In recent decades, people old and young are moving to major cities for job opportunities and a quality of life that often promises more adventure, culture, and entertainment. Because of this, cities have become more populated and more expensive — especially in the past ten years. As we’ve seen some of our favorite cities become less and less affordable, we’ve also seen these big-city dwellers packing up and moving on.
If you’ve found yourself at a crossroads — between staying in your crowded comfort zone and picking it all up and moving, then you have a big decision to make. If you’ve already decided to move to a new city, then you still have many decisions to make. But you don’t have to make them alone. The help of friends and family can be invaluable when making such a significant life decision, but so can a simple how-to list.
Before you start yourself on a whole new route, consider these factors.
1. Where are you moving to?
This is probably the most important thing you will have to worry about. Have you already made your decision as to where you will be starting your brand-new metropolitan life? Some important factors to consider are:
- Will you feel comfortable in the culture and environment of this new city?
- Is this city affordable?
- Are there jobs in this metropolis?
- Do you have any type of support system in the vicinity?
- How easy is it to acquire affordable housing?
- What type of public transportation does this city provide?
- What’s the weather like?
- How will it compare to where you’re currently living?
For some, a few of these questions could be irrelevant, but they’re all worth mentioning when making such an important decision in your life. We’re always supportive of a good old-fashioned pros and cons list!
2. How will you move?
Once you’ve decided where to move, you’ll have to start with logistical decisions. How are you going to move all of your stuff? Some people choose to start entirely anew and sell or donate most of their furniture, (especially if they’re downsizing) but the sentimental part of you may want to keep the things you’ve acquired over the years. It’s also really expensive to furnish a new place!
Depending on how far away you are moving — for example — you might just forget the simple decisions and move to an entirely new country. If you’re deciding to move a few states away, or even across the country, you’ll need a moving truck on your side. Do you already have a vehicle that’s meant for hauling? That’s great. You’ll likely only need a hitch. Do you also happen to have a boat? Well, that might take a little more work.
Finding the perfect moving company can be almost as difficult as finding the best LIFT construction. Be sure to do the proper research.
3. Why are you moving?
This is a question, and a little existential in some capacities, that you have to ask yourself before anything else. You won’t want to regret your decision about starting over.