or visit their website!