While small town living does provide a host of unique benefits, many young adults and business professionals find themselves moving to bigger cities in pursuit of work opportunities and a different lifestyle. The urban-rural divide is growing and this trend is happening country wide. As in other provinces, this is certainly very apparent here in Ontario as people continue to move to city centers like London, Toronto, Waterloo/Kitchener, Hamilton and Ottawa. The difference in pace from the laid back, small town mentality to the fast paced on-the-go city lifestyle can sometimes be a drastic transition. This big change in combination with the work involved in moving can sometimes be stressful. Making certain decisions and taking specific steps in advance can go a long way toward managing a great move. Here are a few important things to acknowledge when you are considering or planning on moving to the city:
#1. Research your city.
Making a big move is an exciting step! If you are coming from a small town, moving to a big city can sometimes be overwhelming. You definitely want to look into good areas to live, local attractions, cost of living and transportation. Learning about these things will help you understand the place you will be living and help you decide what kind of location and home will be best for you. If you are moving to or within London, the city has a variety of neighbourhoods to choose from. Whether you are looking for a central location, a suburb on the outskirts, or something in between, by knowing what you want you can find an area that is just right for you. Looking up local lifestyle and tourism blogs can generally be a great insight into the community aspect of the city you are moving to.
#2. Who do you know?
Getting in contact with friends, colleagues or acquaintances who live in your new city is always a good idea. The best way to learn about a new place is to visit or speak with people who already live there. Ask your contacts for tips and advice about what their city has to offer and how you should approach your move. They can usually give you some great advice about neighbourhoods, work, and city life in general.
#3. Line up work.
This is a tip you don’t necessarily have to follow, but for most people it can help ease the financial requirements that are part of a big move. It is generally a good idea to begin the job hunt process well ahead of time. This way you will have a good understanding of what is available to you and how you will need to approach your search for work or a job. You may even find something great ahead of time. In many cases, it can take quite a while to find a position that suits you and your skills. Take advantage of your social network and do your best to meet people who can inform you about the possibility of job opportunities in the area. In general, moving is expensive and getting back to making money can certainly help.
#4. Find a place to live.
This is certainly the most important step in the process of moving to a big city. Take a careful effort to look into a variety of options before deciding on the place you are going to live. Make sure you know what kind of home and neighbourhood you are interested in residing within. Are you looking for a home? An apartment? How much space do you want? How far from your work are you willing to live? These are all important things to consider when searching for your new home. Remember, this is where you will be living for the foreseeable future, and you certainly want to pick somewhere that makes you feel comfortable. It is always a good thing to consider a backup plan in case your previous choice will not work out.
#5. Prepare yourself.
After carefully considering and committing to your big move, it’s time to get yourself prepared. The first thing to decide is whether you are going to do the move yourself or hire a moving company. If you have a lot of things to discard, then it is a good idea to begin selling and donating your old or unnecessary items as soon as possible. Minimizing the amount of belongings you need to move will allow you to pack and organize more easily, not to mention that it will allow you to setup your new home with ease. In some cases you may want to get a storage unit to keep some of your stuff in while you are figuring out what to do with all of it. Packing up your belongings takes time, so make sure you begin organizing well in advance. Hiring professional movers is a great way to reduce the stress and time involved in a change of location.
#6. Do not rush the process.
Although moving somewhere new and unfamiliar is an exciting process, it often includes an adjustment phase. In the beginning, it is easy to feel frightened by our choice to relocate, and this is natural. Give yourself some time to adjust and get used to your new surroundings. Let them sink in and explore your new city. Getting engaged and involved in the community through programs, activities and social groups can be a great way to meet new people. New friends and new hobbies can truly help with the adjustment phase.
For many individuals, leaving their small hometowns and moving to the city is a right of passage. It is an experience packed with new opportunities and experiences, and will provide you with a new understanding and appreciation for the big city lifestyle. The key to a big move is to be ready for it. Make sure to plan your move accordingly so that you can focus on the exciting parts of your big transition!
Hiring a moving company can help ease the stress and confusion of a big transition. At Sprint Moving Service, our professional team can help you plan and organize your move, taking care of the hardest parts of the process. If you are interested in commercial or residential moving or packing services, Sprint Moving offers quality service at an affordable cost. Please visit out quote page by clicking here and receive an estimate for your move!
