We specialize in Long Distance Moving From San Diego, California and offer these moving tips.
It’s time for a fresh start. Maybe you got a new job, or you’re just looking for a change. Each new city brings with it new possibilities!
With every change, though, comes some level of stress. Moving to a different place in the same city is challenging enough. But, moving to a completely new city can be quite overwhelming.
If you want to thrive in this new city the first thing you do is check out your apartment options. There are some practical steps you can take to ensure you are equipped for this big transition. Make this new city your home by following these five tips.
1. Explore the City
Even before you take a new job or sign up for a lease, you should explore the city. You can do this online by researching travel websites and searching on social platforms. And, of course, you should also explore on foot.
There is so much information available online about cities around the world. You can look at typical tourist sites to read about the city’s attractions, where the best restaurants are and what the local arts culture is like. Beyond travel websites, you can look to social platforms, such as Reddit, to find threads about a variety of topics in regards to the city.
After you’ve done some research online, now it’s time to book a room and visit the city! You will find that hotels are often in high-traffic areas such as downtown, art districts or near the airport. You can guarantee they will be near public transportation. Getting a real feel for different neighborhoods, however, can be done better through couch surfing or a homestay platform, such as Airbnb. These types of lodgings will be in residential areas, where you will most likely live.
On your first day in the city, get out of your room and explore. It’s smart to have multiple maps both physical and mobile. Maps of public transit and maps of walking tours can be helpful. Use your Google Maps to do a test run to work. This works best if you have an idea of which neighborhood or area you’d like to find a place in.
2. Find a Place that Meets Your Needs
Each neighborhood and district will offer a different subculture of the city. Do some research on what each place is about. Do you want an area with playgrounds and dog parks? Or, do you want something more accessible to downtown?
Make a priority list for what you’re looking for. Include things like your family size, pets, lifestyle, budget and distance to work. Meeting the needs of all these areas is essential for thriving in a new city.
If you’re a single, young professional, look at your options for either living alone or with roommates. One of the biggest challenges in the modern world is finding a community. There’s a movement growing called “co-living” where you have a private bedroom and bathroom but share common living spaces such as a kitchen and living room. It’s similar to dorm-style, but with more privacy. Most of them cater to working professionals.
If you have a family or are looking to start one, then a townhouse would better suit your needs. They can be pricey depending on the neighborhood, but they will often be within walking distance of parks and playgrounds. You can also choose a home based on school district ratings.
3. Figure out Your Budget
The cost of living is often a deciding factor when people are considering moving to a new city. If you’re moving from the Midwest to the west coast, you can expect the cost of living to significantly increase. You can find calculators online that will show you the standard costs of new cities.
What will you be paying for and how much will you be making? This is the starting point for your budget. Create categories for:
- Rent: utilities, wi-fi, and any other amenities
- Transportation: parking, gas, taxi, public transit
- Food: eating out, grocery
- Lifestyle: gym memberships, childcare, school
- Taxes: what are the local tax laws on goods and services?
One of the best things to do before moving is to sell your stuff. Not only does it help you minimize what you’re packing, but it will help you make some extra cash. You can use online platforms such as ThredUp for used clothing or Amazon buyback for electronics. Or, you can sell to local resale stores like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange.
4. Have a Moving Strategy
You could just randomly throw your stuff in boxes and haul it over, but that will create more mess that you have to deal with when unpacking. In order to make your transition smooth and quick, you need to have a moving strategy.
Organize all your things either by type or by room. Throw away or donate as needed. If you’re able to afford it, hiring a moving company can be super helpful. You will be in charge of any valuables and should pack and move them yourself.
If you’re moving across the country, consider using Amtrak to ship your boxes. Sending it by train can save you money on hiring a moving truck. Otherwise, if you’re just going across the state or onto a bordering state, you can use the same moving company as the one who packed your stuff.
Prepare your new home for moving in by buying furniture or any appliances ahead of time. You can have them delivered and set up even before you move in.
5. Connect with Your Community
One aspect that will make or break how well you live in your new city is your community. If you’re working full time, it can be challenging to make new friends. Although connecting with coworkers is helpful, you can’t always depend on finding your tribe at the office.
Thankfully, there are some solutions for newbies in big cities. Apps like BumbleBFF or MeetUp can help you connect with people based on common interests. If you’re an active person, you can join fitness classes or community sports leagues. For the intellectual or spiritual, look into community education and religious centers. There’s bound to be something for everyone.
Moving to a New City Shouldn’t be Overwhelming
Take your time to research your city and prepare for your move. If you move in a hurry you will find yourself stressed out and overwhelmed. Moving doesn’t need to be that way. By following a checklist and budget, you can avoid a lot of unnecessary hassle.
