People relocate for various reasons. Many relocate for professional opportunities, while others relocate to pursue their educations. And while some may relocate to enjoy a lower cost of living, others may find themselves relocating to satisfy their sense of adventure.
Regardless of why a person is relocating, doing so without preparing for the move can make the transition that much more difficult. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 19 percent of the 35.9 million people one year and over who moved between 2012 and 2013 did so for a job-related reason. Relocating to a new city for a job is different than moving from one home to another within the same community. Relocating to a new city can be a life-changing event that requires planning and maybe even a little luck to make it work.
· Examine your finances. Moving is expensive, and it can be even more expensive when moving to an entirely new city. If you are moving to pursue career opportunities but don’t yet have a job offer in hand, examine your finances and work out a worst-case scenario in the event that your job hunt takes longer than you hoped for. Unless you have a benefactor who can help you pay your bills and avoid debt while you look for a job, make sure you have several months’ worth of living expenses saved up before moving.
· Research the job market. Certain cities have more opportunities for people in certain fields than others, so make sure the city you plan to relocate to is a place where you will have ample opportunities in your chosen line of work. Otherwise you might find yourself settling for a career you don’t like or relocating again to a job market more accommodating to someone in your field.
· Research the real estate market. Before hitting the road and heading for your new home, research the real estate market in that area. Try to find out the average rental price via online forums or even online newspaper classified sections. Find out if people tend to live with roommates or go it alone in the city you’re relocating to. If you are moving to a city where you know very few people or no one at all, consider becoming someone’s roommate. The right roommate can provide an instant social network and help you learn the ropes of your adopted home. If you plan to live alone and rent, recognize that many landlords will require a guarantor before renting to tenants with no income.
· Don’t be shy. Unless you are moving to a place where you already have a built-in social network, you should expect to encounter some loneliness upon arriving in your new location. Resolve to make the most of all your new home has to offer by joining a social organization, connecting with your university’s alumni group or volunteering with local charities. If you have a job lined up, sign up for company-sponsored outings or teams.
Relocating to a new city can produce mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement. Planning ahead and doing some homework can help you as you transition to your new home.
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