Deciding to move to a new city can be very difficult. It's easy to get accustomed to where you live and its daily way of life. There is no doubt that moving can be stressful -- planning, packing, budgeting and finding a mover are tremendous undertakings.
A home should be a place of comfort, but you may be skeptical about finding a sense of ease in a new location. There are certainly a number of reasons to move, here's the five best things about moving somewhere new.
1. Moving to a new city will give you a fresh start
People live in the same place for a few years and grow into a routine. They know the streets, the businesses, the people, and most importantly, the people know them. People usually want a fresh start if they're tired of the way they're viewed. They also want to experience new friendships and new experiences, and the city is the best place to do so.
Starting fresh in a new city gives you the chance to reinvent yourself, and this is the perfect time to do it.
2. Moving to a new city can be good for your career
Usually moving to a new city means more job opportunities. You to grow in your field and interview for positions with higher salaries.
However, there will also be a higher cost of living if you choose to live in the middle of the city. You can always find neighborhoods with a lower cost of living and commute to your job -- like people that live in New Jersey but work in New York.
It's important to remember that if you're looking for a career move, a new city can help dramatically. It provides not only new job opportunities but even more opportunities for networking. Nowadays, who you know can make or break a job interview.
3. Moving to a new city helps you to be more independent
It's normal to want a familiar setting when moving out.
When it comes to moving to a new city entirely, where you have no contacts, it's hard to get accustomed to your new surroundings. This type of obstacle will teach you a lot about who you are and what you're made of. Opening a new chapter in your life in an entirely new setting will give you a sense of empowerment.
4. Moving to a new city will broaden your horizons
Stepping outside of your comfort zone will completely change your viewpoint on life. All the experiences you had back in your old town will feel unique in your new city. You will also end up meeting new people through these experiences.
Being in a new city will expose you to different cultures. Cities are usually melting pots of different people all over the world coming together. You will experience new foods, new music and new clothing styles that you have never seen before. By meeting different types of people and having these experiences, you may even start to see a change withinn yourself.
5. Moving to a new city will help you grow as a person
Moving to a new city is almost like going to college all over again. You'll need to figure everything out as you go. Just like college helped shape you into who you are today, this new city will do the same.
It will be difficult at first, but the process will make you grow as a person as you acclimate to your new city. Don't let the fear of trying something new stop you from experiencing something different in life.
Tips for a successful move to a new city
Maintain a realistic viewpoint
If you think that you are ready to move, have you considered what life would be like in a new area? Can you transfer your lifestyle into the new city without a hitch? You should consider the important aspects of your current life that you want to carry over to your new home. Make a list and rate different categories for a realistic view of how your life may change in a new location.
Become comfortable with moving
There are many reasons to move, which could all be based on circumstances out of your control. If the context of the move is stressful, then the move might also be stressful. Looking at the positive parts of the move will help you regain control of the situation.
Also, highlight the beneficial aspects of your move on a daily basis. Reading literature and watching moving-related shows, like HGTV's Property Virgins, will help you connect with the idea of relocating. Whether you decide to move or not, you know that you did your best to directly address the possibility of moving.
Pack to help relax
Packing may compel you to think about your old home in conjunction with your new home. You wonder where your couch could go or which wall would best suit your favorite painting. Getting engrossed and excited by the packing details can be a great distraction from feelings of stress. Throughout the packing process, keep envisioning your items in your new home.
Maintain a budget
Budgeting before your relocation and hiring a knowledgeable mover will help ensure a less stressful move. Money, and how it is invested, can be a source of tension, so make sure that you have an itemized list of expected and unexpected moving costs.
Balance stressful feelings
Focus on the more positive aspects of your possible move. Here are some suggestions toward achieving a positive balance:
- Keep a journal.This will be an outlet for you to express and note any stresses or concerns that arise during the moving process. Airing your thoughts in a journal can help release stress regarding a pending move.
- Keep a picture of a potential home. Carrying a picture of a home that you like can make the thought of a new home more familiar.
- Get a head start. Look around your new neighborhood and jot down any places that you will want to remember to visit, such as restaurants, shopping centers or gyms.
- Research your moving company. Gain a bit more insight regarding your mover through the Better Business Bureau and customer reviews. This will make you even more confident with hiring them.