Although overall patterns suggest a move away from cities, many are still hankering for the thrills, work opportunities and cultural experiences that only a large city can offer. If you’ve never been to an urban area before, be expected to be amazed and ready to face some unique “urban” challenges. However, most importantly prepare yourself.
Here are some tips and strategies to help adjust before, during, and after the change.
Visit Ahead
For business, personal or business reasons, you’ll need to explore the city you’re moving to before. It would be best if you planned to stay for some time taking in the area. Do the amenities of the area outweigh its drawbacks? How close are popular parks, markets and shopping centres? Do you feel secure going there on your own late at night? Are street noises distracting? What are the best neighbourhoods than others for your family’s requirements?
A tip If you have a clear concept of where you’re looking to relocate, check out the area in the evening or on weekends. It’s interesting to see how what appears like a peaceful and quiet neighbourhood can be quite a different place after the sun goes down on a Saturday.
Move Only What You’ll Need.
Knowing what you’ll bring to your new residence is wise. Let’s just suppose that moving to the big city will also mean reducing to make room. This is why it’s essential to be aware of the general layout of your new house and the approximate dimensions of your room. Take out the tape measurement!
Moving from a large kitchen with a galley layout means the removal of many gadgets that are only used for one purpose and appliances for the countertop which take up storage space. Most apartments do not include a separate area for dining or entertainment and certainly no bathrooms with ensuites or a large living spaces or den furniture that may not work in smaller rooms.
Sell or Donate What You Can
Think about having a real or virtual garage/tag sale before the big day to cut off the odds and furnishings you will not be taking. Donate an extra set of dishes, a bulky recliner, and clothes you don’t use to an organization like Goodwill and The Salvation Army. Are there any food items you will not be packing? Our agents often participate with the Move For Hunger program, and you can inquire about it.
Move With a Plan in Place
If you’re planning to move into a large city, the timing of your move is important. For instance, let’s say you’re moving into an apartment with only one elevator. In this scenario, it’s best to schedule your move for this week and at a time that isn’t likely to impact other residents within the building (usually around mid-afternoon).
Moving on a weekend or for an hour when there is likely to be moving in and out of the building won’t go over well with the new neighbours or the building’s staff. The larger apartment or condo buildings, including those with separate freight elevators, are interested in knowing when your belongings are due to arrive so they can have the resources and personnel available to help you quickly get to your new home.
Insurance for the mover is another aspect you should know about. If you’re moving the property, most owners will need a security deposit if there is damage to the structure. If you are hiring for the services of movers, you’ll need to give their insurance certificates to your property owner.
Set Up a Routine – and Step Up the Pace
The two biggest changes to city living are the freedom from mundane tasks and the general pace. Most likely, tasks such as lawn maintenance and snow removal are taken care of by the city, are included in your rent, or are a separate cost for maintenance on your building. There are many ways to manage tasks like grocery shopping, laundry, and other chores by text or phone. Do you not feel like cooking? Apps like Grubhub let you have all the cuisines of the world right delivered to your doorstep with little hassle.
Prepare yourself: excluding the people, traffic and other things can move more quickly in big cities. Soon, you’ll be able to “go with the flow” as you navigate sidewalks and cross streets. Be aware of how colleagues and friends behave in social and work situations. Soon, living in a fast(er) pace will be routine.
Large cities also have diverse people. Take advantage of the diverse views, cultures and people you’ll interact. Think of it as a learning experience for yourself and your family members. Another thing to note: generally, “city people” are more explicit in their communication, and it’s not rude, they’re just safeguarding their space.
Bringing Kids Along?
I don’t believe that the public school in your area will be sufficient in major cities. Schools are usually specifically for teenagers and kids interested in sciences, the arts, engineering and other related fields. Parents often choose private schools, either parochial or secular, and some have long wait lists and a strict process of pre-registration.
Security is another aspect to be concerned about. In smaller towns, kids and teens are freer to explore independently; however, you’ll need to stay conscious of their location in large cities full of strangers and crowds. Set up a plan you agree to for your child should they lose or have to contact you for assistance.
However, a city is also a great place to expose youngsters to various activities, museum performances, concerts, and sporting activities. Look up websites like timeout.com and eventbrite.com for a constantly changing listing of what you can see and do in the new city you’ve just moved to.
Travel Like the Locals Do
A car could be expensive or a burden in many of the largest cities. While cars are essential in cities like Los Angeles, Boston and New York, car ownership may be seen as an obligation instead of an added benefit.
However, you must be familiar with the city’s public transportation system ASAP. Learn about hired cars and taxis’ ins, outs, and manners. Plan to walk more than you did during your small-town or suburban lifestyle. It’s also a good idea to stock things more effectively when you do it on shorter trips to supermarkets and stores. You should just buy what you can comfortably carry in one go.