Moving to a new city means a new location, a new home and even new friends.
It can be an overwhelming experience to settle in a new place, especially if you were immersed in your old home and location. But it is these amazing, new experiences that teach you more about the world and helps you build a home where you move or travel.
When moving away for a job, it’s a lot more work and effort than simply moving to a new job in the same location you’re in currently. So with that being said, there’s a lot of things to prepare and cover before you make the move.
To help you make a smooth move and connect more with your new city, here is a checklist for moving to a new city you should definitely refer to.
Moving to a New City: Checklist
A Clean Cut.
Before you can start setting up your new life, you need to ensure that all loose ends have been taken care of in your previous abode.
It’s your job to ensure that nothing’s getting left behind once you leave for good.
I had mail being sent to my previous home for months after I left, which was not at all pleasant for my apartment’s new residents, or for the sad sap who wasn’t getting any of his bills or birthday cards.
It may seem like a silly mistake, but it’s one of many problematic slipups that everyone I know has made at least once.
Prep Before Time
It’s okay to take it easy at first but never procrastinate much. Get done with the packing and be ready before the moving trucks arrive at your door. Packing is a stressful task and procrastinating on it will only make it worse. To avoid regrets later, pack beforehand and keep up with the schedule before you are ready to move.
This will not only save you the last minute hassle but will also ensure you are leaving nothing behind. When you are ahead of the schedule, it will give you a sigh of relief and will make it less stressful when the moving day arrives.
Instead of considering packing a daunting task, think of it as an adventure!
Get The Right Documents Needed
You want to ensure that you’ve got all the relevant documents in place for moving, especially if you’re moving to another country.
Knowing the Irish citizenship application cost, for example, is important to be aware of. You might need to seek accommodation as part of your job if it’s not already covered.
By having all the right documents in place, it’s going to make the move a lot less stressful. When moving accommodation, you’ll likely need to have any relevant information or documents needed to secure references or mortgage arrangements.
Getting all this together can be a hassle but it’s something that is going to help speed up the process.
Create a Lifestyle Budget
A lifestyle budget is something to consider, particularly if you’re moving to a place that differs in the prices of everyday purchases that you make.
Whether that’s another part of the country or a new country entirely, you’re going to want to create yourself a lifestyle budget that you can afford and not something that’s unattainable.
It’s important to have a budget in general when it comes to spending, so if you haven’t already got one in existence, there’s a lot of resources online to help create the perfect spreadsheet.
It makes all the difference being able to see the money you have coming in and the amounts going out.
Speaking of managing your money, let’s talk about some ways you can save money and make moving to a new city more affordable.
Research The New Area
In the suburbs, you likely have access to an abundance of supermarkets, stalls and shops where you can get everything you need to survive at a relatively reasonable price.
While scrimping and saving will definitely help you through the city-dwelling experience, many people are unprepared for how expensive all of their necessities can become in comparison.
To avoid this, spend your first few days of free time marking out the best places to get what you need, as there is sure to be places that are a little less costly than the usual amble.
It can definitely take a considerable amount of effort at first, but once you map out your little network of cafes, bakeries and marketplaces, you’ll be happy that you did.
Get into a Routine
One thing that cities have that is often different to cul de sacs and suburbia at large is an overabundance of choice.
Where do you go for supplies when there are 15 supermarkets within walking distance? When do you sleep when there’s always something new and exciting happening right outside your door?
While these may seem like trivial concerns (because they are), it’s good to regiment yourself to an extent, especially if you have never been in a position to do it before.
Always remember, while things may be difficult at first, traveling out on your own into an environment you have not previously called your own can be one of the most exciting experiences of your life, so why not enjoy it?
You have a new world to explore, and the first step into acclimatising yourself to it is simply to explore what it has to offer you.
Build Your Network
Networking is integral to building up your new job prospects. It’s important that you’re getting to know everyone in your new job or within the industry you’re going into, especially if you’re moving from one industry to another.
Building your network might be through existing contacts that can introduce you to others or it might be exploring opportunities in-person or via online platforms like LinkedIn.
By building up your network, it’s going to help you settle into whatever job you’re going into and perhaps opening up new opportunities further down the line too. Don’t be afraid of meeting new people and getting your name out there as an individual.
Prioritize Accommodation
Accommodation is important obviously due to the fact you’re moving away and likely to a new area that’s too far from your current residence. If that’s the case, then you’re going to want to prioritize accommodation before anything else.
The last thing you want is for a sale to fall through or a rental agreement to be withdrawn, leaving you essentially homeless and with a new job to go to! Make sure you sort it sooner, rather than later.
Don’t Miss Out on Important Connections
While the new city will give you tons of amazing opportunities to meet new people and make friends, it’s always a great idea to hold on to your old, reliable connections.
If you know people from the city you are moving to, it’s great to reconnect with them, even if it is a friend of a friend. Having someone you know in the new city makes things slightly better. Besides being a good company in a new place, your new friends can also be a tour guide for you.
It’s okay to set up a meeting or call your friend and as questions about the place before moving to a new city.
Download a Local Digital Map
You can give out an ‘I am new to this city’ vibe by the way you talk. A major tipoff you can experience is while navigating your way through the new city. So instead of using a physical map or guidebook, get a digital map on your smartphone so you are not a tourist in the city.
Google Maps is your best choice to get started.
Go For a Test-Drive
Making a sudden and unplanned transition can take a toll on your stress levels and your schedule. A new job or other family reasons could be the reason you are moving to a new city. Doing a trial run within the city can be of great help.
For instance, going to your workplace from your new home or checking the traffic at busy hours can give you a good idea of how much time you will take on the roads.
You can also wander around to check for grocery stores and local restaurants nearby. Take a day off and move around to get a good insight on how your daily life would be like in this new city.
Go Out
To settle in a new city, you need more than just a comfy sofa in your new home and a TV right in front. Get out there!
Say yes to get back to all your life essentials including friends, a good job, a BFF or a boyfriend/girlfriend. And that would be impossible if you order food and enjoy it while watching your favorite TV shows.
Moving to a new city and settling is both an adventure and a mission. So go out and find all of your life essentials! And while you’re at it, get to know the area.
While you may have a vague understanding of the areas around where you’re moving to, this is not always the full acclimatisation you might think. That’s because you’re likely looking for different things in a residence than a destination.
You might know the name of every bar, venue and skate park within a 5km radius off by heart, but when it comes to thinking about good cafes, affordable transport and other pleasantries that can endear you to a place, many people don’t have a clue.
Ensure that you’re taking into account the daily benefits of your surrounding areas before settling on a new abode.
You may be 5 minutes away from your fortnightly bar night, but if you don’t know where to get your breakfast, it can be a rough introduction.
Take Your Time
Give yourself time to settle in when moving to a new city.
Be easy on yourself, especially when you are unpacking. This new home could differ from your last one. So wait and plan on how you want to set it up. Open boxes one by one and adjust accordingly.
Also rest well before you are ready to party. You need to open your mental capacity to accept this transition and make it worthwhile. Meanwhile, you can meet your friends or plan after-office meet-ups with your new colleagues to become more comfortable at your workplace.
Learn About Transportation Options
It’s great if you own a car, but it is important to figure out other means of transportations in the city, such as bus routes, subway systems, ridesharing services, etc. Figuring out your way to use public transport will give you better opportunities to explore the new city with more confidence.
Driving following a map can be a little tricky. So right after moving to a new city, go out and explore the surroundings yourself.
Ready to move to a new city?
Make sure you hire a moving company to make your transition to a new state painless and smooth. Focus on your new home, job, and friends and engage yourself in activities and hobbies that make you happy.
Planning will take half the burden off you. No matter how many changes you experience during the transition, you will always have a plan to back you up. The idea is to stay focused and keep yourself positive about the whole new experience.
I hope you enjoyed this checklist for moving to a new city.
