Moving from a small town or suburb to a large city can be an intimidating proposition. Here are a few tips to help make your move as painless as possible.
Research Before You Move
It’s important to understand the culture you’re joining. Do research online and find out about school systems, neighborhoods, parking, weather, public transportation, and laws that are native to that area. If you can, visit the city before moving and get to know the area. If possible, connect with someone who’s lived there before, or currently resides there.
Have a Plan
There are a lot of steps to go through before you start packing the moving truck. Find housing before you leave, or at least know where you’ll stay while you look for a home. Avoid signing a lease or purchase agreement for a home if you have not personally seen it first. If you can’t get there, find a friend or an employer to check for you. Have a job waiting for you, or if that’s not possible, know what you’ll do for money in the first few weeks/months of living there. Try to line up things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’s/home owner's insurance, and parking passes ahead of time as well.
Get Involved
Meeting people in a big city can be daunting. Don’t expect the neighbors to knock your door down with a casserole when you arrive. Take the initiative to introduce yourself to your neighbors. City life can also be noisy and hectic, so prepare for a transition. If there are things you liked to do, find ways to do those things in the city. Try new things. Volunteer. Big cities offer so many opportunities to engage with other people, so find what you like and begin immersing yourself in your new life.
Mind Your Wallet
City life is expensive. Everything costs more: food, insurance, clothes, rent. Be mindful that it is sometimes easier to become a victim of theft in a larger city. Be aware of your surroundings, and how and where you spend your money.
