Moving from a small town or suburb to a larger city or from a large city to the biggest little 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 a city before moving and connect with someone who’s lived there before. Use google to find the local chamber and ask if they have a “new comers” package they can mail.
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. Never sign a lease on an apartment that you haven’t seen. 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 of living there. Try to line up things like driver’s licenses, car insurance, renter’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 and say hello. If there are things you liked to do in your town, find ways to do those things in your new area. Try new things. Volunteer. The biggest little city offers so many opportunities to engage other people, so find what you like.
Ask Your Agent. Your real estate agent is an excellent resource for helping guide you to new groups, local events, and people and places that are of interest to you. Just ask. They will gladly help you get connected.
