Most people — at various stages in their lives — consider the differences and possibilities of living in a small town or big city. From cultural diversity to higher-paying jobs and new social opportunities, there are many advantages to migrating to a large metropolis.
Moving to a city from a small town is sure to be an adventure. Yet, it can also induce a fair amount of anxiety. You’ll need to find a job, a new home, residential movers, and eventually, make new friends. Below, our professional Chicago residential movers share some tips to consider before making a move and broadening your horizons.
Benefits of Moving to a Big City
Making the leap from a small town to a big city can be an exhilarating experience, offering a wealth of opportunities and experiences that may not be available in smaller communities.
Here are some key advantages of city living:
- Career opportunities: Big cities often have a more diverse job market with higher-paying positions and more room for career advancement.
- Cultural diversity: Experience a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and ideas that can broaden your perspective and enrich your life.
- Entertainment options: Enjoy a wider range of entertainment, from world-class museums and theaters to sports events and concerts.
- Educational opportunities: Access to prestigious universities and specialized educational programs for personal and professional growth.
- Public transportation: Extensive public transit systems can reduce the need for a car, potentially saving money and reducing stress.
Drawbacks of Moving to a Big City
While big cities offer numerous advantages, they also come with their own set of challenges.
It's important to be aware of these potential drawbacks when considering a move:
- Higher cost of living: Expenses such as housing, food, and entertainment are often significantly higher in big cities.
- Limited space: Living spaces in cities are often smaller and more expensive than in small towns, which can be a significant adjustment.
- Less nature access: While many cities have parks, easy access to wide-open natural spaces may be limited compared to small towns.
Tips on Moving to a Big City from a Small Town
#1. Get Familiar with the City
Living in a big city vs. a small town has its fair share of economic and lifestyle differences. Before romanticizing what big-city life is like, you should do your homework. Even if you have received a remarkable job offer, you need to be 100% clear on why you want to move.
Look into neighborhoods, crime rates, the cost of living, and the lifestyle, including entertainment options. If you have a family, you’ll want to know the quality of schools and tertiary education. Other things to research include tax rates, the housing market, and job opportunities. If it doesn’t work out with your initial employer, you’ll want assurance you’ll be able to find a new job.
#2. Find a Job Before You Move
Securing a job before moving to a city reduces the stress of relocation. The cost of living in a big city is higher than living in a small town, and most people would rather not worry about finding employment once they’ve moved. Having a job beforehand also helps maintain savings rather than using them to cover costs between jobs.
#3. Stay in Touch with Acquaintances
It takes time to adjust to a big-city lifestyle and make new friends. People forget that most friends start out as acquaintances. According to research, acquaintances turn into friends after three to nine weeks after meeting, provided there’s regular contact. Building up a network of people you know in your new city before actually moving there is really helpful.
Even having a one-person network is a great way to find out about which neighborhoods are best and what the job market is like. Conducting independent research is great, but it’s also important to get a personal perspective. Also, you never know who might meet through an acquaintance.
#4. Find a Place to Stay
Moving from a small town to a big city can feel a bit lonely at first if you’re moving alone. Depending on your finances, you might want to find a roommate to cut costs and make the move feel less isolating. Regardless of your choice, it's a good idea to have a few options lined up in case your initial accommodation falls through.
#5. Research Public Transportation Options
One of the differences between a small town vs. a big city is the use of public transport. In some metropolises, driving equates to endless hours wasted in traffic, so people prefer to take public transport. Once you arrive, take a day or two to familiarize yourself with popular routes you can take from your home to places such as the bank, shopping areas, public squares, and other attractions.
#6. Try Packing Light
When moving to a big city from a small town, you’ll notice most apartments or homes are relatively smaller. For this reason, and because packing and unpacking can be a chore, it’s best to pack light and take only what you need. Moving is also always a good time to declutter and get rid of things you no longer use.
However, if you have items you want to keep but don’t have space in your new home; you don’t have to part with them. You can leave them in storage until you find a bigger space. Some moving companies even offer storage as part of their services.
#7. Have Some Money Saved Up
Rainy day savings are important because life happens, and you never know when you might need spare cash, even if you have a steady job. Moving to a big city might come with additional expenses like parking tickets, or things you need for the new space that you hadn’t budgeted for before moving.
#8. Find the Best Residential Mover Company
Wondering how to move to a big city? The best way is to hire a moving company. It results in a safer moving process because professional movers understand how to pack, transport, load, unload, and unpack items safely and securely. Ask family and friends or do some research online to find a reputable company.
Another option is to hire Alliance Moving & Storage. As experienced Illinois residential movers, we take great care to make your move as stress-free as possible. Moving from a small town to a big city? No problem; we’ll make your journey a positive experience.
#9. Get Lost
After you've moved, to truly familiarize yourself with your new surroundings, try getting lost on purpose. Turn off your navigation apps and explore your surroundings. This can be a fun and rewarding way to discover hidden gems. However, prioritize safety and avoid doing this at night. Wandering around during the day in a safe part of town is a great way to adjust to your new environment.
#10. Have Your Personal Sanctuary
Find a place outside your new home where you can unwind. Peaceful spots like parks, cafes, or coffee shops can make you feel at ease. This should be a space where you can relax completely. It will help you adjust to your new surroundings and become your favorite place for relaxation and stress relief in the future.
#11. Take a Deep Breath
Just as a marathon runner needs to pace themselves and take breaks, you need to be patient with yourself during this transition. Moving to a big city is a big adjustment, and it's natural to experience ups and downs. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination.
Make Your Move Seamless with Alliance Moving & Storage
Relocating from a small town to a big city is an exciting adventure, but isn't a walk in the park. With so many aspects to consider, from researching your new home to adapting to city life, the last thing you need is the added stress of managing the physical move on your own.
This is where Alliance Moving & Storage comes in. As experienced Illinois residential movers, we understand the unique challenges of transitioning from small-town living to big city life. Our team of professionals is dedicated to making your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible – contact us to get your free quote.
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