by Theresa McArthur
Moving to a bigger city can be a significant adjustment. There are elements, such as transportation and cost of living, that may change. The best way to begin your journey is to create a solid plan before the big move. Consider these tips from the Mama Bear Team to help you get started.
- Prepare for Higher Living Costs
Certain aspects of life are more expensive in urban areas. For example, research shows that housing typically costs more because the population is denser, creating a great demand. In rural areas, the cost of transportation is often higher because of the lack of public transport and the space between locations. The best way to offset higher costs is to downsize your living space and find a job in the city. First, you need to find an experienced realtor in the area to help you locate the right space in the perfect location.
- Start Downsizing
You can start downsizing your current home at any point. This includes going through all your items and deciding what to keep. Create piles of the items you plan to leave behind. Label them for donation, trash, or sale. If you have items you need to keep but do not want to take with you, consider placing them in storage near the city.
- Find Work Nearby
Finding work near your neighborhood will be much more convenient. Transportation in a congested area can be difficult, especially if you are not accustomed to it. Additionally, jobs in the city will pay more to accommodate the cost of living. Your best option is to find a job first and then look for a home nearby.
- Consider Your Social Life
Making new friends is a crucial part of relocating. Some friendships may happen organically on the job, but it’s good to get out and meet new people around the city. Look into networking opportunities or talk to your neighbors. You can attend a block party or set up your own block party to introduce yourself. If you’re more of an introvert, you can even meet people online.
- DIY Moving
The actual move can be stressful, and many people hire movers to avoid that process. However, that can be expensive. Do your own packing by getting an early start. During the downsizing process, you can start packing one room at a time as early as three months before the move. Be sure to label all the boxes by room. Then enlist the help of family and friends to load and unload.
- Set Up Your Space Right Away
The best way to start the adjustment process is to create a comfortable living space. Start unpacking and setting up your new home as quickly as possible. Of course, after the exhaustive work of packing, loading, and unloading, you may need to rest a bit first. However, take the next couple of days to unpack everything. It can be tempting to leave boxes with non-essentials lying around, but it’s hard to feel at home in a half-finished space. With dedication, you can get it all done in a day or two.
As you get settled in, consider investing in home warranty. Not to be mistaken for homeowners’ insurance, a warranty will cover appliance repairs, as well as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical breakdowns. When looking for the best home warranty company, make sure to check what’s included and ensure that the contract is renewable.
Now that you have some idea of what your move may entail, remember to take some time to reassess when things fail to go exactly as planned. Moving can be stressful, and time for self-care is pertinent. Once all is said and done, you’ll be happy to be home.
Ready to move? The Mama Bear Team offers exceptional real estate services every step of the way. Call (949) 667-2421 or contact us through our website to set an appointment to get started!
