8 Tips for People Moving From a Small Town to a Big City

People often ask themselves – is it better to move to a big city? Living in a metropolis has many advantages, but it’s essential to be prepared for the change that this move will bring. If you want to know how to move to a big city, use our ultimate relocation guide with many vital long-distance moving tips, and you won’t face any difficulties along the way. Let’s see why living in the city is better and how you can make your move stress-free.

#1 First, Make a Checklist

Every successful relocation starts with a relocation checklist. Use a checklist app such as Todoist and TickTick, or write down on a piece of paper all the tasks you will have to accomplish before the relocation day. Write down in the list tasks such as:

• Research reputable relocation companies,
• Gather necessary documents,
• Find a job,
• Purchase packing supplies such as bubble wrap, packing paper, and cardboard boxes,
• Prepare an essentials bag,
• Make a relocation budget,
• Find an apartment.

#2 Find the Best Cross-Country Moving Company

Finding the most reputable relocation company is the most crucial step. We recommend starting your search by asking friends, colleagues, and family members who have recently moved for advice and recommendations. They will be able to provide you with authentic feedback on their experience and the benefits of relocating with a particular company.

Another option is to read reviews, comments, and customer testimonials on companies’ websites. Look for honest and trustworthy reviews that don’t just highlight only the positive or negative sides. Before contacting any company and requesting an in-home estimate, don’t forget to gain a better understanding of their cross-country moving services, auto transport, and full and partial packing services.

Don’t Forget to Check Whether the Moving Company You’d Like to Hire Is Legitimate

Before choosing long-distance movers, it’s essential to check whether the company is legitimate. Do this by researching whether the movers have an address or whether they have changed their name a couple of times. Movers that change the company’s name frequently or that don’t have an address are rogue movers, and you might end up deprived of your precious belongings.

Also, we recommend searching for the US DOT number of the firm on the FMCSA website. The number will allow you to view the movers’ profiles and see whether there were serious complaints filed against them and how they resolved them. If they take their customer complaints seriously and resolve them quickly and efficiently, the company is trustworthy and reputable.

#3 Plan Your Budget – People Who Forget to Do This on Time Run Into Difficulties Later

Let’s face it, living in a metropolis is much more expensive than living in a smaller town. Utility bills, food, public transportation, and nightlife will completely drain your budget, and you’ll barely make ends meet at the end of the month. This is why planning a relocation budget is of the utmost importance.

You will have to prepare your finances for the move and at least the first six months in the metropolis. Therefore, plan how you want to spend money before relocation. The best option is to abide by the 50/30/20 rule. According to the rule, you should allocate 50% of your finances to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% should be put into savings.

Here is a video on the 50/30/20 rule you should know:

How Can You Save Money Efficiently?

Apart from implementing the 50/30/20 rule, one could also save money in other effective ways. Here is a list of tips on how to save money before the move:

• Eliminate any unnecessary spending,
• Set savings goals and stick to them,
• Save on utility bills,
• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and memberships,
• Don’t go to restaurants for lunch every day – eat at home,
• Use coupons for discounts at grocery stores,
• Organize a yard sale and earn some extra cash.

#4 Research Employment Opportunities on Local Online Job Boards

You might be wondering – how do you adjust to big city life? If you move without a job, it would be difficult to adjust and balance your finances in the new metropolis even though you have savings. It would be best to start looking for appropriate employment before the move. A great place to look is local online boards and job websites such as LinkedIn and Indeed.

If you want to get a job in a new metropolis, quickly make some time for upgrading your LinkedIn profile, writing a cover letter, and preparing questions for the employer. When you notice suitable job vacancies on local online boards, apply right away. Explain in your cover letter briefly that you are planning on moving cross country and why you would be a great addition to their company.

#5 Find an Apartment or a House You’ll Be Living In

While searching for a well-paying job, try to find a house or an apartment you want to rent. If you are self-conscious about your finances or you are having difficulties landing employment, consider getting a roommate with whom you can split rent costs. Another solution is to focus on finding an affordable home on the outskirts where the rent will be lower.

Search for homes online and take a virtual tour of the ones you are interested in. Get a short-term lease that will allow you to learn more about the area and the apartment so you can make an informed decision later. Before signing the lease, research the neighborhood and be cautious about anything suspicious with the listing, such as pre-existing damage.

How Should You Research Neighborhoods in the New Metropolis?

So, how do you move to a big city alone? Don’t underestimate the importance of relocating to a safe neighborhood. The best thing one can do is to check the neighborhood ratings on sites like Niche or AreaVibes. You will be able to browse residents’ reviews and see the crime rates and other various data points.

Local Facebook groups where you can post questions are also useful when searching for a safe and affordable area to live in. Get a better sense of the community by talking to the residents. If you want to find out more about the seasonal festivals, school system events, and farmer’s markets, check out the local newspaper online and learn more about the community’s engagement.

#6 You Should Get Familiar With Public Transportation

Getting accustomed to the fact that you will have to use public transportation to get from point A to point B might be the most challenging aspect of residing in a metropolis. However, being prepared for the unexpected is always the best solution to any issue. Therefore, learn essential information about bus, train, and subway routes.

Check the timetables online and what transportation options would be best for you. Once you arrive, take a day and explore different routes you can take from your home to some of the hot spots, such as the bank, shopping areas, public squares, and main nightlife areas.

#7 It Would Be Wise to Reach Out to People You Know That Live There Before Relocation Day

It will be easier to begin your new chapter in another destination if there are a couple of people you know that can show you around. They might be old friends or distant relatives that can be of great help in the beginning. A small network will allow you to feel comfortable in a completely different environment.

Feel free to reach out to them via social media such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Build strong relationships and ask them how do you become a city person and what their impressions of the metropolis are, and get helpful insight into what the job market is really like, what places you should visit and what the overall vibe is like.

#8 Try to Pack Light

Perhaps you’ve gotten used to residing in a spacious house with a backyard in a small town. However, in the metropolis, you’ll most likely be renting out a much smaller space. Therefore, this is the perfect time to get rid of unnecessary belongings and donate things you won’t be using anymore. Decide what you will keep and discard the rest.

It’s best to pack only what you will definitely use. Sticking to essential things allows one not to clutter and overcrowd the new space immediately upon arrival. If you don’t want to part with certain things, but there isn’t any room in cardboard boxes for them, leave them in a storage unit. Your cross-country movers will ensure that the items are safe and protected at all times in the storage unit.

With Our Tips on Moving From a Small Town to a Big City, Everything Will Go Smoothly

When you start planning your move to another destination, bear in mind that the most crucial steps are searching for reputable moving companies, saving money, and finding a safe and affordable neighborhood to live in. Prepare for a faster pace of life, noisy streets, and traffic jams. But, living in a metropolis has many benefits that attract many young adults, such as various cultural activities, education, and job prospects. Follow our relocation tips, and you won’t have any worries during this challenging process.