You’ve got the job. You’re holding the acceptance letter. You’ve simply decided it’s time for a change. Whatever your motivation, moving to a new city is an adventure. The novelty is both exhilarating and overwhelming, especially when you’re flying solo. However, don’t turn this responsibility into a terrifying chore; embrace the independence and make your move.
Get rid of old or unwanted items
One of the biggest challenges of moving is choosing what to bring.
Take inventory of your belongings and purge any old or unwanted clothing, books, cookware, or furniture. Selling valuable or new items can give you a little extra income for your move. Social media sites, like Facebook, support pages where local users sell gently used items. You can also take your used items to donations centers as long as everything is in good condition.
This process is often a lot harder than it sounds; if you’re having trouble paring down, make a list of what you want to bring, what you need to bring, and what you cherish most. If there is anything you can’t part with but can’t take with you, ask a family member or a friend if they can hang on to it for you. You can also rent a storage unit.
Hire a moving company or do it yourself
When you’ve decided what you’re going to move, it’s time to decide how you’re going to move it! Hiring professional movers is perhaps the most hassle-free way to move, though it is also the most expensive. Most companies will pack items for you, but you can save by packing some or all of your belongings yourself before they load the truck.
You can also rent a U-Haul and road trip your things yourself. If you choose this option, remember that you will be the driver; thus, you must not only have the right vehicle to hook up a trailer, but also feel confident in your ability to drive safely to your destination.
It’s also a good idea to do your research on renting rules and regulations, as well as insurance options. Using a moving checklist will also minimize the chance of forgotten items and added stress throughout the move.
Choose where and how you are going to live
Before you move in, you’ve got to get the keys! Finding the right place is essential. First, it’s important to decide if you want to live on your own, or with roommates. You know yourself best, and if you crave social interaction, having roommates is a great way to meet new people. It can also provide a ready-made social circle outside of work or school. If you go the roommate route, be picky—if you aren’t sold right away, you are not obligated to commit.
Your home is your sanctuary, and it’s essential to feel safe when you’re out of your comfort zone. If you are looking to have a place to yourself, considering a studio or a one bedroom will allow you to create a space that’s uniquely personal.
Whether you’re on your own or searching with roommates, finding the perfect place can feel overwhelming. Know your budget, and make a list of needs and wants---keep them separate if you can. From your list, decide what features are must-haves and see what your budget can get you.
Zillow, Craigslist, and Hotpads are great sites to use when starting your search. Each site allows you to not only filter costs and zip codes, but they also have filters for other desirable amenities. However, be wary of committing before you have had the opportunity to see it for yourself. Photographs can be deceiving, and you may discover that the home or neighborhood isn’t what you expected.
Explore your new city in different fashions
Walk, bike, and transit scores can help you scope out neighborhoods even if you’re unfamiliar with the city. Each of these ratings implies a property’s proximity to essential amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, gyms, and entertainment. The scores are rated between 0 and 100, where the higher scores are most desirable.
For example, places with high walk and bike scores indicate how easy it is to run all your errands on foot or by bicycle, while the transit score suggests the availability of public transportation.
Moving to a space with high scores will save you time and money as you explore your new city.
Get out and socialize as soon as you can
You’ve moved the last box in, and it’s time to nest. Fill your home with old memories, but leave space for new ones. Set up a living space that will allow you to foster new relationships. If you are ready to jump into the social scene, look into meetups or community classes with people who share your interests. Time allowing, get a part-time job or volunteer.
Be a tourist! Getting to know your new city is the first step to becoming a local. Don’t be afraid to go out on your own: pushing yourself to have new experiences will help you settle in and give you the resilience and confidence to thrive in your new life.