Moving is definitely a way to shake things up and open a new chapter in your life. And, sometimes, that’s exactly what we need. Although you may think that making the decision is the hardest part, the process itself isn’t exactly a piece of cake either. Furthermore, make sure you’re well prepared for what’s coming. Here’s the list of all the things to consider before moving.
What are your reasons?
This doesn’t mean that there are good or bad reasons to relocate. It just means that you should be comfortable with your decision. Whether you’re moving for a new job, better living conditions, moving in with your partner or splitting, what matters is that you feel good about it. And don’t panic just because you are feeling moving anxiety – everybody does. But try to visualize yourself living at your new place, going grocery shopping at the new store and sipping coffee at some new coffee shop. How do you feel about that? If the feeling is positive, you’re good to go.
Can you afford it?
A positive attitude is great but you should be prepared financially as well before you pack your things for the move. If you’re changing jobs, it’s important to have some savings to use until you find a new job or between two paychecks. Also, you’ll need to plan your moving budget. Whether you’re hiring movers or doing it by yourself, you’ll need money for packing supplies, transportation, and fuel. Do some research online and plan your moving budget. Additionally, always leave some extra money for unforeseen circumstances, they happen more frequently than you can imagine.
Housing costs
If you’ve already rented or bought the place, that’s ideal. If not, it’s really important to be informed. Check the popular real estate websites to get a grasp on home prices in the area you’ll be moving to. This way, you’ll be able to plan your housing budget. Most importantly, don’t forget the deposit that landlords often request.
Costs of living
Once you’ve got the housing covered, you should check the living costs as well. This includes nutrition, along with gas, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses. Those types of expenses can vary significantly from state to state, and from country to country. Therefore, it’s important to keep them in mind when evaluating your new overall cost of living.
Salary vs living costs
This is much easier to know if you’re moving to a different office in the same company, or if your company operates on a set scale. However, if you’re getting a completely new role with a new salary, you should compare it with living costs. A massive salary jump sounds great, but if you’re moving to a country whose cost of living is twice what you’re used to, it won’t be as good as you thought. Also, do your research on the tax levels in your new community. Put it all on paper, compare, and see if it’s manageable.
How are you moving?
There are many ways to move. It’s important to explore them and choose the one that suits you best. For this reason, start planning as soon as possible. As for many things in life, information is the key factor. Talk to your friends or coworkers that have moved recently and try to collect as many experiences and recommendations. Once you have a big picture, choose one of the many options.
- Hiring professional movers is definitely the fastest and most efficient way to relocate. And surprisingly, it doesn’t have to be more expensive than moving by yourself. If you choose this option, make sure to pick a reliable moving company. Verified movers that have plenty of experience will give you a peace of mind.
- DIY move can be a good solution, too, if you have some previous experience and a good plan. If this is your choice, make sure to ask your friends to give you a hand with loading and unloading your items. You should also consider renting a moving truck. And if you’ve never driven one before, make sure to get some practice before you hit the road.
- Portable moving containers are also an option, somewhere between DIY and a professional move. You load and unload them by yourself, and the company delivers them to the doorstep of your new home.
How’s the weather?
Believe it or not, the weather plays a big role in our life and mindset. For example, the people that grew up somewhere where the weather is mostly sunny, have a big problem adjusting to the lack of sunshine and cloudy weather. Interestingly, it can also go the other way around. Not only can the weather impact your lifestyle, mood and social plans, but it can also impact your utility bills. Furthermore, don’t forget to research average seasonal temperatures and be sure you’re prepared for a change of weather, big or small.
What does your family think about that?
If you have a family and expect to bring them with you, you’ll have to consider the impact this move will have on them. Do they like the idea of moving? Will your partner be able to find a new job or keep the old one somehow? What about the school for your children? It’s perfectly normal that your kids won’t want to leave their friends and school. You’ll have to really think about and decide what would be better for them. Those who are moving alone should consider how far away they will be from their parents, siblings and extended family. How long will you be gone and how easy will it be to visit? Include all these factors in your decision making process. Make sure you discuss moving with your loved ones because, even if they’re not coming with you, your decision will affect them.
Main things to consider before moving
These are just some of the things you should consider when moving. The better you think things through now, the easier the transition will be. Most importantly, you need to be aware of all the pros and cons, make a decision that feels right, and stand firm in it. And remember, beside all these factors, listen to your gut as well.
When you’ve made your decision, enlisting professional help from a moving company like us can make the actual move for you and everyone else involved a lot go much smoother. Contact us at anytime to discuss your move or fill out the form below for a free estimate.
