Relocating to a new city or even a new country could be one of the most rewarding things you ever do. It’s an opportunity to start your life over again, but it certainly isn’t a stress-free process, particularly if you’re moving across borders. If you want to move to France, for example, you should do research in order to find out the papers you need to submit for immigration and the documents that will be issued for your stay.
No doubt you’re determined to make your relocation a success, and we’re here to help. Here are just a few key tips to help you conquer the stress of relocating.
Build a sizeable budget
There’s no way around it: relocating costs money. Start by making a budget purely for the cost of moving, leaving out the change in living costs, taxes etc for now. You’ll need to include:
- The cost of houses, which might include a house-hunting trip to your new location.
- Lease termination costs, or the costs of selling your current home.
- Security deposit/down payment for your new home.
- Set up and closure fees for utilities, internet, television etc.
- New décor and furnishings.
- The cost of upgrading or redecorating your new house or apartment.
- Moving expenses.
You may only be able to come up with rough estimates, but working from a budget will help give you a general idea of how much you’ll have to spend to change your life.
Research your new cost of living
Some places are cheaper to live than others, and unfortunately the rule seems to be the more desirable the place, the pricier it is.
No two places, even two cities of roughly the same size, cost the same, and it’s important to take that into account when evaluating whether you can afford to move, or when considering a job offer with a relocation package. Food, utilities, leisure activities and the cost of transport will all need to be looked at.
It’s also a good idea to investigate the tax rate for your future home. It’s tedious, but unavoidable.
Get to know your new home
A town, city or country is more than its tax rate and food prices. You won’t ever really know a place until you’ve walked around it for a while, so if possible, organise a trip to the place you’re moving, to better envisage your new life there.
If that’s simply not an option, there are plenty of online resources you can use to get to know a place. Social media and internet forums are full of groups of locals and visitors offering tips, recommendations and just a general taste of everyday life. If you have specific questions, they’re probably the best people to ask.
Car transport
If you’re unable to drive all your vehicles to your new home, it’s time to research vehicle transport companies.
Check out car and motorcycle shipping from A1 Auto Transport. They ship your vehicle to destinations across the US and internationally with the utmost car and professionalism within a specified time frame. Fill out the form on their website with the details of your vehicle and relocation to get a free cost estimate.
If you’re in need of vehicle transfer services, consider car and motorcycle shipping from A1 Auto Transport.
Don’t rush to buy a house
It’s understandable that you’d want to have somewhere permanent to relocate so you don’t have to move twice, but buying a house before you know the area could be a huge financial risk.
Instead consider renting a property on a month-to-month basis while you view houses in person and get to know the various neighbourhoods. It may be a hassle in the short-term, but it could save you a lot of anxiety in the long-term.
Make friends early
Sign up for activities, get in touch with your new colleagues and join local social media groups so you can hit the ground running when it comes to forging a new social life. If you’re busy making friends, you’ll have less time to miss your old life and more time to enjoy where you are now.