Whether you are relocating for work or just looking for a new adventure, there are some important things you need to consider before moving to a new city. Aside from not knowing your way around, there are several aspects that can make moving to a new city a bit tricky. From finding a place to live to moving all of your belongings, moving to a new city involves careful planning and organization. Here are some things you can do to simplify the process and make relocating a more enjoyable experience.

1. Decide on a Preferred Location

When you are moving to a new city, your first challenge is going to be figuring out where you want to live. It can be difficult to narrow down your favorite neighborhoods in a city you don’t know much about. It is a good idea to visit the city a few months prior to moving and spend some time exploring the area. Talk to both local real estate agents and local residents for recommendations that fit into your budget.

You should also consider where you will be working and consider how far you want to commute. Finally, think about the amenities you are looking for in a neighborhood. Do you prefer to be right in the heart of the city close to restaurants, shops and bars or do you prefer a little more space out in the suburbs?

2. Work with a Local Real Estate Agent

When you are moving to a new city, it’s always a good idea to work with a local real estate agent who is familiar with the local market. They can help you find a home that suits your needs and budget. They will know what the average rent is for certain areas as well as what amenities you can expect. Furthermore, they will know how competitive the market is and they can offer you advice on purchasing a home.

3. Create a Moving Checklist

Since you won’t have the luxury of making multiple trips back and forth, you need to make sure everything is done the first time around. For this reason, you will want to create a detailed list of everything you need to do before moving day. This will include tasks such as packing, hiring movers, renting a storage unit or moving truck, having a yard sale, transferring medical and/or school records, changing your home address, transferring utilities, and plenty of other important jobs you will need to take care of before the big day. A moving checklist can help you stay on track and keep you organized from start to finish.

4. Purge and Declutter

There is no point in moving unnecessary things to a new city. Prior to packing, go through each room in your home and sort and declutter your items. Go ahead and part with anything you no longer need or don’t think you will use in your new home. Consider the size of your new home or apartment and don’t bring furniture or other large items that you don’t think will fit. Not only will decluttering mean less to pack, but it’s a great way to make extra money selling those items you no longer need.

5. Consider Renting a Storage Unit

Perhaps you are unsure of whether or not your furniture will fit but you aren’t ready to part with it. Or it might be that you plan on renting for a while until you learn more about the city. Either way, you may find yourself in need of temporary storage for your belongings. Be sure and rent a storage unit well in advance so you have a place to move your belongings as soon as you arrive in your new city.

6. Pack in Advance

Moving is stressful enough, but couple that with moving to a new city and it can be downright overwhelming. Packing is arguably the most stressful part of moving so you can alleviate a great deal of stress by packing in advance. Be sure to gather plenty of moving supplies and follow a packing timeline to help you monitor your progress and stay on track. It can even be beneficial to rent a portable storage container so you have a place to neatly store your belongings as you pack.

7. Build Personal and Professional Connections

One of the hardest parts about moving to a new city is not knowing anyone. Make it a point to take the time and get to know people. Start with your professional colleagues and coworkers and work on building a relationship with them. You should also get out and talk to your neighbors. You can also get involved in local churches, volunteer at school, or join a local community center to meet new people. Meeting people is the best way to learn more about the city and begin feeling comfortable in your new surroundings.