Moving to a new city is exciting and filled with possibilities. It’s often seen as expected for young adults during their self-discovery journey. For older adults, it’s often a way to start over, to start fresh.

You might be moving to a new city for school, a great job opportunity, to reunite with loved ones, or simply for the adventure. Regardless of the reason, there are certain things that you should consider and prepare for before you move to a new city. Here are the top factors to keep in mind.

Moving Budget

You might already know which new city you’ll move to, but there are plenty of places to choose from regarding where to live. And this is, in fact, a huge decision. There are many factors to consider in the decision.

The first is affordability. Which areas can you afford to live in? Will you need to get a roommate, or can you afford to live there on your own? Next is location. Of the places you can afford, which ones are close to what you need, such as the school you’ll be attending or the new job you’re relocating for?

It’s a better idea to rent at first than to buy, just in case you determine you like another area better once you’ve lived in the new city for a while and know your way around more.

Moving Areas

Finding a new place to live in a new city you may not know well can be overwhelming. It’s a good idea to visit beforehand to look at apartments, condos, and houses before your move-in date so you can look around the neighbourhood and check out rentals in person.

Regarding location, you’ll want to consider easy access to things like transportation/bus routes, restaurants, and other activities and places important to you, such as places of worship. Once you’ve zeroed in on a few areas, you’ll certainly want to check the crime rate to ensure it’s safe.

Moving Boxes

Moving is not all fun and games. In fact, amid all the excitement is the stress of moving everything you own to a new city. Going cross-country? Even more stressful!

Unless you plan to move into a furnished apartment and leave your entire life behind, you’ll need to start sorting out your belongings to determine what to keep, throw out, store, or donate.

Then, you’ll need boxes for everything. Your clothes would benefit from a garment box, while your electronics need padded, secure boxes to ensure their safe arrival. You’ll need small boxes for accessories, tough boxes for heavy books, and big boxes for those oddly shaped items.

You’ll always need more boxes than you expect, and their cost will add up. Then there are the mattress bags and furniture padding.

Moving Containers

Once your possessions are all boxed up and protected, you need a way to move them. Will you need to rent a truck? If so, how large? The best option here is to rent a large portable storage container. They can be rented, loaded, unloaded. Plus, they can be moved on your schedule.

Moving Services

Will you hire people to pack for you? Will you hire movers? If so, be sure to do your research and use a reputable firm.

If you’re travelling cross-country by plane, your moving needs may differ, and it might be a better idea to pack light, move only your most critical possessions, and store most of your furniture in a portable storage container until your return instead.

Moving Timelines

To reduce stress during the moving process, make a plan and a moving checklist to account for all the logistics and go through it systematically. It’ll make your move much easier and likely save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

Moving Costs

Whatever you think it’ll cost to move, double or triple it. Moving is more expensive than you might think. There’s more to consider than just the cost of a new rental in a new city.

Look at your savings and determine the cost of living in the new city. Consider how long it may take to find a job in the new city. Then, add the moving expenses: Will you need a train or plane ticket to get there? How much will you need for the first and last month’s rent and a security deposit? How much will it take to transport your possessions and furniture? Will you hire movers or rent a truck?

It’s almost inevitable that your move will cost more than you expect, so it’s a good idea to ensure you have a healthy financial cushion before you move.