Whether you’ve got your heart set on moving to Florida or New York, or if you’ve been dreaming of living in Torrance, there are a couple of important things you need to think about before you move to a brand new city. You may have made the decision to pack up and move, but you’re not really ready to get moving until you’ve crossed these things off of your list. Check them out below:
Know the cost of living
One of the most important things you need to know first when moving to a new city is how far you’re able to stretch a dollar to fit your budget. It’s important, therefore, to research housing, transportation, food prices, healthcare, and the like, in order to set a realistic budget. There are apps that can help you calculate your cost of living and list the average prices of everything from household supplies and necessities to recreational activities. It’s also a good idea to do your own research by checking house listings, gas prices, and restaurant menus online.
Know how your salary affects your budget
If you already have a job lined up, it might be a good idea to work out how your new salary will affect your daily or monthly budget, as well as your ability to save money. If you’re planning on living in Torrance CA, for example, and your salary is decent, then you can figure out how much will go to your savings and how much money you can allow for other expenses.
Check out job opportunities
It might not be a good idea to move to a new city without a job. Look into job opportunities in the city you’re planning to move to and start applying prior to the move. Get a feel of the city’s major industries as well as the kind of jobs that are available. If you haven’t decided on a moving date yet, find out if there are job openings that are normally available during certain times of a year (this is because some industries hire seasonally). Make sure to have a concrete job hunt plan as well: what companies are you targeting? Do you have connections? If you want to work in retail or get a part-time job, it may be difficult to apply for them remotely. Make a list of local businesses you’re interested in, paying the utmost attention to their location. If all the businesses you like are located in one area, try to look for housing there as well.
Research about your future company
If you’re moving to a new city for a new job, it would be wise to do a bit of research on the company. Do they provide relocation benefits? Some companies provide assistance with moving expenses and some even help you find housing. It makes sense to learn more about the corporate culture, job expectations, and work/life balance of the city you’re moving to. This will make it easier for you to adjust after you make the big move.
Social and professional connections
Pay attention to the new people you meet in your new city—friends, acquaintances, or even distant family/relatives. Use your alumni network and previous or present connections at work to find social and professional connections. A great way to start would be to reach out to friends of friends or invite them out for a coffee or lunch date. Or you could try posting on Facebook asking for introductions—this might be a little too cheesy, but it often gets the ball rolling in your favor.
Explore the city and familiarize its neighborhoods
If you’re planning on moving to and best place but can’t visit, for now, it would be wise to learn the layout of the land in the meantime. Before you decide on a neighborhood to live in, research which areas are residential and commercial, or which neighborhoods are considered dangerous. Also, find out which areas have the features you’re genuinely interested in. If you’re the outdoorsy type, you may want to see where the parks are; if you love music and enjoy going to bars, find out where those venues are prior to your move. You can find info about your new city through websites like Yelp (for restaurant info), City Data, and Crime Reports. If you can make a trip prior to your move, try booking an Airbnb in your new location rather than staying in a hotel; this will give you a better idea of what it feels like to live there.
What about transportation options?
Are you going to be driving a car or will you be using public transportation to get around? If you have plans to keep a car in the city, find out what available parking and storage options you have. On the other hand, if you plan to rely on public transportation, figure out which neighborhoods have the best service. If you can, do some research on bus or train lines that are considered reliable, and also how frequently each of them runs. This is so you can avoid getting stuck living somewhere where the bus only comes once a day.
Throw out things you don’t need
When you think about moving, you usually focus on the place you’re going to instead of the place you’re leaving behind. But there’s so much work to do before you leave and so many things to pack. One way to make things easier for you prior to the big move is to get rid of anything you don’t need. How do you do this? Easy. Have a garage sale, donate old clothes to a local charity, or even sell them online. You’re basically getting rid of old things to make room for new ones in your new home. But more importantly, you’ll have less stuff to bring with you when you move.
What are your goals?
Lastly, make sure you know exactly why you’re moving and what you plan to achieve. It’s easy to get distracted amidst the chaos and excitement of moving out and starting a new life, so it’s best to write a list of your goals (personal and professional) before you pack up and leave.
