A Practical Checklist for Moving to a New City

Moving to a new city is a wonderful opportunity to turn over a new leaf. You can find new job opportunities in other places and meet fresh faces. If you're looking for a place to move where you can thrive both professionally and personally, Atlanta is one option. The area has experienced a recent population boom, as people realize that the southern metropolis has a lot to offer. Read on for a guide to making the move, wherever you're headed.

Decide in advance where to move

Before you decide where to move to, do your due diligence. You want to consider details like geographic climate, job opportunities, and proximity to friends and family. If you have children, school districts are another consideration. Once you've picked a city, narrow down your search further according to the neighborhood. You can research neighborhoods by looking at property values online and visiting them in person, ideally during the day and at night.

Figure out the financial side of moving

Moving costs money, especially if it's a long distance. Make sure you have the funds needed to transition cities. You'll need to cover practical costs, like paying for movers. Plus, you need to find a new house or apartment to live in. On top of that, beware that the cost of living may vary in a new location. Use a tool like Numbeo to see what basics like food and rent cost in your target area. For example, Atlanta is approximately 25% less expensive than New York.

Find a job or move your business

Another financial factor to consider is how you'll earn money in your new city. If you have a remote job, this isn't a big deal. If not, you'll want to start applying for jobs to get something lined up beforehand. Alternatively, if you're a business owner, you need to go through the steps needed to register your business in the new state. For example, in Georgia, you have to register with the Department of Revenue.

Get a home that serves your needs

With money matters handled, you can move on to the fun parts—like finding your new dream home. Make sure you have the money needed for a down payment if you plan to buy a house. Keep in mind that the larger the down payment you make, the more favorable your mortgage terms and conditions will be. If you're having trouble finding a place, consider working with a local realtor like North Atlanta Luxury.

Prepare for the logistics of long-distance transitions

 Before you move, make time to declutter. Getting rid of your old possessions that you no longer need frees up space in your new home. Plus, you won't have to deal with packing up things you no longer want or need. This decluttering guide from Becoming Minimalist can get you started. Next, hire reliable movers. Vet professionals by asking questions like whether they're licensed and insured. This is especially important for long-distance moves.

Make a point of integrating into your community

Finding a house is only the first step. To make your new surroundings feel like home, get to know your community. You can use tools like NextDoor to meet people. Another idea is to connect with long-lost friends from school who may be in the area. You can use an online alumni finder to look people up based on details like their graduation year, name, and high school name. Social media can also be useful for finding people from your past.

Moving to a new city can be an exciting milestone. However, it requires effort. Make the move as easy as possible with the above checklist.

For more tips like these, visit the real estate blog.

Article via Carolyn Russo with Budget-Buyer. Image via Pinterest.