Relocating can be so exciting as it involves getting to know new places, meeting new people, getting new things, and even leading a new lifestyle. However, it can be quite a critical decision to make, and that’s why when you are moving, you don’t just focus on the place you’re going to but also on where you’re leaving because there’s a ton of work to be done before you leave.

Here are 5 things to consider when moving into a new location:

1. Make A List of Goals

Make sure you know exactly why you’re moving and what you’re hoping to achieve. It’s easy to lose focus in the chaos and excitement of setting up a new life once you actually move, so it’s a good idea to make a list of your personal and professional goals before you pack up and leave. Set goals that states “while I’m here, I want to make sure I at least get X, Y and Z accomplished.”

Think about pros and cons, the first thing you should do with any big decision is to always weigh out the pros and cons. It’s better still to do this on paper so that you can visualise the difference? Are you moving for more money? A better job? Is there something about the location that you like? On the flip side, how far away will you be from your friends and family? Is the cost of living more expensive than what you’re used to? What am I gaining if I move? What will I lose? Is it right ? What if it doesn’t work out, what’s my back up plan? Getting all of these thoughts down on paper in two lists will help straighten out the decision in your head. If you’re not sure about a lot of things, it’s time to move on to the next and do a rethink.

2. Consider Basic Neccessities

Have you considered basic necessities before moving to another city? If not, then it is very important to do so. One of the biggest necessities is housing, the housing market varies from state to state and buying or renting in a new state sometimes brings sticker shock. Be sure to do your research to get a grasp on home prices in the area you’ll be moving to (We’ve got you covered for real estate listing sources in Awka). Apart from this, it is important to know about the expenses you may encounter within your new city. Look for the price of basic utilities, like education; If you want to go to school (or go back to school), consider moving to a state with a reputable education system. This will also be beneficial if and when you want to start a family, since you’ll probably also want your children to be in a strong school district.

Health care; When you move to another state, you’ll need a new doctor or any other healthcare provider. Do your research when it comes to healthcare systems in the new location, try to estimate prices and the overall quality of physicians. You can also reach out to family and friends in your new area for referrals and advice. Groceries; think through how much groceries(food items) will cost in this new city, along with utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses. Since those types of expenses can vary significantly from state to state, it’s important to factor them in while you are evaluating your new cost of living.which can vary greatly between cities. Some goods may cost more or even less depending on where you decide to move.

Water supply, at all times, is extremely essential and can prove to be highly annoying if the supply is scarce or infrequent. Before moving into a new place, ask your probable neighbours and some other local residents about the frequency of water supply. Their answers could give you a clear idea and will guide you to make an informed decision.

Power Supply; Uninterrupted power supply is highly essential for a peaceful living and inadequate supply of power can leave you frustrated. Finally, it is very crucial to consider the overall cost of transportation; People tend to forget about transportation, but it’s a significant expense that should be factored in. Some cities have better public transit systems than others, and in many parts of the country you’ll need to have a car to get around. Know if you need to use public transit, need to get a car, or if you can walk to work. These things can make a huge difference in your monthly expenses.

3. Research for Employment Opportunities

Have you checked the employment market of the new city? Relocating comes with a lot of financial responsibility. It is crucial to know about the employment market in the city you are relocating to. Look into job availability in the city you wish to move in. Some cities are known to be better for job seekers, especially with respect to development and unemployment rates. It is a wise idea to take into account the industries of your interest. Some cities are also hubs for various industries. These may not be good for job diversity.

If you already have a job lined up, calculate how your new salary will affect your daily budget and your ability to save money. If you don’t have a job yet, it’s crucial that you figure out how long your savings will last you and how long you can go before you find a job (experts recommend having a minimum of three months’ savings). In short, do your homework well and prepare moving to a new city checklist keeping in mind what you are looking for. Look into job opportunities in your new city and start applying before you move.

Get a sense of the city’s major industries and what kinds of jobs are available. If you haven’t yet set a moving date, find out if there are normally more job openings during a certain time of year (since some industries hire seasonally), and make sure you have a concrete job hunt plan: What companies do you plan to target? What connections do you have? If you’re looking for retail or part-time work that’s difficult to apply for remotely, make a list of local business and pay attention to location. If all of the businesses you think sound promising seem to be in one area, look for housing in that area, too.

4. The Vibe of The City and Its People

Firstly, Do you know anyone that lives where you’re going? It’s hard moving to a new area, and it’s even harder if you don’t have a network where you’re going. It’s not impossible, but the more connections you have, the quicker you can get yourself acquainted to your new grounds. Maybe your dream city has a reputation for fun, welcoming people and a vibrant energy — but how can you be sure? If possible, take a trip to visit your new city for a few days to check it out in person.

One of the reasons why you should move to a new city is definitely for a change of scenery and a fresh perspective, so be sure that this city has the perspective that you want. Are you an outdoor person seeking for where and where to go to, or are you an indoor person who prefers to spend Saturdays inside with your phone and headset. Those two vibes would take you to very different cities. If you are moving to a new city, simply analyse how the entire move will affect your quality of life. Imagine and assess the change by deciding on what things you presently have that you would wish to continue to have.

Activities, Events, and Nightlife are also important to consider. What sorts of events would attract you to a city? For instance, if you reside in a city, that holds a good amount of sporting events and you like going out on a regular basis, it is good to look for a place with similar options. If entertainment is on your mind, look for a city that offers you easier access to various entertainment, cultural activities, parks, gyms, house of worship, shopping sites etc. Also, proximity to family, friends and friendly people make your quality of life better and happier. Families will be looking for very different opportunities than a young couple in their 20s. Maybe you’d like lots of hangouts in groups to give you and your toddler opportunities to meet other families. Either way, check out what your new city has to offer that will meet your needs. If you choose a city that already has a support network around your hobbies and passions, you’ll be able to plug in so much faster. If you’re considering a move, it’s probably a good idea to move somewhere you’ll be able to meet like-minded locals and make friends who can help you adjust to your new surroundings.

5. Research The Cost of Living

Moving is always an expensive endeavour that should be covered by anyone relocating to a new city. But it’s important to consider differences in costs of living. The cost of living in your new area is an important consideration. It represents the amount of money that it will take to sustain a certain level of living, including basic expenses for goods and services such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, and household goods. The cost of living is often used to compare expenses in one city versus another. A smaller salary may be sufficient if you’re going to an area with a lower cost of living. But if you’re relocating to a more expensive city, your benefits and salary package should reflect that.

Some companies may sweeten a relocation package with a cost-of-living stipend, a signing bonus, or offer a larger salary to compensate for a higher cost of living. But if your income and/or salary package doesn’t adequately cover the higher costs, you may have to weigh the longer-term benefits of making a move by asking yourself critical questions:

*Can I/my family financially get by until I’m financially stable?
*Can I or my spouse find a job that will help compensate for the higher cost of living?
*What type of job growth can I expect from this new position? If I make a sacrifice now, could I benefit later?
*Will my improved quality of life compensate for a lower standard of living and less buying power?