Each year, more than 40 million people across the United States move to new cities. That’s roughly 14 percent of the population involved in city moving!
If you’re in the middle of relocation, you might find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. After all, misery likes company.
Why do we call moving “misery”? Because for the vast majority of Americans, an interstate or cross-country move is far from a piece of cake. It involves uprooting your entire life, leading to feelings of stress, depression, and overwhelm.
Many people rank moving as one of themost stressfullife events they’ve ever faced. They rank it higher on the list of traumas than breakups and divorce. But we’re here to tell you that moving to a new city doesn’t have to be painful.
Keep reading for the three top things you need to consider when relocating.
1. Planning Makes Perfect
Many people swear by the adage, “Practice makes perfect.” But when it comes to moving, you’d do better to remember, “Planning makes perfect.”
What do we mean? When it comes to a move, whether state-to-state or coast-to-coast, you don’t want to leave anything to chance. This approach starts with thorough research about any destination you’re considering. From prime neighborhoods to the best schools, you need to know as much in advance as possible.
Moving to a new city comes with many costs. While you’ve likely thought quite a bit about mortgage payments or rent, there will be other associated expenses you’ve likely given less consideration. These include parking, public transportation, and other unforeseen living costs.
To foot the bill for your move, you’ll need to secure employment in your final destination. After all, relocating to a new city comes with significant financial responsibilities.
Hop online and explore job availability in your city of choice. Then, start filling out applications and sending off resumes. If possible, conduct phone interviews over the phone or via Zoom and secure a job before you arrive.
Knowing you’ve got a steady income source will take much of the stress out of your move. It’ll also help you decide on a timeframe and a budget.
Depending on where you get a job offer, the company may even reimburse you for moving expenses. Your employer also represents a wealth of information when it comes to finding the right neighborhood, schools, etc. These pointers will ensure the highest quality of life once you arrive.
2. Consider Basic Necessities, City Moving, and Storage Options
Moving to a new city requires ensuring basic necessities get met from the get-go. These necessities start with finding appropriate housing. You’ll also need to plan how and when you’ll move the must-bring items in your household.
That means getting a handle on how and when you’ll pack boxes. Develop a plan when it comes to transporting and storing boxes (particularly if you’re downsizing residences or need to complete most of the heavy lifting before actually moving in).
We recommend doing online research to find a professional, experienced moving company. Not only will they handle packing and labor, but they’ll transport everything to your new location.
Of course, hiring a moving company comes with added expense. Nevertheless, it’ll prove well worth it.
How? By saving you time, unnecessary complications, extra trips, and the risk of injuries related to lifting and moving heavy items. Common injuries related to moving include back pain, twisted ankles, knee pain, and even broken extremities.
Besides figuring out how and when to move your most essential belongings, you may need to consider storage options. Particularly if the dates you can move don’t coincide with the dates the new residence becomes available.
3. Figure Out Transportation Needs for City Moving
Apart from making sure must-have belongings get safely and efficiently relocated, you’ll need to figure out how you and anybody moving with you will get to the new destination. If you’ve got more than one car, you must sort out additional transportation needs.
Consider alternative options if you’re less than stoked about driving between states or coast-to-coast for an upcoming move. For example, many people choose to have one or more vehicles transported by a professional shipping company.
Then, with their household items packed and en route with professional movers, they can opt for a faster and more streamlined journey via airplane.
But what about COVID-19? Isn’t it safer to drive than fly? Not necessarily.
The latest research indicates that flying may be one of the safest ways to make your move, even during a pandemic. That’s because of the cutting edge HEPA filtration systems used on planes.
Research shows that your chances of getting exposed to the virus while flying are justthree in 1,000. Most viruses and illnesses don’t spread easily on planes because of the filtration systems we’ve already mentioned. Coupled with masks, planes may be safer than road trips and their associated activities, including hotel stays and bathroom pitstops.
Here’s what you need to know about finding the best car shipping company for your move. And don’t forget these ten must-do items before a car relocation.
Moving to Another City
Whether you’re moving to a new city alone or bringing your whole family, planning is vital. When you take the time to find a job, book a fantastic moving company, and organize auto transportation needs, you can take your upcoming relocation from stressful to successful.
By focusing on the three primary priorities listed above, you’ll streamline city moving by getting the help you need when you need it most. You’ll also have a solid plan in place and the peace of mind that comes with it.
