Small Town To Big City: 6 Tips For An Easy Transition
Moving to a big city can be financially and physically challenging. In some cases, you’d break your bank just to survive your first weeks. Despite the issues you may face, the benefits of living in a big city may surpass the challenges. Generally, big-city living can provide better job opportunities, a top-notch transport system, and top-of-the-line services.
Suppose you’re planning to move to a great city anytime soon. In that case, you may need to know some tips and tricks to make your transition more manageable. This way, you could make your move hassle-free and less expensive. For that purpose, here’s an article to guide you. So, read on!
1. Research The City You’re Moving To
Before you pack for your move, research your potential city. For example, if you’re planning to relocate to San Jose or San Francisco, you may consider reading blog posts about them, such as a post by Move Central and other similar sites. You may also browse the Web about the job opportunities, cost of living, and highlights of your selected place.
Apart from these, you may also visit the city first-hand. If you’ve already gone to the place before, you could roam around it and check the different areas and issues you may have problems with in the future. You could carefully plan out your big city move with these bits of info.
2. Choose Your Neighborhood
Choose a neighborhood not because it’s considered the best by most people, but because it suits your needs. For this purpose, you may check its crime statistics, neighborhood watch, and street lighting. In addition, you may also consider neighborhoods with close distance to schools, hospitals, pharmacies, and department stores.
Apart from selecting your neighborhood, you may also start doing your apartment search. You may begin with what you can afford. Then, you may narrow down your choices based on the following:
- amenities
- lease and rental agreements
- pet-friendliness
- safety and security features
- layout
- parking space
3. Consider Your Budget
Your budget plays a significant role in having a smooth transition. If you’re moving to a city to look for a better-paying job, you may need to have a stash of money to support your needs, at least in the initial months of your stay. The earlier you get a job, the sooner you can spend as generally as before.
Even before your relocation, your budgeting may not be that tight if you’ve already found a job even before your relocation. However, you may still need to consider the cost of living in your chosen city as this may still be quite a toll, mainly if you’re used to small-town spending.
4. Pack The Essentials
Before the move, you may need to pack your stuff according to priority. While each person has different needs, most people require the following things:
- Cookware And Easy-To-Prepare Meals
You may need light and small cookware for your first weeks of food preparation. Apart from this, some meal staples may also be necessary.
- First-Aid Kit
This may include antiseptic wipes, thermometers, bandages, and others.
- Pillows And Sheets
These are necessary to have a comfortable rest and sleep.
- Toiletries
While you could buy a new set of toiletries after settling in, you may opt for your existing ones to make the most of your budget.
- Cleaning Supplies
The first weeks of your transition may need a thorough cleaning, requiring you to have high-quality cleaning supplies, such as a mop, scrub, and vacuum cleaner.
- Tool Kit
Like cleaning supplies, tools are essential in installing, fixing, and assembling fixtures and furniture pieces after your move.
- Essential Documents
These may include your IDs, employment records, and checkbooks/credit/debit cards.
5. Hire A Professional Mover
Hiring a professional mover is necessary to make your move easier and quicker. In most cases, they can help you with packing and loading your items whether you decide to bring a lot of valuables with you or not. Generally, professional moving companies typically use special equipment to keep your belongings safe and move efficiently during your transfer.
In choosing a mover, you may think about selecting the one with inter-city or inter-state operations for more extensive coverage. You may also consider a mover’s industry experience to ensure that you’d have quality service.
6. Familiarize Yourself With The Transportation System
Whether you’d use your car or commute daily, you may need to be familiar with your new city’s transportation system. This way, you’ll be acquainted with the local traffic system and rules. This may also allow you to know the peak hours of travelling and commuting. In addition, this may also help you understand the city’s layout and identify the accident-prone areas you may avoid.
Wrapping Up
A transition from a small town to a big city can be challenging in many aspects. Fortunately, you may refer to the tips and tricks of this article so you can make the most of your time, money, and effort during relocation. For more ideas to make your move more manageable, you may ask your friends who’ve recently moved and some seasoned movers for their own hacks and insights.
