Got a new job? Found your dream home? Starting at a new school? No matter the reason for your relocation, a little bit of preparation can help ease your mind and make the transition an exciting one. Here are some things you should do before you start the actual process of moving.
1. Check out your new city before a move
Research your new town. Get a guidebook, or check online. Arm yourself with useful knowledge about schools, culture, hospitals, safety, places of worship, local doctors and dentists, and social experiences. Scope out the proximity of your new residence to your workplace – or where you want to work, if you’re arriving without a job. This can help you choose the neighborhood you will call home, and help to make you more confident in your new surroundings. Find out about opportunities for future exploration.
2. Read up about your new neighborhood when moving
Try to visit your new street and get a feel for how your life will be as a resident there. Check out your route and commute time to get to work. Explore your new local grocery stores, cleaners, shops, gas stations, coffee shops, gyms, restaurants, and other places you may like to visit. Armed with this information, you can decide if the neighborhood is right for you before you arrive with all your belongings. Have a friend nearby? Get the lowdown from locals on what life is really like in your new area.
3. Know the cost of living in a new city
Find the cost of living where you’ll be moving, so you can budget accordingly and understand what kind of income you need to live comfortably there. Use cost of living statistics to project your probable monthly expenses. Don’t forget to factor in taxes, transportation (will you be driving, or are you taking public transit?), and entertainment. Also, remember to keep a financial cushion at hand just in case. You may wish to create a spreadsheet that takes your anticipated income and projected expenses into account.
4. Keep track of important information before a move
Keep bills, vital records, and other important documents with you for safety. Quick access to these documents will come in handy when it is time to set up accounts in your new location. Collect and bring important information such as medical and dental records, banking information, school records, driver’s licenses, insurance papers, utility information and account numbers to get you registered with services in your new city. Don’t forget the contact information of friends, resources, and members of your social and professional networks.
5. Get organized, but be flexible
Start as far ahead of time as you can, so that you can work methodically. Pack rooms one at a time, and label your boxes accordingly. Make sure you keep your necessities with you, just in case (keep a couple of changes of clothing and toiletries with you). Be mindful of where your most fragile items are located and know what’s being done with them. Remember that there may be bumps along the road, but if you’re as prepared as you can be, you can get through anything with a minimum of fuss.
Prepare and Get Moving
Moving can be intimidating. But with a little research, you can move on to the next adventure confident in knowing these details about your new neighborhood. Hit the ground running!
We understand that the moving process can be stressful. As always, if you need help with your move, you can talk to your friends at Elite Moving & Storage! We’re one of the best Chicago moving companies around, and we’d like to prove it to you. Call for a quote today.