Moving Blog
July 02, 2020

Moving to a New City on Your Own

Moving to a new cityBy Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

When it comes to changing places and spaces, you are not alone. About 32 million people moved to a new address in 2019 according to the U.S. Census. And with almost 36 million people occupying solo households, many of those on the move included those also living alone. The mix of fear, anticipation, adventure, joy, and freedom hits simultaneously as you pack boxes, clean appliances, and fill up the moving van in readiness for the road trip to the new city. You leave behind family, friends, familiar places, and fun times and look forward to creating new memories. When you are moving solo, there is no one to lean on and ask, "Am I doing the right thing?", so the time to evaluate your new town is before you get there.

I am new here (but not for long): 10 tips to tackle the new city

Know before you go

Research your new town by reading local blogs, restaurants, theater, music, museums, and arts reviews. You will get a sense of the scope of offerings, prices, and plot locations on a map, which also provides a visual layout of the city.

Build a budget

Living expenses in your new city and your budget need to adjust to each other. If you enjoy eating out and visiting art venues, ensure you have the money set aside for entertainment.

Say a proper goodbye

Visit friends, family, and neighbors in person and let them know you will miss them and appreciate their kindness. Get addresses, phone numbers, and emails and add them to your digital contact list. You are leaving town, but not leaving relationships.

Where are my people?

Connect with anyone you know in your new hometown with a phone call, text, or email before you arrive. Ask your employer for an introduction to people they know, ask friends from your former hometown for contacts and you can even explore social groups prior to arriving.

Contact the companies serving you

Once you have confirmed your moving date with your moving company, contact the utility companies, cable, Internet, and telephone providers, and the U.S. Postal Service to advise them of the move date and discontinue or move services and forward your mail.

Make moving easier: de-clutter and donate

Simplify your move and your life as you pack by putting boxes aside filled with items you no longer need or use and donate them before you go. It is your last generous gift to your old city.

Lists, boxes, packing materials, and a calendar — it is organized, not chaos

Pack the non-essential items first, such as winter clothes if you are moving in the summer, duplicate kitchen equipment, fancy dishes and glassware, art, books, collectibles, and extra bedding. Label every box by room and contents, and number the boxes, with a matching list in case labels are lost. Place personal documents, such as insurance records, passport, pet information, medical records, financial, and tax documents in a separate waterproof container with a locking lid and plan to transport these items with you. Schedule some packing and cleaning every day, so the rush does not strike in the final week before the move. If you find yourself in a time crunch, talk to your moving company about packing services that they offer.

Create your comfort zone upon arrival

You have made it to your new home, and whether it is the new apartment, condo, or house, make it your own. Rather than unpack until you are exhausted, place a few cherished objects around the space for your first night: candles, photographs, some pottery, glass or steel sculpture, a book or two, and a wall hanging. Your space is no longer new and impersonal; it feels like your home.

Move with the right moving company

A-1 Freeman Moving Group's 45 years in the moving industry provides clients with the expertise for any move, whether local, long-distance, or international. Our experienced team works with you from the initial stages of packing and disassembling large furnishings to storage, loading, moving, unloading, and placing your valued household items carefully in your new home. Our primary goal is meeting the needs of every client and answering every question, regardless of the size or scope of the move. Call us for more information and a free quote and make the right move to your new hometown with us.

 

Request a free quote

 
REAL PEOPLE. GREAT EXPERIENCES.
The Mickelson Family
review-couple
review-map
The Mickelson Family
Best. Move. Ever!
Very pleased with the overall respect and care the men gave to my possessions. Even mailing me very quickly the only thing lost in transit. Would recommend to anyone needing a long distant move.

Almost there...

Tell us a little more about yourself!
(Contact information is required to submit form.)