10 Essential Tips for Moving to a New City Alone

June 17, 2022
Ella Martin
Ella Martin

Start Planning Early

The sooner you start planning for your move, the better. This will give you more time to declutter your home, pack your belongings, and make any necessary arrangements for your transition. You can start by creating a timeline of when you need to have specific tasks completed. Then, start working on each task one by one. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember to take breaks and ask for help from friends or family.

Downsize

Another helpful tip is to purge your belongings before packing them up, especially if you're doing a lot of the heavy lifting solo. This will save you time and effort in the long run. Going through your things and getting rid of anything you don’t need or use anymore will simplify packing. You can donate these items, sell them online, or at a garage sale. Either way, getting rid of these items beforehand will lighten your load significantly.

Do your research

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting, so it’s essential to do your research beforehand. Read up on the local news and culture, get to know the neighborhoods that interest you, and find out what the cost of living is like. This will help you hit the ground running when you move and make the transition smoother overall.

Make a budget

Part of your research before moving should include figuring out how much money you’ll need to live comfortably in your new city. Then, make a budget and stick to it – knowing what you can and can’t afford ahead of time will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Get housing sorted early

One of the most stressful parts of moving to a new city is finding somewhere to live. If possible, start looking for accommodation well in advance, so you have plenty of time to compare options and find somewhere that suits your needs and budget. One of the best things you can do when moving alone gives yourself plenty of time. This will allow you to take your time and not feel rushed or stressed out. You can start by packing a few boxes daily and gradually work your way up to packing more as the move gets closer. Make sure to label each box with its contents and which room it needs to go. This will make unpacking much easier once you’re settled into your new place.

Have an emergency savings 

No matter how much your budget and plan, there will always be unexpected costs when moving to a new city. Whether it’s a sudden need for repairs in your new home or an emergency medical expense, having an emergency savings fund set aside will help you stay afloat financially until you’re settled in and earning a regular income.

Get to know your neighbors

One of the best ways to feel at home in a new city is to get to know your neighbors. Introduce yourself soon after moving in, attend local community events, and join any relevant Facebook groups or other online forums. This will help you meet people with similar interests, make friends, and learn more about your new city.

Create a resources cheat sheet

As you settle into your new city, you’ll inevitably accumulate a list of favorite places, people, and things. To make life easier (and help you keep track of everything), create a “resource cheat sheet” for yourself. This can be a physical notebook or an online document – wherever you feel most comfortable storing it. Include information like your favorite restaurants, grocery stores, parks, coffee shops, etc. You can also add in contact details for key service providers (plumbers, electricians, etc.), as well as any other valuable bits of information that will make life in your new city more accessible.

Make sure all your mail is forwarded to your new address

One of the most important things to do when moving to a new city is to ensure all your mail is forwarded to your new address. This includes everything from bills and statements to letters from friends and family. You can do this online or by contacting your local post office – provide them with your new address, and they’ll take care of the rest. This will help ensure you don’t miss any critical correspondence and that all your mail ends up in the right place.

Take safety seriously

No matter how excited you are about your new city, it’s crucial always to prioritize safety. This means familiarizing yourself with the local area, being aware of potential dangers, and having a plan in case of an emergency. Get to know the neighborhood you’re living in, research any areas you’re planning on visiting, and always carry a map (or have access to one) so you can find your way home again if needed. It’s also a good idea to let someone else know where you’ll be going and when you expect to be back, just in case anything happens. Also, invest in good locks for your doors and windows.