You’re not alone if you have the itch to pick up and start over in a new location. It’s common and perfectly normal to want to get a fresh start in your personal or professional life. If you are considering relocating and starting a new chapter of life, you might be wondering how to go about it.
Here are some factors to consider before deciding and the steps to take if you leap.
1. Make Sure it’s the Right Choice
Moving away to start over isn’t a decision based on emotions alone. If you don’t research, you may move only to find out you made a big mistake. Take some time and consider why you need to turn over a new leaf. Before you decide to move, ask yourself why you want to relocate and if it’s the right time for such a big undertaking.
If you can answer these questions without involving your emotions, you just might be ready for a change.
2. Decide on Location
Once you have established that moving is the right choice for you, the next thing you need to figure out is where you will move. Many factors might influence where you want to end up. If you want to move to be closer to family, or if your move relates to your dream job, you already have your location.
But if you plan to move somewhere completely new, then you have some research to do. Cost of living, employment opportunities, climate, taxes, crime rates and culture are just a few things you should consider when choosing a new place to live.
3. Look for a New Job
Once you have settled where you want to live, looking for a job is wise before moving. You will be in a tough spot if you don’t obtain employment before moving and can’t find a job once you have relocated. Thankfully it is not difficult to seek employment in a different location, as most companies advertise their job openings online, and many will even conduct their interviews remotely.
If you are self-employed, then you won’t need to give this aspect the same consideration. However, you should still ensure you can do your job and will have a customer base in your new location. Depending on your line of work, you may have to attract new customers or obtain new licensing or permits.
4. Make New Friends
There is no doubt that making new friends is hard as an adult. We just don’t have the same social opportunities that were afforded us when we were kids. But everyone needs friends, and if you are moving somewhere new to start over, you should put in extra effort to try curating some new relationships.
Your interests will dictate where the best places are to scope out some possible new friendships but consider coffee shops, local restaurants, libraries, and gyms. These are all excellent starting points where you might find like-minded people. Most of the time, making a new friend comes down to stepping out of your comfort zone.
Strike up conversations and be willing to put yourself out there a little. With perseverance and an open mind, you’ll be on your way to meeting new people and hopefully creating some meaningful relationships.
5. Packing Up and Making the Move
Hiring a moving company can be expensive, and not everyone likes the idea of strangers in their house handling their things. Instead of using movers, consider a storage container. Renting storage Waterloo is an easy and cost-effective way to transport your belongings to your new home.
There are no hidden costs, and you are in complete control. With a storage container, you can pack and unpack on your schedule, plus you don’t have to stress about transporting your stuff because the shipping company takes care of that part for you.
6. Make Your New Place Feel Like Home
Once you’ve moved into your new space, prioritize unpacking and setting up your new home. Start with a proper deep clean before you bring in your furniture and boxes.
Put up new curtains or blinds on all the windows. Arrange your furniture as you like, and get your wall décor up quickly. Decorating your new space so that your personality shines through is one of the best and quickest ways to make your new house into your new home.
Moving away to start over somewhere new might be one of the most exciting decisions you’ll ever make. If it appeals to you, get up and go for it. You deserve to live your life the way you chose and follow your dreams.
