How to Move to a New City From Start to Finish

August 25, 2021 / Posted in How-to
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

About 17% of America’s population moves every year. Even though every experience is different, it is more than possible to distinguish dos and don’ts on how to move to a new city – and we know all the right tricks and tips. Try not to underestimate the complexity of cross-country moving and the many possible difficulties it could bring. Instead, take your relocation seriously and follow our guide as a path leading to your success.

woman girl with suitcase
We will provide you with all the necessary steps during your cross-country move

Research as the First Task on How to Move to a New City Checklist

If you are not relocating for a relationship or a job, the freedom of deciding where to live is right in front of you. However, your decision must not be random – it needs to be a product of careful research and comparison of the city’s advantages and flaws. So, what is the first thing to do when moving to a new city? It would be best to consider more than one location and think about the aspects the most important to you, like:

  • Whether you are going for the rural, suburban, or urban feel – Do you want to live in a place that could provide you with plenty of outdoor activities? Do you appreciate a tight-knit community, or your ultimate goal is to climb the corporate ladder? Are you looking for the best cities to raise your family or the ones that could offer you the most amazing club scene of today? Think about where you see yourself a couple of years from now and what could be your endgame – it will provide the outlines of the best option for you.
  • The cost of living of each preferable destination – Some places could appear as locations of your dreams, but the cost of living in them could be the embodiment of your nightmares. Luckily, today you could pretty easily find out the average prices of houses, rents, transportations, groceries, utilities, and the like – do your online exploring and pick a place that is within your reach.
  • Commuting period – there is no point in relocating to a different place if you are going to spend a significant part of your day annoyed in your car and stuck in traffic. Research the public transit and traffic jams frequency and know what to expect.
  • City’s safety – compare crime rates between the cities, but don’t forget that even different neighborhoods in the same location could have opposed crime rate statistics. Your home should be located in safer cities or areas, especially if you are relocating with kids – it’s one of the most important factors in deciding where to live.
  • Closeness to your loved ones – if you are one of those people very attached to their loved ones, you would want to relocate to a destination that allows you to see them more than once or twice a year. This is especially important if you are moving to a different state alone and dread the moment of saying bye to your friends.
  • Weather – this may seem a not-so-important item, but if you are sensitive to cold, for example, you will curse yourself for deciding to move to a place with a colder climate and vice versa.
  • The people and the city’s atmosphere – some cities could be excellent choices on paper, but after the relocation, you could feel that something doesn’t just add up. That is why it is always best to visit the location prior to the move and experience the city’s vibe. If it doesn’t feel just right, explore the next one on your list.
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Looking for the Best Long-Distance Movers as a Part of Your Research

Choosing a reputable and reliable long-distance moving company (if you opt for professional help instead of relocating by yourself), should also be the product of your thorough research. Remember that the same thing goes for hiring a car shipping company if your relocation team can’t provide you with that additional service.

When hiring movers, make sure to know how to check if the relocation company is legitimate in order to avoid relocation scams. Ensure to:

  • Familiarize yourself with the company’s reviews and recommendations – use all the information you could gather online or get in contact with the previous customers via phone or email.
  • Check the status on Better Business Bureau,
  • Always ask for a USDOT number in order to confirm if the company is licensed and insured,
  • Compare the various estimates – if you are looking for the cheapest way to move out of state, it’s better to start saving money. A trustworthy relocation company will not provide you with the unimaginable low quotes in order to lure you in, so don’t immediately contact the one with the presumably best and cheapest offer.
A man in the skate park after a cross-country moving
Ensure that city's personality matches your own

Getting a Job When Moving to a New City

One more important task you must put your mind to is a decision concerning your work. If you are relocating for work, this question won’t unnerve you. However, if it’s not the case, you could either count on getting a work position as soon as you relocate, which is a bit risky, or decide to answer the question of how do I get a job in a different city before I move. Modern technology makes it possible to explore the market and go through different work opportunities even before you step foot on the city’s pavement. Ensure to exploit that opportunity as much as you can and try to get a position long-distance. And if you are not entirely certain how, don’t miss watching the following video:

How Much Money Should I Save to Move to a New City – Creating a Budget

If you wonder how do I move to another city with no money, the answer is simple- you can’t. Even if you are a bold person opting against long-distance moving services, you’ll need some money saved up before the move. Determining the sum, you’ll have access to is crucial for making a relocation budget. It should be one of the first steps on your checklist because it will probably affect every aspect of the move. The same goes for future housing arrangements. However, if you want to save on rent, it would be good to get in contact with friends that live at the destination and ask for a room for a couple of nights – that will give you a good head start.

Keep in mind that the average cost of an interstate relocation is from $2000 to $4500, depending on your inventory list, mileage, means of transportation, and so on, with lots of room for saving up. However, when figuring out how to save on relocation costs, make sure that everything is calculated precisely. For example, if you think about how much money you’ll be able to save if you don’t hire an auto transport company, keep in mind the gas and hotel money you’ll need to pay, alongside food and possible damage down the road. Leaving relocation jobs to the professional is always a better option if you could afford it.

Can Having a Roommate Help Me Save Money on the Apartment Costs?

It is a known fact that renting is a far more common housing option when it comes to the cities, especially big ones. However, even a monthly rent could be a lot to bear on your own. One of the easy ways to save up money when choosing a life in the town or metropolis is to unite with other people and rent an apartment together. If you rethink this as a possible option, just remember to put your safety first – learn all important questions to ask potential roommates and be secure when choosing websites.

A girl with her roommates after long-distance moving
One of the most important things with roommates is for you to like them

How Do I Move to a New City – Getting Organized

A good organization is the key to success in every possible sphere of your life, including the relocation process. That is why you should make a relocation to-do list alongside the timetable and make sure that every task is done in the estimated time. Getting organized to move could be a life-saver to your mental health – the more you succeed at this plan, the better are your chances at having a stress-free relocation.

Everything You Should Know About the Packing Process

If you choose to deny yourself of comfort cross-country movers and their  packing services could provide you, before you start with this seemingly endless task, you must learn a thing or two about what (not)to do when packing for the relocation, such as:

  • Don’t expect everything to be packed in a blink of an eye. This is a long process that will probably last to the last day in your old home.
  • Start with the rooms with most of your non-essentials, like garage, attics, and basements, and leave the rooms you use the most for last.
  • Use different-sized boxes and possibly dish barrels for packing glassware, alongside your preferable wrapping material. Look for a tutorial or two on how to pack fragile items – you’ll need them.
  • While packing, try to declutter your home. Remember, the less inventory you have, the smaller the price of the move will be. Instead of relocating, try donating unwanted items or selling them.
  • Pack a box or a bag with your relocation essentials – those items you need to survive the first couple of days in your future home.
A man and a woman packing for cross-country moving
Learn a few packing tips before you start to use boxes and bubble wrap

Tasks That Could Easily Slip Your Mind When Relocating to Another Home

Every relocation is a bit chaotic, even the most organized one, which is why it is a huge possibility that there will be something left forgotten – but that is why we are here. Some of the most common things people forget to do when relocating are gathering and organizing important documents, changing the address, notifying important institutions about the relocation, or transferring utilities. Don’t let it happen to you – start with your relocation on time and cross one by one of these items on your list.

Spare Some Hours for Your Family and Friends Before Relocating to a New City

No matter how exciting the next chapter of your life is, the sad truth is that you are relocating from your friends and family, which could be hard for them as well as you. Try spending more time with your loved ones and let them be aware of how much they mean to you. You could also show them how much you appreciate their company by throwing an amazing party before you leave. In the end, promise them that you will be in contact as often as you can and do everything you can to keep that promise.

A family gathering before long-distance moving
A going away party isn't the end - use the opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care

You’ve Made It! But What Now?

Be prepared for a lot of mixed emotions that will hit you after your cross-country move – you’ll experience every emotion from excitement to doubt and back again. After all, you are going out of your comfort zone and putting yourself in something different from what you are used to. The important thing is to stay focused on the benefits of relocation.

When the doubt creeps in, and it will, fight it by thinking about all the good the relocation could bring you. Keep your goal in mind, and we are certain you’ll get it someday soon. In the meantime, don’t forget to have fun, meet people and enjoy the experience to the fullest. Good luck!

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