July 13, 2022
Do you know what’s more challenging than relocating with your family and kids across the country and transporting your entire household, maybe even your pets? The answer is – moving to another state alone and having nobody to turn to when the going gets tough. Although there are ways to make this process faster, less stressful, and cheaper, its essence stays the same.
If you’re planning to relocate soon all by yourself, you should know what to expect. Moving on your own means no one will be there to help you with packing and unpacking your stuff. It also means you won’t be able to share your happiness and enthusiasm about a fresh start with your loved ones in person. Lastly, relocating to an unfamiliar city requires an adjustment period, which could be an emotional roller coaster for you.
Luckily, we have put together a few useful tips about relocation to another state by yourself, which can help you achieve some clarity when the whole process turns into a whirlwind of unpredictable situations.
Check how much your move would cost
Free Quote
Moving to Another State Alone Doesn’t Need to Be Scary
Relocating to an unfamiliar place is, undoubtedly, a great and exciting adventure. It gives you an opportunity for a fresh start and, on the other hand, the uncertainty of the unknown. But, if you are well prepared and know what to expect from your future home, how to carry out a smooth relocation, and how to adapt to an unfamiliar environment, miracles are possible.
Changes often bring positive consequences
The First Step Is to Make the Necessary Preparations on Time
How do you prepare yourself for a significant change such as relocation to a new city? The most important thing is to figure out your needs, wants, and interests, such as:
- What activities do you prefer and what do you want to do in your new area?
- Does anyone you already know live there?
- How long will your commute to work be?
- What are your housing needs and requirements?
- Would you like to live near the center or in a peaceful area?
If you are able to give clear and precise answers to these questions, you’ll have an accurate picture of your future lifestyle and the foundations of your daily routine.
If you determine your goals and wishes, your relocation can be much easier
How to Move to a New City Alone: the Ultimate Tips
Besides finding a proper home, working out a budget for your move, and scheduling a date for the big day ahead of time, there are still plenty of other things to do. Even if you organize everything thoroughly, the real challenge begins after settling in and unpacking your things.
Let’s find out step-by-step what stages and tips you shouldn’t miss and how to accomplish your relocation without a hitch.
Hire a Moving Company on Time
Depending on your budget, you may consider relocating DIY or hiring professional movers. The best way to reach the right decision is to weigh out the pros and cons and decide whether you should hire a moving crew. Compare the expenses, advantages, and drawbacks of each option. Have in mind that, if you can’t count on anyone but yourself, then hiring moving services is a smart choice. Choose the right timing for your move and try to avoid holidays, hot summer days, and freezing winter periods.
Pack Efficiently – From Boxes to a Dolly
If you have a moving checklist, it could be a handy tool for tracking your progress and being sure you’ve packed everything that’s crucial. Have in mind that transporting too many things translates to higher relocation expenses, so decide what should be thrown, donated, or sold.
One of the most important things when it comes to packing is obtaining the proper packing materials, such as boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, dollies, crates (in case you have something bulky or fragile to pack).
Start packing as soon as possible and pack rarely used clothes first. One bag with essentials you shouldn’t forget and valuables should be near you during the relocation. Contact your mover and ask for information about what items are not allowed, so you can decide what to do with plants, liquids, and perishable foods, for example.
Organize Important Documents
People usually forget to pack important papers beforehand and remember to do that last-minute. To prevent this unpleasant situation, collect the necessary documents – don’t forget financial and medical records.
In case your documents are a bunch of unsorted papers, find some time to organize them before the move. Save personal records related to health, budget, and school, and get rid of those you don’t need anymore. Once you’ve collected all necessary paperwork, prepare to pack them in specially-designed packing boxes. It’s recommended to make copies of the most important documents and store them on your computer or phone.
Transport Your Belongings By Train
If you’re on a tight budget and have some large items for transport, you should think about shipping them by train. This service is affordable, reliable, and can accept more cargo than an airplane or your friend’s van. Of course, if you need professional help during the packing, loading, and unloading, think about hiring a moving company. Needless to say, you’ll have more time for other essential things.
Read Everything You Can About Your Future City
Getting to know your future city is an essential step for your adjustment to the new surroundings. When you immerse yourself into an environment that is unfamiliar to you, it won’t have such unpleasant consequences on your lifestyle. Of course, you’ll have to discover spots that suit your needs the best and make an effort to gain friends, but this experience could provide you with more confidence and self-esteem in daily activities.
Order New Items Ahead
The advantages of today’s technology are amazing and give you the possibility to do several different things all at once. That being said, while you’re packing your items and scheduling your relocation, you can also make orders for your future apartment. Save some time by buying online and downsize your possessions by relocating only the furniture you need and leaving old pieces behind.
Arrange Your Cozy New Home
What is the best way to defeat sadness and loneliness due to being away from home and your family? Creating your own haven could be the right answer. Before relocation, pack some keepsakes and favorite bits and bobs, such as a cherished blanket, pillow, or coffee mug. Being tucked into your favorite little things that remind you of the warmth of a home could cure most of your sad feelings.
Being a Newcomer Is Trending
The truth is that being lonely hurts, especially if you’re facing tough moments after the relocation. These periods are a common occurrence, and you’ll notice, after a while, how they gradually fade. But, if you’re feeling bad about your temporary friendlessness, keep in mind that you have lots of possibilities to meet great people. Being a newcomer in a strange city means being surrounded by many other newbies. Recently, it’s become popular among millennials to move a lot and live alone.
In other words, you just need to go out of your apartment and you could meet someone interesting very quickly. Undoubtedly, that’s much better than staying at home and feeling sorry for yourself.
When you’re alone in an unfamiliar environment, you can start from the beginning
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Sometimes you start feeling like you’re stuck among your tasks, obligations, job, and expectations. That can be the perfect trigger to feel fear, anxiety, or even get panic attacks. If your adjustment period lasts too long and you still feel lost, scared, lonely, and depressed, it’s all right to ask for professional help. Relocation anxiety is something that can be dealt with – if you know the right way to cope with it.
Relocation depression happens often, and it can be conquered with professional help
Accept Loneliness as an Opportunity to Learn New Things About Yourself
According to experts, the mere act of being alone doesn’t have to be bad – it can improve your confidence and creativity and can benefit your social relationships. Furthermore, it helps you regulate your moods so that you can deal with difficult situations better. In Western culture, being alone is often mistaken for loneliness, but moments of solitude are necessary to recharge and reflect. It can be productive when one needs to handle negative experiences and emotions. With that in mind, you should accept your temporary loneliness as the most effective way to find some time to be alone with yourself and learn things such as:
- Independence and self-responsibility can reach another level
- For every problem, you are forced to find the solution, since there’s nobody to do instead of you
- If the reasons for your relocation have their origin in some of your past fears, this is the right moment to face your demons
- To improve your life and make the best of it, you are compelled to open yourself up to different interests and ideas
- You become open to getting to know others and letting them get to know you
- You change day-to-day thanks to fit your schedule, becoming mentally and emotionally stronger
- As time goes by, your ‘new life’will soon become “your life”
When you’re alone, you can think carefully about your fears, expectations, and plans
Consider Co-Living if You Want to Make Friends as Soon as Possible
Whether you want to reduce your living expenses or shorten the adjustment period, co-living could be the perfect solution for your problems. But, before making the final decision about it, keep in mind that living together with others usually means sharing your living space. Also, if you’re looking for a kindred spirit, choose your roommates carefully and avoid possible disappointments.
If you like company, consider co-living
Keep in Touch With Family and Friends
Leaving your old city is often associated with saying goodbye to your old habits, friends, and family. Being miles away from the ones you love is difficult. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean losing them for good. Thanks to the Internet and social media networks, you can always know what is happening in their lives, and they can also get info about yours. Visits and calls will inevitably become less frequent, but that shouldn’t worry you. The strongest relationships never die.
Being in contact with old friends is desirable, but make room for some good people in your day-to-day life
Discovering Your Surroundings Can Provide You With New Contacts
Distance erases old friends and makes new ones. That’s a normal process, and you should welcome it. Although every fresh start implies mixed feelings and insecurity, be sure that your lifestyle will soon get a different dimension. Depending on your effort to keep up with the circumstances, your adaptation to challenges could be more or less effective. Whatever pace of daily routine you choose, you should know that, someday, you’ll have to come out of your shell. That means great chances for a vibrant social life, making friends, attending events, and experiencing unforgettable moments.
Relocating Far Away from Home Can Become Your Step Toward Independence
Moving to another state alone sounds spine-chilling, especially if you’re going to an area where everything and everyone is unfamiliar to you. As you know, every coin has two sides, and it’s up to you whether you are ready to grow and become more mature, or you’ll stay sad and miss out on amazing opportunities. However, it’s good to know that loneliness won’t last forever, and turning over a new leaf brings positive changes in your overall existence.
