Sometimes life calls you to a different part of the world. You might be moving to a new city to follow a loved one or start a new job. Even if you’re staying in the same state, things can feel overwhelming.
Planning each step of the way makes every move more manageable. It’s much easier to follow a proper moving checklist so that nothing is forgotten or left behind. Whether you’re relocating with your family or branching out on your own, here’s how to figure everything out.
Save Some Extra Money
No matter where you move, the process is expensive. You’ll likely pay a moving team to load up all your belongings and drive them to your new living space. The last thing you want to hear is that you should save some extra money, but it’s the smart thing to do. Don’t forget to take into account whether you should get in touch with local or long distance movers, as this can also affect your budget.
Spare pocket change could save the day in your new destination. You may need to drive further for groceries or sit in traffic longer than where you previously lived. When you go to a new restaurant, you might have to pay for parking.
The new city could also have higher property taxes, making your monthly household bills higher. You won’t know the exact amount until you get there, so don’t get caught by surprise when bills come due or while you’re out in town.
Tipping your movers after they unload your belongings is also a common courtesy. Find out how many movers will help you and estimate $20-$50 tips for each person, handed in cash or paid with your bill. Their time and physical labor made your life easier, so show them a little generosity that many in the industry expect from satisfied customers.
Call Around for Supplies
Paying for boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap might not seem too costly at first, but they add up quickly. If you want to save a trip to the store and keep your spending low, call around for supplies. People can give you old boxes from online orders and newspapers for free. You’ll also get an excuse to see loved ones one last time before your big move.
Local stores may also have boxes they’d like to give away. Call grocers and retailers to ask if you could pick up boxes after their next big restock. They’ll likely let you select however many you want because it prevents their team from making a trip to the recycling plant.
Check Your Moving Truck
Trucks from rental companies will pass inspection before a moving company shows up at your house. You’ll also get proof of this if you rent one and drive it yourself. Still, people experience issues with their vehicles in both scenarios, so keep an eye out for these specific problems.
After loading your boxes and furniture, step back from the truck to see if it’s back-slouched. Large trucks use a design that keeps them tilted toward the front when full to avoid sagging backward and potentially spilling the contents. If your vehicle drops toward the rear when full, it likely needs leaf spring replacements before it’s safe to drive.
You should also double-check for a lock on your truck’s rolling door. Most won’t come with a padlock, which keeps your belongings safe if you need to leave them in the vehicle overnight. Pick up a padlock at any local store to secure your things during travel and before unloading.
Explore the Area
Most people feel isolated and lonely after moving to a new city because the area feels unfamiliar. After unloading your boxes, explore different parts of town. Scout out your preferred grocery store, where you can go shopping and any restaurants you might want to try. Take notes on any place that looks interesting, like museums or family activities, so you can go back when you get a free moment in your schedule.
Find Group Activities
Living in a new city means you get to meet new friends. Look around online to find social media groups designed for your interests, like playing disk golf or skiing. You can also read those coffee shop posters to find group guitar lessons or a monthly knitting club. Even discovering annual events on your city’s website gives you opportunities to connect with people and form relationships that make your town feel like home.
Don’t Sweat Moving to a New City
Moving to a new city is much easier if you follow tips like these. Strategize every part of your move to make the next chapter of your life begin without extra stress. Then, you can settle in and make yourself at home.