Moving to a New City
If you are thinking about making a move to a new city, it is important to do a bit of research before finalizing your destination. Whether your proposed move is across the country or on the other side of the state, you’ll want to have this information in-hand so you know your decision will be an informed one.
What are your goals?
Why are you moving and what are you hoping to achieve? Make a list of your professional and personal goals before you start packing.
What is the cost of living?
How far will your dollar stretch in your new city? Check out the cost of housing, transportation, healthcare, and food so you can create a budget. You can use the Bankrate Calculator, an online resource and check online homes for sale listings, gas prices, and restaurant menus.
Looking for a job?
The time to begin applying for jobs is now … before you move. Make a job hunting plan that includes targeted industries and companies, desired geographic areas, and opportunities listed on company websites. Research whether the company offers relocation benefits and learn about the corporate culture.
Make Connections.
Do you have friends, acquaintances, or family in your new city? Use your alumni network and business, professional, and personal connections here to form new connections. Use LinkedIn and Facebook to discover connections or request introductions.
Explore in Person or Online.
Visit your new city, if possible, before you move to learn about its neighborhoods. Check out both residential and commercial areas. Learn which may be unsavory and which have the features that interest you. Where are the parks, nightlife, restaurants? What types of transportation and parking are available? Online resources are invaluable. For instance, Googling “parks near (name of city)” will yield lots of information. Try City Data and Crime Reports to learn more.
When you have done your “homework” and have made your decision, you’ll want to make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
You Can’t Take It with You.
Dispose of unnecessary possessions. You don’t need to move items that no longer serve your purposes. Sort your household items into those you absolutely need, those you can part with – to be sold, given away to friends or relatives, items to donate to charitable organizations — and those that can be disposed of. Consider having a yard sale and plan to donate whatever doesn’t sell to charity.
Throw a Party.
Have a get together and make sure you say farewell to the important people in your life. You’ll leave your old home on good terms with an enthusiastic attitude about the adventure you are about to take.
Be Open to New Experiences.
Seek out opportunities to meet new people. Say “yes” to after-work social gatherings. Join business or civic organizations that will extend your networking contacts in your new city. Eat alone in a local café or coffee house. Read a book in the park. Talk to people.
Get Familiar.
Explore your neighborhood to discover local stores. Where is the nearest pharmacy, grocery, post office, or coffee shop? When is the library open? Where can you walk or ride your bike? Ask co-workers or people you meet for recommendations and directions. Remember, it’s OK to get lost; that’s when you may experience the best adventures. Today, GPS and cell phones prevent us from actually being “lost.” We just get waylaid or take the scenic route. When you become more familiar with your neighborhood, your new community will begin to feel like home.
Join nextdoor.com, an online neighborhood app. This website, as well as your community’s Facebook page have a wealth of information. You can check out Meet Up for information on local group meetings that you can attend.
Focus on the positive.
Things won’t always go as you planned them, but whatever happens, think about what you like and value about your new home. Remember your reasons for relocating and remain positive about your decision.
You may become acclimated with a few months or it may take longer to adjust to your new area. Take the time to learn about your new community and put yourself out there. Soon you’ll begin to feel like you are a “native.” You will have made some casual friends and hopefully, some close ones.
If you have questions about moving across town or across the country, call the Relocation Specialists at Ayer Moving and Storage.
