You’ve finally done it; you’ve decided to make the move away from the suburbs and into the big city. Congratulations! You’re about to experience an entirely new way of life. The big city is full of opportunity – from transportation to employment, entertainment to nightlife, dining and pubs and so much more. There’s always something to do in the city. However, the concrete jungle can be a big adjustment for someone coming from the burbs. Here are a couple of things to make your transition go smoothly.
Big City Means Smaller Housing
The first thing you need to prepare for is downsizing. If there’s one thing that can be said about the city, it’s that you pay more for less especially when it comes to housing. Whether owning or renting, you can expect to have a smaller living space and with that, you’ll have to downsize. Plan to go through your items and decide which ones you’ll take and which ones you’ll toss.
Fortunately, just because you’re downsizing doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your belongings that aren’t making the move. Instead, grab an affordable storage unit for the things you won’t bring with you. You may even want to store your current furniture pieces in a storage unit for the time being because the big city tends to offer small, awkward living spaces.
Even if you can afford a larger living space, you do need to think about the higher cost of living as a whole. A larger home means higher bills, and it could very well be a better option to stick with a smaller home and use a storage unit for the items you don’t need regularly.
Get Less for More
Speaking of the big city’s ‘less for more’ theme, you should also expect to be taken aback by the prices. Things cost more in the city, from fast food meals to grocery store bills, utilities, rent, gas – you name it. Expect to be a little shocked at the price tags; you won’t get the same suburb savings that you’re used to.
This is something to consider if you plan on renting a storage unit. Think outside of the city lines if possible, and you may get a better price.
Get Familiar with Public Transportation
Once you’re nestled into your new humble abode, you’ll be doing a lot of exploring. However, having a car isn’t always plausible in the city. There’s plenty of traffic everywhere, all the time. As a newcomer, you’ll find plenty of things to stop and look at, which makes driving in the city even more impractical. That’s also not to mention that you’ll quickly realize parking is just as difficult as it is to drive in the big city.
You may not want to get rid of your car and you don’t have to. A car is great to travel outside of the city but while partaking in the wonders of the big world, take advantage of public transportation. Big cities offer incredible public transportation options that can often equal quicker and more affordable ways to get around. Planes, subways, buses, streetcars, Uber, sky trains, oh my. The options are vast. So store your car, and use it only when traveling outside of the city.
Find New Things to Get Excited About
The city isn’t short of excitement. A quick search online or a short walk down the street and you’ll find plenty of things to do and experience. However, don’t just admire the city’s excitement from afar. Embrace it and indulge. The best way to transition after relocation is to get involved. Explore the city, meet new people and embrace the enthusiasm and bright lights of the big city.
Making Friends is Different
When you come from a suburb where everyone knows your name, it can be difficult to throw yourself into the social scene of a big city goer. Making friends isn’t easier nor is it harder in the big city, it’s just different.
People seem busier and more rushed in the city. They can appear less personable and even less approachable than what you may be used to. However, there are many more opportunities to meet new and awesome people when you’re in the city. So it’s all about getting yourself out there, meeting people at the right time and the right place and they’ll embrace you into their social circle. As an added bonus, making friends with locals will give you an inside perspective in city you now call home.
It’s the big city way, and with these tips for relocating from the suburbs, you’ll fit right in.
