Starting up in a new city can be tough. If you are braving a new city, you should consider several very important things to be prepared to handle the gradations moving will cause. About 1 in 9 people changed residences during 2013 and 2014. According to the US Census Bureau, the move rate for this period was 11,5% or 35,7million people aged 1 year and over. And all of the people relocated say that the most important reason for their decision was housing, the second reason is family and the third is employment. Here we are with our new post, which covers these and a few more “must be considered” points before making the next step.

1.Housing

Depending on where you are moving housing expenses may go up or down. The local construction methods and the housing market conditions will determine the style and type of your new home. The weather will also have a huge impact. If you’re moving from northern states, you’re very likely to get surprised not being able to find a home with basement. In large cities prices of the homes may be different with even tens of thousands of dollars. So, before relocating, you should do your homework on the housing market – home prices and conditions, to find the perfect new location for you and your family.

2.Family and friends

As we’ve already mentioned, your family and friends are the most important things when relocating. Before the final decision make sure to ask two questions – is your family happy with the relocation and are you happy with it? You should consider how your family members will treat the move especially if you have little kids or elderly family members.

3.Job market

Almost half of the relocated people cite the job-related reasons as major. Your organization may transfer the office to another state or city. Or you may get a new job in another country. Here it comes to the salary and the housing market itself. Is the salary you’ll get good enough for that exact market? Is the job market consistent? Do you have any job prospects? If you already have a job in the new location, do your research on your own employer. See if it’ll be a pleasure to work with a new team. If you’re not moving for job reasons, you should have more detailed research in the job market. In many cities, it may be too difficult to find a new job. Navigate through local job-hunting sites to look up job opportunities.

4.Budget

Before moving, make sure to consider and weigh the pros and cons. See how the move will affect you and the people around you. Create a business plan and develop a budget. Always have a PLAN B. Know what to do if something goes wrong. If you’ve made up your mind to relocate, start saving. Compare the cost of living in your area and that for the place you’re going to move in. Bear in mind that there may be unexpected and last minute expenses. So you’d better over-budget. Relocation specialists advise to double your budget and only if you can afford it, take the next step. Find some online cost of living calculators and determine how far your current salary will take you and what salary you’ll be looking for in the new place. Besides, consider the cost of homes, cars, insurance, and all other expenses.

5.Connected people

Making the move much or less stress-free is not that hard. In fact, there are some really important things to consider. And if you do, you’re in a good shape. So the next step to take is looking for connected people. Find at least one single person who you know in the city you’re moving to. He or she will really help you in your new place. It’s hard to move to a new area, and it’s even harder if you don’t have a network there. Sure, it’s not impossible, but the more connected people you have in the area, the faster and easier you’ll get acclimated to your new place.

6.Moving expenses

First, know what to move and what to leave behind. There are so many things you should let go when moving to a new area. Try to search for valuable resources on moving. See what people who have moved several times advise to take. When budgeting, make sure to include moving expenses. Many organizations cover relocation expenses if they require their people to move to a new office in another city/state. Make sure to ask your employer and know what they will cover. In case you have a chance, go and do house-hunting. If you’re moving abroad, your company may cover the costs of filling immigration paperwork or getting a work visa. Be sure to know all these details and discuss them with your employer.

7.Neighborhood

What are good and bad neighborhoods? Take advantage of the technology you have and do good research. Ask the people around the area you’re going to move to. If you don’t have any connected people, call a realtor agency. They will tell you all the details about the area. Now there are many companies specifically designed to help people to relocate. Ask them, and they will tell you all the things you might want to know about the area you’re looking into.

8.School system

When it comes to the neighborhood, everything is clear. You know what you want and what you can afford. Schools are really very important part here. The location is important not only for you but for every buyer. So when relocating, try to find a house in a good school district to be able to resale your home when it comes to it in future. Besides, research the school system. Investigate the local schools and see if they have a good reputation. If not, you might want to think about private schooling. Knowing the school system may change your whole game.

9.Cultural Differences

The last point we want you to pay attention to is culture. One of the main questions to ask yourself before relocating is – what is the culture like in that area? If you’re moving from the city to another city throughout the country, it normally does not take long to start to feel at home. Know what your entertainment options are. If you like sports, are there opportunities to play or watch professional teams? If you’re fond of tasty foods, see if there are a variety of restaurants. Can you or your family members continue hobbies in the new area? Is the new place child-friendly? If you are moving to another country, think about the language requirements. Also, consider the working hours in your area and those for the country you’re moving to.

By: Hermine Aslanyan

Additional Valuable Resources: 

Disputes to Avoid With Moving Companies by Bill Gassett

Things to Leave Behind When Moving by Anita Clark

Relocating? Kids, Pets, Furniture…Make Your Move Easier! by Wendy Weir

…Did I Miss Something? What Would You Add?

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