Want to know one cold hard fact about moving to a new city?
It’s that Aussies love to move.
According to Muval’s moving statistics, over 40% of Aussies move out every five years. That figure rounds up to more than double the worldwide average.
And with vibrant cityscapes spread across the glorious Australian coastline, there’s no shortage of options for you to start a new life.
Whether you’re starting a new job, moving out of your parent’s home, or settling in a retirement home, here are 6 things to consider before moving to a new city.
1) Learn the Cost of Living
Did you know Sydney isn’t the most expensive city in the Oceania region? It’s just second to Darwin, situated in the Northern Territory.
Muval statistics show that most Aussies’ internal migrations are moving away from Sydney. It’s important to find out how much buying power you lost (or gained) in the process of moving. Some of the fees to keep in mind are:
- Restaurant and Groceries
- Transportation Tickets
- Gas and Water Utilities
- Childcare and Education
- Rent and Housing
- Average Salaries
Create a realistic budget to prepare for the moving cost. Also include the expenses you’ll gain from the miscellaneous fees that come with moving. It’s a good idea to pad up your savings by at least three to six times your salary to make up your emergency fund in case anything arises. This emergency fund is independent of your moving budget and is rooted to help you get settled in your new home more securely.
2) Career and Opportunities
Whether you’re in a new company, about to look for a job, or have just been relocated, it’s a good idea to understand the economic strength of your new city.
Muval’s statistics show that people who moved in 2017 did so because of their work. This was unlike the time when the survey was conducted in 2002 where the number one reason for moving is family reasons.
If you’re relocating between major city districts, try to figure out the differences of job opportunities available within the region. Try to choose an apartment or house that’s not too far from your work. Even if you may have a stable job in your company for now, it wouldn’t hurt to gain an advantage learning about potential career growth opportunities in your new city vs your old one.
3) Explore the City
When everything feels fresh and brand new, you’ll view your city with a sense of wonder. Relish in that feeling – enjoy and breathe in all the new sights and smells of the completely foreign vibe of your place.
Try to research some of the cultural feats of the city. Maybe your new city’s known to have an amazing bar district, or maybe it has a great hiking trail a few miles away, or stunning white sandy beaches. You can even do it the old-fashioned way and get lost (safely, of course) in the streets of your new abode. Get yourself familiar with your new city – it’ll be your home for a long time, after all.
4) Ditch Your Old Belongings
Moving homes can be incredibly stressful. A recent poll suggested that ⅔ of people find moving homes topping their stress list. Naturally, you may like to bring some furniture with the help of removalists, but you might be wondering: what about the less important items?
One way to make the moving process less hectic to deal with is by trimming the fat of your old home. Over the years, you may have picked up on trinkets or gifts. They’ve had their time, but the memorabilia you loved many years ago may not carry the same novelty in your new home. So toss it in the bin or give it away to someone else who’d treasure it.
5) Know the Area and Nearby Facilities
If you already have a new house in mind, try to route its proximity to major places that you’ll frequently visit. Try to find the closest transportation hub, grocery, restaurants, schools, and compile the list to something you can look back to. Always do your research.
Also, understand the safety of your new neighbourhood or city. Is there a high criminal rate in the area? Is your home prone to flooding or other forms of natural disasters? Is your apartment unit secured? Get answers to these questions, and find the right balance between cost and value before securing your new home.
6) Make a Goal List
Moving can be fun and thrilling – but you should always keep in mind your goals in the future. It’s easy to lose focus in the day-to-day, so prepare some personal and professional goals before finalising your move.
Ask yourself questions like: Why do I want to move? What do I gain from moving? Independence? Whatever reason you may have, always keep the WHY intact before setting out into the newest chapter of your life. This can help with your expectations.