[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you’ve recently landed a new job, congrats! You’re on your way to advancing your career, moving up the ladder, and earning more income. While all of these prospects are incredibly good news, there’s one damper in the situation: the fact that you have to pack up and relocate.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re moving to a city you love or away from a town you hate, the process involved is all the same—and, unfortunately, rather tedious. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help. Transitioning between careers is stressful enough as it is, so use these tips to make transitioning between locations a little easier.
Relocation Tip #1: Research Different Districts in the City
Usually, the first thing people do after accepting a job in a new location is start searching for housing. But beyond the basic search criteria—i.e. washer/dryer on-site, dedicated parking spot, dog-friendly property—take it one step further by researching the different districts or municipalities in the area.
You might look for an apartment that’s close to your office for the sake of a convenient commute, then later find out that the downtown district you moved to is incredibly loud, congested, and way overpriced compared to the suburbs not far away. Most major cities have neighborhoods with different vibes; there may be an artsy district, bohemian beach front, or an upscale end-of-town, just to name a few examples.
Find the one that fits you best. If you have children who are relocating as well, then don’t forget to research the best school districts in the city. Once you establish the part of town you want to live in, refine your search to nearby attractions such as parks, shopping districts, or access to public transportation.
Relocation Tip #2: Don’t Go at It Alone
Unless you choose a furnished apartment, you’re going to need to bring all your belongings with you. As you begin to pack up for the move, we highly suggest that you either ask or pay for help. More hands make for fast work and will significantly reduce the time (and stress) required to organize all your belongings into boxes.
Pro Tip: Now is a great time to get rid of old objects you seldom use and minimize your belongings Marie Kondo style.
Don’t be shy to ask a family or friend for a little assistance; maybe you can offer to buy them dinner or a drink to express your gratitude. Knowing that you’re about to move, they’ll probably be happy to help so that they can spend more time with you. If there’s really no one around—or you’re too stubborn to call in a favor—then hire professional movers who can safely pack and ship your prized possessions.
Relocation Tip #3: Set up New Services & Update Info
If you want your new place to feel like a home when you walk inside, be sure to set up your utilities (such as electricity and water) before you arrive. There’s no worse feeling than opening the door to your new abode, going to flip the light switch, and being met with stark darkness.
As you’re getting all your affairs aligned, you might want to set up cable and internet service, or call your current provider and see if they’re available in your new network. If they service that area, they’ll be able to easily update your account so you can watch TV or stream Netflix while you unpack all your moving boxes. And get to that sooner rather than later, by the way, because if you still have boxes sitting around three months after arrival, you’ll never like you’re fully settled in.
Don’t forget to update your change of billing address to your various subscriptions for uninterrupted service, as well as your banking institution so you never miss a credit card payment. A good backup protocol is to report your new address to the USPS so they know where to forward the mail if they ever receive a letter that instructs “Return to Sender”.
Last word of advice…
Once you make the move and orient yourself with the new job and neighborhood, get out there and meet likeminded people outside of work. A solid social group will help ward off any inklings of homesickness you might feel. Best of luck on your new endeavors and cheers to your future success!
