On average, Americans move 12 times in their lives, whether because of new job opportunities, love, or some other reason. Changing scenery is never an easy thing to do. But if you learn how to plan a move to another city, this process will become much more manageable, and lots of stress will disappear.
There are many steps to moving to a new city, from transporting cars from state to state, hiring movers, and figuring out where to live to saying goodbye to all your friends and family. And there are many things to do afterward, like registering a car, changing your address, unpacking after a move, arranging your home, and finding employment. Still, if you organize this process to the last detail, you will move not only more efficiently but also stress-free.
The first thing on your to-do list should be figuring out where you should move. Once you decide, a lot of research is required. Go online to the website AreaVibes, for example, and type in your destination. You will get first-hand info you need from people who recently moved or already live there. From all major issues to all about public transportation, here you will find reviews for everything important.
Also, you can see all about the cost of living in that place on the website Numbeo. Just as with its counterparts, type in the name of the town you are relocating to, and you will get average prices of rent, utilities, consumer prices, even the prices of the meals in restaurants.
Moving to a new state can not be done without a proper relocation budget. So, logically, after you decide where you will be living, it is time to make a financial layout. Start this at least six months before your move, so you have enough time to save money for all associated expenses. Also, you can compare the cost of living between the cities on Numbeo as well. So type your current place and destination you are going to and see the differences in average monthly expenses. Furthermore, this way you will know how much to put aside for rainy days. Here are other things to consider when making your budget:
Shipping a car is another huge part of organizing your move, especially if you relocate your entire family. After all, driving all your family members’ cars to another state will get pretty expensive. A better option is to take an open trailer auto transport, as with this option, you can ship more vehicles simultaneously.
The other option you can choose is an enclosed auto transport. This option is recommended if you have a luxurious or sports car. Also, ask the car shipping company about pick-up and delivery options. This will greatly depend on where you are relocating to. If you are relocating to a small town, you can take the door-to-door auto transport. This way, you won’t be bothered by picking a car at the nearest terminal. On the other hand, if you are relocating to a big city, most USA auto transport companies have terminals in all major cities. Therefore, taking the terminal to terminal car shipping will make much more sense in that case.
Like we said, if you have more than one vehicle, the smart thing would be to ship your cars and go to your destination by air. But what if you wish to have a fun family road trip and get to know some of the famous routes in the US? Or maybe move the car to another state and finally take your RV and see if it’s worth owning one? Either way, you should arrange this trip as well. Book motels in advance and create a sketch of what you want to see along the way. Bring your relocation essentials with you, as well as the road map, and you are good to go.
Once you have the date of your move, you should immediately book movers. And like there are car shipping advice and recommendations, you can do things to find good and reputable movers. First, you should check if a company is legit by looking up if it has a US DOT number in FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) register. It’s crucial to only go with a company with this number. If there is no number, they are probably relocation scammers.
If you are not relocating for a job, one of the best relocation tips we can give you is to search for one before moving. There are numerous platforms where you can apply for jobs, so do this right away. Update all your social media accounts, especially Linkedin, and inform everybody you know you are looking for work. And last but not least, prepare yourself psychologically to work some part-time, between-the-jobs work. Because bills will have to be paid, you will be surprised how fast your savings account can end up blank.
How can I plan a move to another city without a home? This can be arranged, but it would be good to have some accommodations if you wish to relocate without stress. First, you will have to pick the right neighborhood. You can find reviews and ratings about every neighborhood in the US on the website Niche, for example. So start your search there, go through people’s reviews and comments and see what they have to say about it. Once you make a list of top picks for you, start looking for a place to rent. There are numerous websites where you can find an apartment to rent or buy. Start this process at least one month before your move because this is a minimal period for all the paperwork to be over.
If your budget doesn’t allow you to rent a home alone, consider finding a roommate. In major cities such as LA and New York, living with complete strangers is normal if you wish to be near the economic core. On the other hand, you can always rent something outside the downtown area, but getting to work may be difficult. Driving in New York can be expensive and a real nightmare.
Probably the best way to reduce your relocation costs is to downsize for a move, especially if you are relocating from house to apartment. Get rid of all the things you haven’t used for more than two years, donate your old furniture, and pack only things you will need. Also, when packing, have in mind the space you are relocating to, and if you have measurements, even better. This way, you will decide what to bring a lot easier. If there is not enough storage space, think about creative storage ideas you will have to implement and bring multi-purpose pieces of furniture.
Now that you know all about things to do before moving, it is the moment to talk about obligations you will have after. For starters, there are a lot of entities to notify about your relocation, and we are not talking about friends and family here (although not informing them would be rude.) We are talking about the government and other institutions that must be kept in the loop. For example, it is illegal to drive with car insurance from an old state because the premiums are different in each state. Also, you will have to change your address at DMV and get new plates. Here are all the relevant entities you must inform:
Like with car insurance, your current health insurance provider is probably not operating in your destination of choice. But relocation to another state is considered to be a qualifying event, and you will be eligible for a Special Enrolment period where you can take another policy. There is a short window to take different coverage, so ensure you start the process as soon as possible. Bear in mind that you will be obliged to provide proof that you moved, so have everything ready before applying. Check this video and find out more information about the change of health insurance policy.
Last but not least, it is of utmost importance to try and make your adjustment after relocation as fast and smooth as possible. Because depression after moving is a real thing, and it can lead to other severe issues if you don’t fight it right now. So even if you are feeling sad and nostalgic, force yourself to go out and explore your surroundings. For example, relocating with a dog is a great way to keep you out of the blue. You will at least have to go around the block for a walk with a dog. Use your furry friend to meet some two-legged friends. Go to pet-friendly places, and you will start conversion with someone for sure. Also, go on foot as much as you can. Walking is an excellent way to explore your surroundings.
Another good way to meet someone is to join some club. It can be an amateur sports club, or you can even sign up for dancing lessons. Try and find some different things to do, some hobbies you always wanted to try.
Keeping in touch with friends and family doesn’t need to be difficult, especially nowadays with all the help of modern technology. Create a strategy and stick to it. Arrange dates when they will be visiting you and vice versa. Schedule daily or weekly routines to hear from them. Create group chats with your closest friends so you can share your experiences, photos, and other things more easily. Whatever you do, just don’t give up. Communicating this way can be hard, and sometimes it will feel dull, but if you are patient, you will get used to it soon, and you will feel like you never moved.
