Moving is virtually never a fun task but it can be a bit more cringe-worthy when facing it alone. While it may seem like a cut and dry process, simply pack your stuff, load it up and go, but when you’re moving to a new city all alone, there are a few things you need to be aware of, others you need to consider, and quite a bit you need to do.

Whether you’re moving due to a lost job, job transfer, or any other reason, our list of tips today can help ensure that it’s as smooth as possible

1. Save & make a budget

It’s no secret that moving can take a decent chunk out of your normal savings but there are a few things that some people forget to consider. In addition to deposits and down payments, you need to include fuel expenses, lodging if necessary, affordable San Diego moving services, for example, or contracting them for your area, and unexpected expenses such as breakdowns.

As a pro tip – don’t calculate the deposits from your current residence into your budget. You never know how long it will take to receive them.

Start saving early, make a budget, add a buffer to said budget, and try to plan for every contingency.

2. Research

After setting a budget and starting to save for either your move to a new city or move abroad, one of the first things you need to do is research. Learn about your new city and discover possible neighborhoods you’d like to live in. Pay attention to rent or purchase prices, their proximity to your work, grocery stores, and other necessary locations, commute times, and even the parking situation.

Research and you’ll be all the more prepared when you move in.

3. It’s time to declutter

As you’ll likely be doing a lot of the packing and, more importantly, the unpacking, you should take the time to get rid of things that you no longer use or won’t need at the new location. Settling in will be a lot easier and not only that, it will give you an opportunity to decorate the new place with new stuff.

Since you don’t have to worry about keeping your kids busy during the move prep, try hosting a garage sale or selling items on Craigslist, Mercari, eBay, or other sites.

4. Be extra social

Sure, moving to a new neighbourhood can be a little scary, but the sooner you make yourself acquainted with those living there, the quicker you will acclimate to your new surroundings. While going door-to-door to introduce yourself might not sound appealing, once you are settled into your new place send out some invites, break out your best brownie recipe, fire up your BBQ grill, and host a block party.

Some other tips that you may want to take advantage of are:

• Explore your new city ASAP
• Attend local festivals and events
• Start dating
• Stay in touch with friends from the old neighbourhood. It can help with those feelings of being isolated and alone.
• Use public transportation or walk as much as you can. This gives you an opportunity to meet more people in the neighbourhood.
• Get a detailed map of the city. GPS may get you there, but it doesn’t show you everything available around you.

Moving is almost always hectic and more often than not, but with the tips above, you can make it a lot more smooth. Plan ahead, learn as much about the neighbourhood and city as you can, make some friends, and before you know it, you’ll be settled in and enjoying your new home.