In our lives, there aren’t many major events that will be more significant that moving to a new city.
It is an opportunity to start a new chapter and significantly improve your quality of life.
With that being said, it is certainly not an easy endeavour. Even with careful planning and thorough research, you may become overwhelmed by everything you must complete before, during and after your move.
If you are in the process of moving or currently considering one, there are many aspects you want to consider first.
Consider the moving expenses
First, moving a house is costly, and changing cities makes it significantly more expensive.
You would need to factor in the cost of house removals, shipping, or renting a truck. While this is a one-time payment, you must ensure that it does not empty your wallet for the rest of the expenses associated with the move.
When exploring different options, you should check with your local moving company if they offer the service and if you could work out a discount if you select a particular day for your move. When switching cities, anything that reduces the costs will be helpful.
Think about the job prospects
You are all good if you move due to a job offer or opportunity. However, if you plan to change homes without a job offer, you may want to start looking for one as soon as you get there. Or even before that.
To find a job at your new place, you would like to explore a few different options before you arrive:
- Research the local job market. Check popular job posting sites such as LinkedIn, Indeed etc. You can also join some area-specific work-related groups on Facebook and see what jobs are in demand.
- Reach out to large businesses. Quite often, large companies have multiple offices in different cities, and they may be looking for someone in your new area.
- Remote work. Some positions are global, while others are specific to your residence. Explore both options.
If you have already moved to your new place and haven’t landed a job, you may want to try some old-school methods:
- Get a local newspaper and check the local job openings.
- Check with people you know or neighbours if they know of job openings that may be a good fit.
- Visit local shops and cafes and ask if they need more staff.
Nowadays, the options are endless. But be prepared for many rejections and ghosting, as the job market is currently very populated.
Research the housing market
Whether you buy or rent a home, the monthly payment will take a huge chunk of your monthly income. Before moving, ensure you familiarise yourself with the cost of living and the housing market.
Even if you are getting a raise, based on the city you are relocating to, it might be harder for you to get by.
When budgeting, you should consider other house-related expenses, such as utility costs. The price for electricity, cable, water etc., could vary significantly based on the area you are moving to.
Other aspects that affect the cost of living are the weather conditions. If the area has extreme seasons, you may need extra heating or air-conditioning, which will increase the bills.
Find what the walkability and commute situation is
The location is another factor to consider when budgeting to move to a new city. Will your most visited places, such as work, school, supermarkets, etc., be a walking distance away from you?
If not, you have to check the city’s transportation options. Does it have a good bus station network or underground? If you must commute, you may want to check how much monthly cards are and what are the available discounts.
Connect to like-minded residents
The people you connect with greatly influence whether you can settle in and feel at home. Try to make friends with like-minded residents.
To do that, you may want to dive into the city’s many available community groups.
Joining the city’s online groups will allow you to get to know the people there and maybe make some friends. Neighbours and colleagues are also great opportunities to find new acquaintances to get along with.
Select the ideal environment
Before you even consider a move, think about the things you like and the ones you dislike about your current place. Once you have a list of things you want to change and things you want in your life, it is time to see if your new home checks those boxes.
If you don’t know where to start, others have shared some common reasons for wanting to move:
- Safety. It’s important for many. Will you be able to walk around the area? Will you feel safe at home? Residents in areas with high crime often isolate themselves, making the transition harder.
- Weather. Do you prefer sunny weather? Walks on the beach? Maybe you like to have milder winter and cooler summer? Regardless of preference, you can not change the weather once you move to a new city, so investigate the climate situation to make an informed decision.
- Culture. What are the entertainment options of the new city? Is there an active nightlife, or is it calm and quiet? Do you often have sports events, concerts etc.? What about restaurants, museums, and theatres? Those are all important things to consider when you are moving house, so ensure that you research your new place sufficiently.
Consider getting help from house removals services
You have already decided on your new place and are ready to go. Before moving out of your current residence, you may want to contact removal companies to assist you.
While navigating between changing utility providers, setting up a new address, and looking for a new home, job, and friends, getting your belongings ready for a move will be difficult.
Trust a local removal company to handle the packing and transportation of your belongings so you have more time to focus on other things.
Book an appointment well in advance, as you may benefit from lower rates and discounts. When choosing the right service, always consider whether they offer insurance for your belongings.
Conclusion
Moving to a new city is a difficult but often rewarding experience.
To ensure a smooth transition, focus on picking the place that best fits your needs. Remember to thoroughly budget for the move and the first few weeks afterwards.
Get all your documents up to date and try to connect with as many people as possible.
