Are you planning on moving to the big city?

Moving to the big city from the suburbs is a big change. Less traffic, better parking, and more space are just a few of the things that draw people away from the bustle of urban life to the burbs. However, moving into the city opens up a wealth of opportunities for employment and adventures of all sorts. If you’re planning a move to the city, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Downsize  

In most circumstances, moving to the big city means moving into a place with less square footage, making it necessary to pare down your possessions. By now, you’ve probably heard about the New York Times bestseller “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” by Marie Kondo. The philosophy behind this book is that anything you own should spark joy in your life. Even if you’re not ready to fully Kondo-ize your life, you can still use the approach to help you reduce clutter. Start by pulling all the clothes you own out of the closet and creating a big pile on the floor. Pick up each item, ask yourself if it brings you joy, and, if it doesn’t, donate or throw it out. Use the same approach to weed through knickknacks, books, dishware, and furniture. Of course, you need to temper this approach with common sense. Your silverware may not bring you joy per se, but eating food does, so you should probably keep it. Also, ask yourself practical questions about what you’ll have space for in your new place. A 75” flat screen may not be the ideal choice for a loft apartment, even if it does bring you joy.

Consider logistics

As you are probably aware, urban streets are often difficult to navigate. If the place you’re moving to doesn’t have a driveway or parking lot, you’ll need to factor this into your moving plans. Ask yourself if it is realistic to bring a full-sized moving truck into the area near your new place. If not, can you make multiple trips from your current home into the city? How far will you have to walk to get your items from the truck to your home? Is there an elevator in the building or will you have to climb stairs? Being realistic about these questions will help guide what items you decide to bring, the equipment you rent, or whether you hire professional movers.

Caring for family members

Moving is always stressful and this is especially true for family members such as children and pets. Ideally, you should pick a home that creates an environment where every member of your family can thrive. This means researching in advance to find areas with low crime, good schools, and no restrictions that prohibit your pet. Don’t forget to look for parks, playgrounds, or other spaces where your family can play and exercise. Depending on the logistics of your move, it may be smart to find someone to watch young children while you do the heavy lifting. Also, throughout the move, make sure you keep your pets secured in a crate or closed room for their safety. Before the big day, check to make sure you are familiar with local pet ordinances relating to leashes, licenses, and shot requirements.

If your family is planning on moving to the big city from the suburbs, it’s sure to be an adventure! Although it may be stressful, downsizing your stuff, considering the logistics, and giving some extra TLC to your children and pets will help make the process smoother. If all else fails, don’t be afraid to contact professional movers to help you out.