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Blog July 8, 2021

7 Tips for Moving to a Big City for the First Time

Posted in Moving 101
Blake Shaw

Bostonian and residential moving and packing expert. Blake Shaw enjoys bar-hopping, music, and writing insightful content.

Moving to a big city for the first time can be genuinely exciting. There are a lot of things to be excited about, especially if you are moving to a big city from a small town. There are greater opportunities for personal and professional growth in big cities, as well as endless options when it comes to entertainment options at any time of day, and most importantly of all, a chance to rediscover yourself and figure out what you want in life.

You will most likely be thrilled about the upcoming relocation, but you might also be worried that you do not really know what to expect when you get to your destination. You might even be a bit nervous about moving to a big city. Do not worry, and do not be afraid. The following 7 tips should help you to avoid any severe mistakes when moving to a big city and will also help you to familiarize yourself and adjust to a brand new way of living and seeing the world around you. Here are the 7 helpful tips for moving to a big city for the first time and what you should know when planning your own big city move.

#1 Research the City You Are Moving To

When relocating to a big city for the first time, being well-prepared is crucial. If you know someone who lives or has lived in the city, get in touch with that person and obtain the necessary information that will give you an advantage after your relocation is complete.

Do some research to find housing options to find a home that you like and can afford. Research what employment options are open to you in case you are moving to a big city without a job already secured. Familiarize yourself with the city’s laws and regulations so you can stay out of trouble when you move there.

Find out more about the weather in the city you are moving to and the climate of the region to know what clothes you should pack.

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#2 Get a Job Before Moving to a Big City

If you have already secured a job in the city, you are moving to, and then you are going to have one less thing to worry about. If the main reason for your move to a big city is to find a good or better job, then it is time to begin thinking about diving into the vast and often unpredictable job market.

Update your resume, but get mentally ready for a hard fight. In large cities, it is normal to have hundreds of applicants who are all vying for the same job. Try not to get depressed by the fierce competition, visit career fairs, seek free services, and look for personal recommendations to help make your resume stand out from the rest.

Cities With the Best Job Opportunities in the US

If you’re considering relocating to another state in the US for better job prospects, several cities stand out for their employment opportunities, affordability, and quality of life. Here are some of the best places to find a job:

  • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – you’ll be settling in a place with strengths in sectors like energy, aviation, and healthcare,
  • Denver, Colorado – Moving to Denver will put you in a spot that experienced significant job growth,
  • Las Vegas, NevadaRelocating to Las Vegas means being in a spot that has diversified its economy,
  • Seattle, WashingtonMoving to Seattle means going to a place that is home to industry giants and numerous startups,
  • Portland, Oregon – Finally, relocating to Portland will put you in a place with a growing technology sector.
sign Portland is a good place to move to if looking for a new job

#3 Only Pack the Essentials

One thing you should keep in mind when moving to a big city is that your new home is likely to be a lot smaller than the one you have in your small town or rural neighborhood. So, with a more limited living space to work with, it is essential that you only take your most essential belongings with you.

It is a good idea to reduce the number of belongings that you bring to make the significant relocation easier and cheaper as well. Ultimately, the more items you choose to take with you, the more you will have to pay to transport them, and it will be harder for you to find sufficient storage space for all of your things.

Donate, Sell, or Throw Away Things You Don’t Need

Moving to a new home is the perfect time to declutter and streamline your belongings. Start by sorting through your items to identify what you truly need and what no longer serves a purpose. For gently used items, consider donating them to local charities or nonprofit organizations. Not only does this free up space, but it also benefits those in need.

For items that still hold value but you no longer use them, selling them is an excellent way to earn extra cash. Online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist make it easy to connect with buyers in your area. You can also host a yard sale to clear out multiple items at once. If an item is no longer functional or in poor condition, responsibly dispose of it. Check your local waste management guidelines to recycle when possible, keeping sustainability in mind.

donation You can sell or donate things you no longer use

#4 Prepare for the High Cost of Living

Relocating to a big city with no money to spare can be really difficult. You will soon learn that living in a big city is more expensive than living in a small town. The cost of food, transportation, utilities, housing, services, and even the tax rates will mostly be much higher than what you might be used to paying.

The higher living costs in big cities will require much more control of your finances, and you will want your cash to last as long as possible. The good news is that living in a big city will give you the chance to become a canny shopper and a careful consumer of goods, keep an eye out for clearance sales, freebies, promotions and discount coupons.

#5 Hire Long Distance Movers to Help You With Relocation

Relocating to a new home, especially over long distances, can be a complex and time-consuming process. Hiring professional cross-country movers ensures your belongings are transported safely and efficiently, reducing the stress associated with relocation. Experienced long-distance moving company offers a range of services. Those can include packing, loading, transportation, and unpacking, tailored to meet your specific needs.

In addition to convenience, hiring a cross-country moving company provides peace of mind. Reputable moving companies are licensed and insured, ensuring your belongings are protected throughout the journey. They also have a deep understanding of regulations and routes, helping you avoid delays or complications during your move.

Moving

With our long-distance moving services, your belongings will be carefully handled from the moment we take them until they’re safely delivered and unpacked at your new home.

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East Coast West Coast Movers Are a Perfect Relocation Partner

When it comes to cross-country moves, choosing the right partner is crucial, and East Coast West Coast Movers stand out as a trusted option. Our extensive experience in long-distance relocation ensures that every detail of your move is managed with precision and care. From initial planning to final delivery, their team of experts works with you to create a personalized moving plan that fits your schedule and budget.

East Coast West Coast Movers are equipped to handle a wide variety of moving needs, whether you’re transporting fragile heirlooms, bulky furniture, or an entire household’s worth of items. We offer a wide range of long-distance moving services, fit for every move. No matter if you need packing assistance, or even professional car shipping service, we got you covered.

East Coast West Coast Movers East Coast West Coast Movers are your trusted partner

#6 Explore the City

When moving to a new city, separate some time and initiate exploration trips around your new city. At the start, the unfamiliar surroundings and the lack of familiar faces can confuse you and might cause depression.

Yes, moving to a big city alone can be puzzling at first, but the only way to adapt to your new surroundings is to get to know it better. But where to begin? It is all about the little things. Explore your immediate neighborhood first, then get to know the big city little by little to discover and enjoy its many secrets.

#7 Make New Friends

Moving to a new home in a big city is different from life in a small town; everything in big cities appears bigger, and everything seems to be moving much faster than the pace you have grown used to. One thing you will notice right off the bat is that life in the big city is moving more quickly.

When moving to a big city, do not barricade yourself in your new place, as spending too much time alone can bring about relocation depression. To start, get to know your neighbors, then see if you can make some friends with any of your new colleagues at work. Think about joining clubs or groups that share the same interests as yours, sign up for dance classes or practice sports, or any activities that will help you meet and interact with new people. Be open to new experiences and take every opportunity to spend time with people whose company you enjoy.

group of friends outside When you relocate, go out and meet new people

Start Your New Adventure With the Help of East Coast West Coast Movers

Embarking on a new chapter in a different city or state is an exciting opportunity, and East Coast West Coast Movers are here to make it seamless and stress-free. With our professional expertise and dedication to excellence, we handle every aspect of your move, allowing you to focus on embracing your fresh start. Whether you’re relocating for a new job, to be closer to family, or simply to explore new horizons, our team ensures your belongings are safely and efficiently transported to your destination. Don’t let the complexities of moving hold you back—choose a moving partner you can trust.

Ready to take the first step in your relocation journey? Contact East Coast West Coast Movers today for a free moving quote and personalized consultation. Our east coast movers are eager to answer your questions, address your concerns, and create a tailored plan that meets your needs and budget.

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