How-to January 25, 2023

Leaving Home: How to Plan a Move to Another City and Start Your New Life

Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

Leaving home can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also requires careful planning and preparation. There are many things to consider when learning how to plan a move to another city, but you’ll be well on your way to a successful and stress-free relocation and an exciting new chapter in your life.

Planning a move to another city can be a thrilling new chapter in your life, but it can also be a stressful experience without proper planning. To start your new life on the right foot, it’s important to carefully plan and prepare for your relocation. This includes setting a budget, finding a new home, packing your belongings, and making necessary arrangements such as utilities and forwarding your mail. By following these steps, you can ensure a successful relocation and a smooth transition to your new city.

Set a Timeline and Give Yourself Enough Time to Plan a Relocation

Planning a relocation can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but setting a timeline and giving yourself enough time to plan can help make the process smoother and less overwhelming, especially if relocating for the first time.

Around 60% of Americans relocate during the summer

Start by determining the date and when you want to relocate to a new city. This will help you set your timeline and prioritize your tasks. Keep in mind that relocating during peak season (usually in the summer) can be more expensive, so if you’re looking to save money, consider planning the whole process during the off-season.

Before you actually start organizing anything, it’s important to research your new location. This includes finding a place to live, researching schools if you have children, and learning about the local community. Give yourself enough time to do your research and make informed decisions.

Lastly, there’s no better way to stay updated than to keep a to-do list. That’s why it’s wise to create a checklist that includes all the tasks you need to complete before your relocation, such as packing, hiring an international moving company, and forwarding your mail.

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One of the Steps to Moving to a New City Is Gathering All the Necessary Documentation

Relocating abroad will require you to gather all the needed documents. It will make your relocation smooth and hassle-free and possibly save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run. However, the documentation you need will depend on various factors, such as your reason for moving, the country you are relocating to, and your individual circumstances.

Luckily, there is some common documentation you’ll need, such as a visa, passport, or ID. These documents will be necessary for opening a bank account, signing a lease, getting a job, and many other things. Make sure to check the identification requirements of your new city, as some countries may have specific requirements.

Visa paperwork gathered before moving abroad
Ensure you start gathering all the necessary documents on time

Do a Thorough Research on the New City

If you’re planning to relocate to a new country and city, doing thorough research on your new destination can help make your transition smoother and less stressful. After all, we all want to pick the best place to live abroad.

Luckily, nowadays, we can use many online resources available to help us research a new city. Use search engines and social media to find information about the city, including news articles, posts, and local blogs.

Check the city’s official website (most cities have them), as it provides information on government services, events, and community resources. The website can also provide information on local taxes and regulations, transportation options, and other important details about the city.

Cute teen is chatting with friends on her laptop at the floor in nice modern room. She is happy, wearing casual clothes
In just a few clicks, you can find all you need to know

What Are the Most Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Place?

Unless you’re relocating for a job, organizing a relocation to another country will require you to research the job market. Finding suitable work after the relocation is never easy, so ensure you research the local job market before you actually move. You want to look for job postings in your field, research local companies, and network with professionals in the area.

After that, consider the cost of living. This factor can vary widely from city to city and country to country. So be sure to research the cost of housing, food, transportation, and other expenses in your new city. This will help you plan your budget and make informed decisions about the relocation.

Count on Possible Culture Shock

Moving internationally can be a major source of culture shock. Culture shock is the feeling of disorientation and discomfort that people often experience when they relocate to a new and unfamiliar culture. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as language barriers, unfamiliar customs and social norms, different food and cuisine, and differences in attitudes and values.

When starting to live overseas, it’s important to anticipate that you may experience culture shock and to take steps to minimize its impact. One way to do this is to research and learn as much as possible about your new host country’s customs, social norms, and culture before you arrive.

This can include trying new foods, attending cultural events, and making an effort to learn the language and customs of your new host country. Lastly, it can be helpful to seek out support from other expats who can give some straightforward advice.

Schmidt International Relocations
Take some time to explore the place you'll call home

Think About Finances and Set the Budget

Before you embark on your international move, it’s important to think about your finances and set a budget to ensure that you can make the most of your new adventure without running into financial difficulties. So, begin with calculating your expenses.

Once you have an idea of your expected costs, create a detailed budget that takes into account all of your expenses, including rent, utilities, transportation, food, healthcare, and entertainment. Be sure to include unexpected expenses in your budget as well, such as emergency medical expenses or travel expenses.

If you’re relocating to a country with a different currency, you’ll need to take currency exchange rates into account when setting your budget. Be sure to factor in the cost of exchanging your currency and any fees associated with using credit cards or withdrawing cash.

A person calculating the costs of international moving
Set the budget and try to stick to it as much as possible

Count on Some Unexpected Expenses

Think about taxes and other financial obligations if you’re moving overseas for work – you may have to pay taxes in both your home country and your new country. You may also have other financial obligations, such as student loan payments, credit card debt, visa fees, or unexpected medical costs.

Make sure to factor in all of these expenses when setting your budget by setting aside some money. Not only will this help you avoid financial stress, but you’ll also be prepared for any emergencies that may arise.

The average cost of an overseas relocation goes from $1,000 to $10,000, including all the unsuspected fees and expenses

Plan Your Packing Strategy and Take the Best Care of Your Belongings

No matter how big you’re going for this relocation, it’s essential to have a packing strategy in place to ensure that your belongings arrive at your new home in good condition. But, with Schmidt International Relocations, there’s no need for panic since we’ll do everything for you and ship your belongings with the utmost care.

However, it’s always good to do some of the wrappings on your own before the professionals come to help. So, here are some tips on how to plan your strategy and take the best care of your belongings during the shipping:

Start early

Packing takes time, so start as early as possible. This will help you avoid the stress of last-minute packing and give you enough time to pack carefully and efficiently.

Get organized

Before you start packing, make a list of all the items you need to ship and categorize them by room. This will help you keep track of everything and ensure that you don’t forget even a single item.

Use quality packing materials

Invest in quality packing materials such as sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. This will help protect your belongings during the move.

Label your boxes

Label your boxes with the room they belong to and a brief description of their contents. This will make it easier to unpack at your new home.

Pack fragile items carefully

Fragile items such as glassware and electronics need extra care. Wrap them in bubble wrap or packing paper and use plenty of cushioning to prevent damage during transit.

Disassemble large items

Large items such as furniture and appliances should be disassembled before packing. This will make them easier to ship overseas and help prevent damage.

Pack a moving day essentials box

Pack a box with all the essentials you’ll need on the day of the move, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents. Keep this box with you so you have everything you need in case of any unexpected delays.

How Can I Plan a Move to Another City – Determine What to Keep, What to Donate, and What to Throw Away

Making all the plans for the big move can be overwhelming, but one of the most important steps you can take to make the process smoother is to determine what to keep, what to donate, and what to throw away. Categorize your items by going o through each room in your home. As you do this, create three piles for each item: keep, donate, and throw away. This will help you stay organized and make decisions about each item more easily.

But, probably the most important thing is to be honest with yourself about what you really need to pack. Consider the size of your new home, the climate of your new city, and your lifestyle to determine what items you’ll actually use in your new home. This will surely help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of.

Woman deciding what to keep before international moving company comes
Try to be honest and get rid of what you really don't use anymore

Hire a Trustworthy International Moving Company and Enjoy All the Help You’ll Get

Hiring a trustworthy international moving company can make the process smoother and less stressful. However, choosing the most suitable movers can be a bit tricky since you could run into some relocation scams as well. So, ensure you check the licenses and online reviews before signing anything.

Once you know what to look for and how to successfully find a reliable mover, it’s important to acknowledge having them by your side will offer more than just one benefit. First, they have the expertise and experience to handle all the logistical details involved in international relocation, including customs regulations and international shipping. This can save you time, money, and stress.

There are more than 17,000 relocation services businesses in the US as of 2023, so be sure you book the most reliable one

Be Sure That Your Chosen International Movers Offer All the Necessary Services

There are many things you can forget when planning this kind of relocation, but ensuring that the movers you choose can offer all the necessary services to meet your needs is not one of them. You must discuss your specific requirements with the relocation company and confirm that they can offer the services you need, such as packing assistance, loading and unloading, and overseas vehicle shipping.

Notify Necessary Parties and Let Everyone Know You’re Moving Abroad

When relocating overseas, it’s important to notify necessary parties and let everyone know that you’ll be relocating. This includes your employer, banks, utility companies, credit card companies, and any other organizations that you regularly interact with. By notifying these parties in advance, you can avoid any service disruptions and ensure a smooth transition to your new location.

Additionally, make sure you avoid making the mistake of not letting your family and friends know about your move. Instead, provide them with your new contact information. This can help them stay in touch and feel more connected to you during the transition.

Schmidt International Relocations
From employer and bank to your loved ones, let everyone knows the good news

Finalize Your Plans and Keep Your Health in Mind During the Relocation

As you prepare for the moving day, it’s important to finalize your plans and keep your health in mind throughout the process. Make sure to confirm your relocation date and all the details with your international moving company, as well as any other service providers you may be using, such as storage facilities or vehicle transport services.

Additionally, be sure to prioritize your physical and mental health throughout the relocation. This can include taking breaks when needed, staying hydrated and nourished, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals as needed. By taking care of your health and finalizing your plans, you can help ensure a successful and stress-free relocation experience.

A woman and a man packing and smiling
Embrace all the help you can get

Planning a Move to a New City Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful

Yes, the whole process can be complex and time-consuming, but with careful planning, research, and organization, you can make the transition smoother and less stressful. By setting a timeline, researching your new location, budgeting your expenses, decluttering your belongings, and hiring reliable professionals, such as an international moving company, you can ensure a successful and smooth move.

Hire our Schmidt International Relocations and have the best experience possible. We’ll ensure all tasks of your relocation are done on time and professionally. So, contact us today for the most affordable quote!

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