by Jennifer N.
In every young adult's life comes the time to leave home. Perhaps you're moving to another city to apply to college, find work, or start an unforgettable adventure.
Regardless of the reason, the transition from being at home with your parents in a familiar neighborhood you've lived in your whole life to living on your own in another city can be challenging and overwhelming. Yet, proper planning and consideration can also be amazing and life-changing.
As you take the time to adjust, ensure that you're taking care of yourself and your mental health. Call home and visit your parents as often as you need. Invite your old friends to visit you in your new city. Start up hobbies that make you happy. Seek support if needed. If you've decided to move to a new city in your 20s, here are some tips to make your transition smooth.
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RESEARCH AND PLAN AHEAD
The world is your oyster. Which city will you move to? In that city, which neighborhood should you look at? Start with the reason you're moving. If you're going to college, look at neighborhoods around campus. If you're moving for a job, look at areas around the office. If you have friends in the city, consider where they live and whether it might fit you well.
More research is needed once you zero in on a few neighborhoods. What are the local amenities like in the area? Consider whether you'll be driving or need convenient public transportation access. Maybe you want to live in a walkable area. Does the neighborhood provide easy access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other local amenities that are important to you?
Another aspect you should research when moving is the crime rate in the neighborhood where you're searching for an apartment. Rent may be cheap in one area, but it might not be worth the risk if it has a high crime rate. Planning can help you feel confident about moving to a new city.
CALCULATE YOUR FINANCES
Most young adults in their 20s are cash-strapped. This is another reason to plan. Research the cost of living and apartment prices in the areas you want to move into. Can you afford to live there? Will you need a roommate? Will you be able to afford transportation to work or school? How much will you be able to afford in groceries every month? Consider how much money you will make and what your expenses are likely to be, and make informed decisions from there.
RENT A PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER
You've determined where you're going to move to. You've calculated your budget. You have a few apartments lined up in safe, affordable neighborhoods. Now, it's time to plan your actual move.
Moving away from home for the first time can feel a lot lonelier than you might expect. A new apartment, a new city. You may not know anyone there. Nothing will feel familiar for a while. That's why many young adults move their possessions with them.
Storage trays are invaluable during house moves, offering organization and ease. They streamline packing by providing designated spaces for items, preventing loss or damage. Their stackable design maximizes space efficiency in transport vehicles. Additionally, trays simplify unpacking, ensuring items reach their intended locations swiftly, minimizing stress and facilitating a smooth transition.
Also, a portable storage container is a good choice for making your move easier. Just rent it, pack all your furniture and boxes into the container, and move it with you. Alternatively, if you're renting a small space and don't have room for all your things, you can leave some behind at your parents' home or store them in a portable storage container over the short or long term.
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GET SOCIAL
Once you've moved to your new place in your new city, it's time to socialize and make it feel like home. Building a support system of new friends will make it easier to adjust and settle into a new city.
If you're in college, campus is an easy place to start making friends. Consider joining a sports group or a sorority/fraternity. If you're starting a job, socialize with your colleagues to see if there are any potential friendships. You can also consider befriending your neighbors or joining a local group to meet people. If you like running, join a runner's group. Sign up to play recreational soccer or attend art or yoga classes. Always be cautious when meeting new people solo in a new city. Join reputable groups and meet people during the daytime.
Choosing to move in with roommates is a fantastic way to open up your social circle and feel safe when moving to a new city. SpareRoom, a popular roommate-matching service, provides the perfect way to find roommates and affordable places to live in a new city. With advanced filters and detailed profiles, rest assured you’re moving in with someone trustworthy and reliable. SpareRoom offers listings all over the US, so whether you’re renting a room in Los Angeles or moving to NYC, they’ve got you covered.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
The first time you move away from home can be fun and exciting but also difficult. There's a lot to adjust to. You'll need to keep on top of your finances more than ever. You'll be responsible for all the cleaning, laundry, and feeding yourself for every meal.
You might miss your old friends in your previous city. You might even miss your parents, pets, and your old room. You might feel lonely until you develop a group of friends. You might feel scared to explore new areas alone. Know that all of these feelings are entirely valid and normal. Things will get easier over time.