Moving to a Big City?

Moving to a Big City? Here’s How to Plan for a Smooth Transition

You probably suspect that moving to a big city will come with lots of opportunities for an exciting new chapter in your life. And while that’s true, it can be intimidating when you hail from a small town.

If you’ve decided to relocate to a major metropolitan area like Chicago, you may need to allow yourself a bit of time to adjust to the differences in culture, costs of living, and transportation, among other things. But you can also expect to experience new opportunities that you wouldn’t get in a smaller town. And if you follow these tips from Rob Munds, you can set yourself up for a stress-free transition!

Find a Neighborhood and Home     

Your first step will be to research neighborhoods and homes in your desired location. The key is to find a neighborhood with low crime rates, plenty of nearby amenities, and home prices within your budget. You’ll also want your new home to be located within a reasonable distance to work.

Next, make a list of everything you need from your new home and scour the housing market to see what's available. For example, the average Chicago home lists for $272,500. Using the right listing sites will allow you to narrow down your property search with the specific layouts, designs, and price range you’re interested in.

Once you settle on and purchase your home, look into purchasing a home warranty. As you shop around different companies, keep in mind that the best home warranty company for you depends on your budget, your needs, and the reputation and experience of the company you choose. Make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money, and that you get all the coverage you need for your home.

Organize the Relocation

Once you have found the perfect home, it's time to start making arrangements with the best moving companies in your area. Use service websites to quickly find various companies that serve your desired area. It's important to receive a quote and discuss the scope of your relocation with any company you are considering hiring. But before you do that, take the time to read through online reviews and see which movers are currently offering credits or discounts.

Handle Your Business     

If you are thinking about launching a company in your new city, you’ll need to create a business plan that outlines the steps you will take in the first few years of operations. Here are a few items to include in your business plan:

●       Executive summary

●       Company description

●       Product or service description

●       Target audience

●       Marketing channels

●       Branding details

●       Financial forecasts

The ZenBusiness - Start a Business Guide will help you learn how to put together a solid business plan. While you're at it, make a list of all the other tasks you will need to tackle (e.g., choosing a legal structure, creating a website, finding employees, etc.) as you prepare for the launch.

Try Public Transportation     

Public transportation is one of the biggest perks of living in a big city. Not every metropolitan area offers a state-of-the-art subway system or light rail, but most provide access to buses or other options.

Research the public transportation systems in your new city, and think about how they could make your daily life easier and cheaper. If you can get to work by train, you can save money on parking and maybe even sell your vehicle!

Make Room for New Experiences

Lastly, remember that the opportunity for new experiences is one of the best parts of moving to a big city. You just have to ensure you leave room in your schedule for them! Be proactive in pursuing new hobbies and activities that could add joy to your life, and say yes when your coworkers and neighbors invite you to things.

You can also look to reconnect with former classmates as well. If you’re moving back to an area where you went to high school, be sure to look up any old friends you may have lost touch with.

It's time to start planning for the big move. Big city life is quite different from living in a small town, but learning about your new city and diligently preparing for this next chapter will allow you to settle in smoothly. Make a list of all the things you hope to get out of the relocation, do plenty of research, and you'll be ready to start off strong in your new environment! And for help finding your new home in Chicago, contact Rob Munds today!