Are you planning to move to a new city? If yes, you must have made the decision thoughtfully. Relocating to a new city can be an exciting yet stressful endeavor. You may have to go through several challenges in the process of an intercity move. However, you can ensure a smooth transition to your new home in the new city with proper planning and preparation. In this comprehensive moving guide, we will provide you with some proven tips that will ensure a smooth intercity relocation. These tips will help you make your move organized and streamlined. You can efficiently pack, move, and settle into your new city with minimal stress and hassle. Let’s explore the tips on how to prepare for a smooth relocation to a new city.
Moving Tips and Checklists
Step 1: Do Your Research on the New City
Before you make the final decision on moving to a new city, consider doing a thorough research on your potential new residence.
- Weather and climate: It is imperative to know about the weather and climate of the city where you are planning to move. Ensure that you can adjust to any major differences in average temperatures, humidity levels, and seasonal changes.
- Cost of living: Sometimes moving to a new city can be expensive. You may have to bear the high expenses of living in the new city. So, calculate potential costs for housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, taxes, and other regular expenses. In addition, compare it to your current city.
- Employment opportunities: Some people move to a new city for better job opportunities. Therefore, it is always better to research the job market and opportunities in your city. Look at major local industries and economic health so that you do not have any issues in finding a job in the new city.
- Schools: If you are moving to a new city with your family, you must have the requirements for the education of your children. So, research school districts, ratings, offerings, and logistics like transportation.
- Culture and lifestyle: People often people a change in culture and lifestyle in a new city. Therefore, it is imperative to get a feel for the general vibe and rhythm of the new city. Consider size, attractions, safety, recreation, arts, diversity, and more.
- Transportation and commute: To make your life easy and hassle-free, it is imperative to know about the transportation and commute infrastructure of the new city. Hence, check traffic patterns, public transit options, walkability, and driving conditions of the new city where you want to move. Explore potential commutes from neighborhoods to your workplace.
Step 2: Prepare Your Finances for the Relocation
Create a realistic moving budget considering the various expenses of living in the new city.
- Housing costs – rent/mortgage, utilities, furnishings, storage, etc.
- Moving company estimates – get quotes from licensed and insured movers.
- Travel costs – gas, lodging, food, tolls for the move.
- Rental truck – reserve if moving yourself.
- Lease termination fees – check your current rental/mortgage agreement.
- New city expenses – licenses, memberships, parking, etc.
- Miscellaneous expenses – 10-15% over your calculated budget.
Step 3: Find a Home and Neighborhood
Start your housing search as early as possible. This allows you time to compare options and find the suitable one at an economical price. Here is a list of things to do when finding a new home or place to live in a new city.
- Search online listing portals like Magicbricks, 99acres, Housing.com, Makaan.com, Sulekha, and Squareyards.com.
- Differentiate between essential and non-essential items so that you can minimize the shifting loads.
- Contact real estate agents and property dealers to get help on finding a new home.
- Inquire about any potential hidden expenses, such as HOA fees, taxes, and insurance obligations.
- Plan in-person tours to your new place and consider the time it takes to commute from one place to another.
- Examine the safety and livability of your new neighborhoods.
- Make sure there are sufficient facilities and services in the area.
- Prefer to find your new home in proximity to work, schools, transit, grocery stores, and parks.
- Go through all the terms and conditions of the lease before signing it.
Step 4: Coordinate Logistics for Your Move
Book reputable moving and storage companies:
- Get estimates from licensed, registered, and experienced relocation companies near you.
- Read reviews and check ratings on trusted portals like Google, Facebook, TrustPilot, SiteJabber, Mouthshut, Service Bazaar, and Moving Solutions.
- Clearly explain your moving timeline and inventory to avoid any misunderstanding later on.
- Request truck-size accommodation and packing services as needed.
- Confirm pickup/drop-off dates and total costs.
If moving vehicles yourself:
- Reserve a rental truck or trailer well in advance.
- Buy moving kits – boxes, tape, ropes, padded wraps, etc.
- Recruit helpers and confirm dates/times; provide food and drinks.
- Coordinate to forward mail.
- Cancel/transfer subscriptions and services.
- Update accounts with your new address.
- Schedule required installations and setups for new home.
Step 5: Sort and Organize Your Possessions
Follow these decluttering tips well before moving day:
- Categorize – keep, toss, donate, sell.
- Hold garage sales or use resale sites to profit from unwanted items.
- Toss/shred unneeded documents and paperwork.
- Donate gently used clothing and household goods.
- Sell valuables and collectibles at local shops or online.
- Discard broken, expired, hazardous, or duplicated items.
Step 6: Follow a Detailed Packing Strategy
Use these packing tips for an organized move:
- Obtain boxes and packing supplies – tape, paper, protective wrap
- Pack one room at a time starting with the least used rooms/items
- Label boxes by room and contents
- Layer wrapping paper or blankets between fragile items
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing material
- Seal boxes securely with ample tape
- Mark boxes clearly with “Fragile” or the specific room
- Set aside tools like scissors, tape, and markers to open boxes efficiently
- Pack an “open first” box with immediate essentials for move-in day
Step 7: Update Important Accounts and Contacts
- Change your address with the post office, banks, insurance providers, creditors, etc.
- Transfer medical, dental, vision, and prescription records; find new providers
- Register vehicles locally and update driver’s licenses
- Forward important mail and update subscriptions and memberships
- Notify friends, relatives, and employers/colleagues
- Update info with payroll, benefits, and professional services
- Arrange transfer of vet and vaccination records for pets
- Notify children’s current schools and coordinate transfer of records
Step 8: Final Move Preparations
- Make a phone call to your move and confirm the final cost and arrival date.
- Defrost your refrigerator at least 24 hours before the arrival of your move and clean it properly.
- Prepare other home appliances and make them ready for the move.
- Empty any power equipment beforehand to safely transfer them to your destination.
- Disassemble furniture so it can be wrapped and packed securely before moving.
- Backup computers and disable security systems before packing them for relocation.
- Charge phones, tablets, power banks, and other electronics. Pack them with chargers to avoid any inconveniences in travel.
- Set aside important items and documents like keys, ID, Adhaar Card, PAN Card, medications, and valuables to stay with you.
- Pack suitcases with clothes, toiletries, and essentials for your arrival in the new city.
- Confirm end dates for old utilities and startup dates for new services in your new home.
- Ask or hire professional help with moving day tasks, such as loading, cleaning, and babysitting.
Step 9: Settling Into Your New Home and City
- Update your license, register to vote, and complete any other new resident requirements
- Schedule necessary installations – internet, utilities, cable TV
- Assess and address any home repairs or issues
- Clean thoroughly and have carpets/drapes professionally cleaned if needed
- Unpack room by room and avoid clutter by donating unused items
- Meet neighbors and learn about your new community
- Find local retailers, service providers, and recreational amenities
- Update insurance policies and records for new residence details
- Explore the area – favorite restaurants, parks, recreation spots
- Allow family time to adjust to the new environment and routine
Concluding Words: Intercity Relocation Tips and Checklists
If you follow this comprehensive guide, you will experience an organized and less stressful move. Also, you will have a smooth acclimation into your new city. Make sure to hire the best packers and movers for your intercity move to leverage the maximum benefits of their services. If you want to hire the best and most reliable moving service in your city, you can rely on Moving Solutions. On this portal, you can find affordable yet reliable packers and movers in Pune, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and other major Indian cities.