We moved from Maryland to North Carolina in 2020
We can’t believe it has been a year since we moved down a little more south like we’ve always wanted. Was it easy to move to during the pandemic with a puppy, kitten (both under one) and two turtles? Not at all, but we did our best to make it as smooth of a transition as we could.
If where you are isn’t bringing you happiness, you have it in your power to move somewhere that does make you happy.
Here are 4 things to consider before moving to your dream city.
Will I be able to afford it?
Let’s be honest, this is one of the biggest factors of what keeps us from achieving our dreams. Money is a huge deciding factor and we are huge believers that if you want something bad enough you will find a way. Now I’m not saying that you should just do it without a good consideration. While big cities can be more expensive, make sure to take a look at the surrounding towns nearby where you could still work and casually enjoy the big city without the expensive cost of living. For example, we knew we wanted to be close to Raleigh, NC because the area still offers all four seasons and is a city yet gives you a small town feel. We ended up moving 15 minutes from there because the cost of living was more in our budgets. Ask your current job for transfer opportunities or remote work opportunities which is what I did. During the pandemic, a lot of us were already working from home so it was not a problem. But if your career is not one that could be done remotely or if you can’t transfer, start your job search a few months in advance. It can take a long time of applying before hearing back so minimum 2 months before, you should start applying and getting a feel for what salaries are like in the area you are interested in.
How should I prepare myself financially?
As soon as you know when you are moving or thinking of moving start thinking financially and saving up. Think of things you might need once you’re there such as storage units, rental insurance, down payment for your new home, or new state tags. Things like setting up your electricity or bringing cable or Internet to your new place sometimes require a down payment. You might need to buy new furniture once you move in or get new appliances like a washer or dryer. You’ll need to stock up on your new fridge and sometimes buy all new kitchen basics. It also might be a good idea to save a few months worth of rent in case the job doesn’t work out or you end up not liking your new job and want to switch to another one.
What if I don’t have time or help to move?
We highly recommend investing in a company to help make your move a lot easier. Let’s face it, as much as we try to get all things done on our own, is it really worth all the stress? Professional companies like College Dudes Help U Move in Charlotte,NC offer packing and unpacking services, local or interstate moving and all you need to make it stress free. They even offer Gun safe moving in Charlotte, NC. These safes are especially heavy and make it really difficult to move if you don’t have help! They have experience with this and other heavy items like pool tables or pianos you may want to bring along to your new home. The good thing about them is that you can pick and choose the type of help you need and make it completely personalized to your needs.
What should I be taking with me?
When moving out of state, consider what seasons are like where you are moving. Do you need to pack all your winter wear and heavy coats and boots if you’re moving to Miami? Start getting rid of things that you don’t use in advance . Hold garage sells or even donate items that no longer serve you. We started doing this 4 months in advance and it was way easier to pack. If you’re moving across the country and want a fresh start, it might be worth it to sell all furniture and use the money for new items in your new city . Simplify what you will be taking with you and what you no longer use.
Dream Big and Explore
Remember to take risks and explore while your at it! Moving was one of the biggest decisions we’ve made together and we wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Moving doesn’t have to be hard, do it at your own pace and remember to hire out when in need to make it stress free!
**This post is sponsored by College Dudes Help U Move