Small Town to the Big City: Residential Moving Tips
Dallas-Fort Worth has seen a huge influx of new citizens the past couple of years. Many have come from well-populated areas like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. But a good amount have relocated from smaller towns as well.
If you’ve found yourself relocating from a rural or suburban area to the big city, here are some tips for your residential move.
Tip #1: Research Cost of Living
One of the biggest surprises for folks moving from smaller areas to the big city is how much everything costs. From the biggest expenses like housing to even smaller costs like gas, groceries and utilities, these can be a shock if you haven’t researched them. If you’re moving for job purposes, try to get this information before you negotiate your salary.
Tip #2: Get To Know Your New Neighborhood
Blogs, news, reviews and social media are all great ways to get to know the specific area where you’ll live. Try to visit in person before committing, if you can, as pictures can be deceiving and nothing illustrates the feeling of a place like being there. Understanding crime is also important for your desired destination and a crime map can help
Tip #3: Familiarize Yourself with Local Amenities
Proximity to hospitals, schools, restaurants and other destinations can impact your quality of life, so choose a residence where you’re comfortable with the distance to amenities. Even if it’s not perfect, knowing the most important, convenient and valuable locations in your new city will help you from feeling overwhelmed once you’re there.
Tip #4: Trust Local Experts for Advice
Start following social media accounts for influencers from your new area, local government guides and regional publications. From the news and blogs to YouTube and virtual visits, you can learn a lot about the vibe of your new city by turning to experts who have lived in the area and/or know what to recommend.
Tip #5: Get Plugged In!
If you can plan a visit first to the city where you’re moving, do it! Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood, amenities and area attractions, then actually get involved with them. Meet your future neighbors and look for people online in your circles with whom you might have a connection. Finally, establish relationships with your most-needed professional service providers by gathering contact information for a good plumber, electrician, handyman, locksmith and more. This (and the other items on this list) will help you feel more confident about moving from a small town to the big city.
If you’d like more residential moving tips or are ready for a quote for your upcoming move, contact IMS Relocation today.