7 Top Tips to Read Before Relocating
If you are dreaming of a fresh start, greater job opportunities, or want to live closer to your loved ones, you might be considering relocating to a new destination in the UK or abroad.
However, the moving process can be a little stressful, and there are many factors to consider when starting a new life in a different city or town. There are known unknowns and unknown unknown, so if you want to make the process as smooth and painless as possible, here are seven top tips to read before relocating.
- Review the Job Market
It is essential to research the job market before you up sticks to a new city. While you might be able to take your pick of jobs at your current location, there is no guarantee you will walk into a position after you relocate.
You also could apply for vacancies at your desired destination, as many companies might be more than happy to conduct an interview over the phone or via a video-conferencing tool, such as Skype or Microsoft Teams. It could help you land a new role before you have relocated.
- Find a Knowledgeable Lettings Agent
Enjoy a fantastic start in your new city or town by finding the right property for both your needs and budget. As you will likely have limited knowledge of the best areas to live and the rental market, you should reach out to knowledgeable lettings agents for assistance.
They will be happy to recommend a variety of property styles that will complement your requirements, which could vary from a one-bedroom flat to a spacious family home. Plus, they can make recommendations on the best area in the city to start a new life, which could be close to good schools, public transport links and green spaces.
- Declutter Your Home
Before you hire a moving company to transport your belongings, take the time to declutter your home to decrease the number of belongings you’ll need to take with you. For example, you could be holding onto trinkets you don’t need, clothing you’ll never wear, or electronics you don’t plan to use again.
Purging your possessions will ensure you only take your essentials with you. Plus, you could sell the items to improve your financial security at your new address, or you could donate them to a charity shop, such as Oxfam or the British Heart Foundation.
- Research the Best Moving Companies
Never pick the first moving company you find at the top of Google. If you are looking for a value for money removal van, reach out to different businesses near you for a free quotation. Before you accept a quote, you must read reviews and research a company’s reputation online to ensure you don’t make a big mistake. You also could ask your friends and family for recommendations.
- Use Your Food
Rather than stocking up on food and drinks at a supermarket, aim to use much of the food sitting in your kitchen cupboards, fridge and freezer. It will save you money in the run-up to a move and you will not need to throw items away. If you don’t plan to use in-date items, such as tinned foods, you can guarantee a local food bank will appreciate a donation.
- Pack Early
Start packing once you have made up your mind to move. Packing as early as possible can take some of the stress out of relocating, as you won’t need to rush to fill boxes with your belongings. Plus, it will ensure you have more time to spend with your loved ones before moving day. You also should label and colour code each box to make it easier to find an item before you relocate, and it could improve efficiency once you move into your new home.
- Make Friends in Your New City
Starting afresh in a new city can be both exciting and scary. If you want to feel at home in a different destination, you should aim to make new friends within the first few weeks. To do so, you could:
- Introduce yourself to your neighbours
- Invite your new colleagues for after-work drinks
- Join a gym
- Take a fitness, cooking or crafting class
Making new friends will not only provide you with a support system in your new home, but they could stop you from longing for your old city. So, push yourself outside your comfort zone, ask people questions, say yes to invitations, and exude a friendly demeanour.