People move from small towns to big cities for various reasons. More job opportunities, endless entertainment options, and better health care are some of the main perks of city life. If this idea sounds attractive to you too, and you are seriously considering relocation, here are a few tips for moving to cities from small towns that will ease the transition.
Get to know the city before moving
Doing research on your new environment will help you mentally prepare for moving. Find out about:
- The best neighborhoods in the city. Narrow your choice before you start visiting houses for rent/sale.
- The cost of living. Write down how much individual things, like groceries and utilities, cost.
- Laws and regulations. You might get in trouble with the law unless you are well-informed.
- Job opportunities. Check whether the city needs employees with your qualifications.
- Entertainment. Moving to cities from small towns guarantees more entertainment. Check out the city’s offer and get excited.
- Traffic. On the other hand, city traffic is probably not something to look forward to.
- Weather. Checking the average temperatures and precipitation will help you pack for the move.
Make a short trip
Spending some time in your new city will help you get a clearer picture before you settle for good. Today, there are numerous sources of information on living in different cities – from websites, blogs, and tourism boards, to social media. Nevertheless, no amount of internet research can substitute the real thing.
If you have a strong feeling that this is not the right fit for you, it is never too late to change your mind and forget about the whole thing. Although city life can be amazing, it is not for everyone. Remember though that your first impression might not be accurate. You may even find those unfamiliar faces and buildings scary or depressing. The fact that you dislike the atmosphere now does not mean you won’t get used to it or even love it later.
Check out your new neighborhood
We assume you will google the safest neighborhoods and see some pictures online before making the trip. Still, that trip is necessary. Walk around your new neighborhood or the neighborhoods you are interested in. Does it have everything you need? Do you need a park to walk your dog? Or a playground for your kids? Maybe a good coffee shop? What is the traffic like? Is the neighborhood noisy? Check out the transportation situation, too. How far is the neighborhood from your new job or the downtown area? Perhaps you’ll need to live outside the city until you land a job that pays better. What transportation options do you have?
Get a job ASAP
If you plan to continue working for the same company after relocation, you can relax. Perhaps, the company can even cover your moving costs. If you are moving your own business, all you need to do is rent office space and hire one of the best moving companies in Los Angeles, New York, etc. with experience in commercial moving.
If that is not the case, getting a job is one of the smartest things to do before moving to a city from a small town. Yes, there are more job openings in big cities, but there is also fierce competition. Often, hundreds of candidates apply for a single position. What you need to do is make your resume stand out from the rest. Try to get personal recommendations, visit career fairs and, most importantly, never lose hope.
Life is likely to be more expensive
When moving to cities from small towns, people’s monthly expenses usually rise, significantly. You will need more money for housing, food, utilities, transportation, as well as taxes. However, that won’t be a problem with a good budget plan and a better salary. People who live in cities often have higher salaries. That is one of the reasons they relocate. Once you know how much you will be making and what the average prices are, you can make a monthly and yearly budget plan.
How to pack for moving to cities from small towns
In cities, there is usually less space for your stuff. In other words, space is more expensive. If you cannot afford the same square footage you had in your previous home, you need to downsize. You have two options – getting rid of stuff or storing it. Donate, sell, toss – whatever works for you, as long as you are decluttering. The second option is using storage services.
Once you figure out what to do with the rest, pack what you’ve decided to take or have professionals pack you. The latter is a more time-efficient solution, especially when moving to cities from small towns in a hurry. So, pack only the most essential possessions and don’t be too sentimental. In addition to saving space, your moving costs will be lower.
Hire local movers
Maneuvering a moving truck through a big city is certainly not something you want to do, especially if you don’t know the destination city. On the other hand, a local moving company knows each and every street. If you are moving to a huge city like Los Angeles, NYC or Chicago, you can get lost or stuck in traffic for hours quite easily. Reputable local movers Los Angeles, NYC or Chicago know the safest and fastest way to get your stuff to your new home.
Make new friends – you’ll need them
It is hard but important to make friends after moving to cities from small towns. You are coming from a small, close-knit community to a city where people tend to be more alienated. Don’t be shy! Get to know your new neighbors and coworkers, join a club or a course. Mingling and making friends is the best cure for relocation depression.