Many people dream of living a rural lifestyle because it typically means more space and serenity, but how long could you handle being miles from your neighbors and everyday necessities? Imagine swapping that 30-minute drive to the grocery store for a five-minute stroll down the street. What about trading weekends spent doing yard work and home projects for a Saturday at the gym followed by a stop at the coffee shop and then one of the hottest new dining options in town?
If you knew you could have less space but gain proximity, new experiences, more friends, and cityscape nightlife, would you think about a transition? Rural life has its perks, but there’s a reason so many people trade in their cars and larger homes for a city. Here are seven tips that may seal the deal for you too.
Experience the City Life
Moving to the heart of a city seems appealing, but it could lead to culture shock if you’re not used to the hustle and bustle. It’s always a good idea to experience city life before committing to a full-on move. Rent an Airbnb or VRBO, book a hotel, or stay with friends you already have in the area. If you’re looking to move to a new state, you should find the best state to suit your anticipated new lifestyle. Plan your day like you would as a resident as opposed to a tourist, and envision what it would be like to create new routines in a new area.
Instead of booking the trendiest restaurant in town, grab groceries and cook for an evening. That way you’ll understand what a typical evening after work may feel like, as opposed to a vacation in a new city. You may also want to map out your commute to the office, gym, and doctor’s clinics to ensure you’re fully prepared for the move.
Another area many people may overlook is finding the best options for phone, internet, and cable service in your intended residential area. When you’re testing out your new city, it’s worth exploring these services in case you decide to switch providers or find a new one and understand any hidden internet charges you weren’t expecting to incur.
Finance First
There are certain expenses you probably haven’t incurred as a rural resident. From public transportation and paid parking to higher prices on groceries and nightlife, city living comes at a cost. You have opportunities to save money, but it’s crucial to document your finances to ensure you’ll be able to live the lifestyle you envision without breaking the bank.
Ask locals for their advice on how to save money in the city, where to find the best prices for groceries and other necessities, and where they suggest going for happy hour or other daily restaurant deals. Cities often have apps or local websites that suggest coupons or daily deals to help you find the most cost-effective options. There may have been only one grocery store or convenience store in your rural neighborhood, but living in a city will open many doors.
Cities tend to have local, cost-effective options or apps that provide rewards and savings, so it’s a good idea to explore those perks when possible. You can also use online cost comparison tools to calculate how much or how little you’ll be spending in certain areas of your life.
Downsize and Donate
Rural neighborhoods are usually spacious. Cities, on the other hand, have apartments, high-rises, townhomes, and smaller lots. What does that mean for a new city resident? Most likely, it means downsizing to a much smaller space. You may have to transition from ample closet and storage space to an area with only a few closets or even stackable bins in an already crowded room. It’s important to familiarize yourself with storage not only in your space but also in your building or local storage rental.
Buildings often have a bike room or storage rental area for residents who need extra space. You can also find storage units around the city to rent on a monthly or annual basis. If you’d rather avoid these extra costs, donate or toss out any unwanted items before you pack up your home. From unworn clothing to broken or damaged items, it’s natural to keep things if you don’t have a reason to get rid of them right then and there. A move to a city is the perfect opportunity to purge any unwanted items and start fresh. It’s also a great time to help people in need through donations to local charities.
Meet New Friends
The last thing you want to do is to pack up, move, and then realize you feel alone in a massive city. Whether it’s joining a local gym, finding networking opportunities in your area or through your business, or joining meet-up groups or connection platforms, there are convenient and plentiful ways to ensure you won’t feel alone or distant from people who share your interests.
Facebook is a great way to search for friends who may already live in the city you’re considering. You may have lost touch with them over time, but maybe you can reach out to friends who have moved to the city without you realizing. Chances are, they would be happy to share local tips and tricks or even meet up for a coffee or drink to show you around town. Sometimes rekindling those lost friendships or connections is the most fruitful, and a move is a perfect way to jump-start those relationships again.
Check Your Employment Status
Moving just to move sounds like a great idea in theory, but we have bills and responsibilities to uphold first. Many jobs have transitioned to being fully remote, which is perfect for a move to the city, but other jobs aren’t possible to do behind a computer screen. If you have a job that requires you to be in person, then finding a new job or exploring a transition within your company is probably the first item on your checklist before you move to a city. Employment, whether we want to admit it or not, is often the missing puzzle piece that holds us back.
Thankfully there are unique ways to search for remote-only jobs, and larger cities also have more corporate businesses or employment opportunities than rural towns. Before searching for a new apartment or home, lock in employment and understand where your new office or workplace is located. Your new residence will likely require proof of employment for financial purposes, so you may be forced to lock in a job before confirming a place to live.
Identify Transportation Options
In your rural area, you were probably used to driving long distances, even for everyday errands. In a city, many of your commutes may end up on foot or via public transportation, depending on your preference or location. From trains and subways to buses, scooters, and bikes, cities have the transportation means to help you explore opportunities outside your car. Expensive parking, lack of space, higher gas prices, and traffic may deter you from getting in your car. Many city residents sell their cars to save money on gas and parking.
You may think you can’t live without your car, but it’s important to shift your mindset and weigh the pros and cons of transitioning to public transportation or shared ride options. It’s easier to give up space or your local restaurant than it is to sell your car, but you should understand the benefits that come with the change.
Figure Out Who’s Moving
Packing up your house is one thing and moving boxes and clothes is another, but moving furniture and heavy items is completely different. You may have friends or family who are willing to help you move out of your rural home, but it’s sometimes better to hire professionals who will help you move into a city residence. Elevators, stairs, narrow doorways, and shared walls are all things you haven’t had to deal with in the countryside.
When moving to a rental building or high-rise, it’s tricky to navigate the hallways, elevators, and more. Professional movers are experienced and can help avoid damaging or breaking your items, incurring additional costs on moving day, and injuries to yourself. They can also provide the proper packing equipment, dollies, temporary rugs, and flooring items, and secure your items in dressers and drawers with packing tape versus having to unpack all your furniture. They may not have to move everything in your space, but they can lift the heavier items to make your move as easy as possible.