Among the many changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, one that affected numerous Americans was the ability to work from home. Remote work opportunities allowed massive waves of people to move out of big cities to less populated areas generally believed to be safer and more affordable.
While that initial spike in moves has slowed down, you might still consider relocating for any or all of the following reasons:
- To be closer to family or a significant other
- School or continued education
- Better cost of living
- More job opportunities
- Better school districts
Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a relationship, making that move is a major commitment. Below we’ll talk about how to continue feeling invested in that decision.
HOW TO AVOID RELOCATION REGRET
There are steps you can take before and after moving to avoid feeling remorse after relocating to a new place.
1. Before moving, examine why you want to leave.
If you’re moving because of a problem, think about what you can do to fix that problem where you are. If there’s nothing you can do to fix it where you are, consider in what concrete ways moving will solve the problem.
For instance, if the problem is that you don’t have any friends to spend time with where you are currently, moving won’t solve the problem unless:
- you already have friends where you are moving
- or you’re willing to take steps to make friends where you’re moving
Many times, leaving a problem behind seems like the easiest way to get rid of it, but if we don’t actually take concrete steps to solve it, the problem will follow us to new places.
2. Before choosing a place to live, make a list of your must-haves, likes, dislikes, and deal-breakers.
If you’re honest with yourself, there are things you like and dislike about where you live now, including the home you live in, the building, the surrounding neighborhood and town, and the state. Don’t forget things like the weather, the amount of trees and greenery, the “walkability” score, pet-friendliness, kid-friendliness, traffic, local events, amenities, and overall vibe.
When picking a place to relocate, you’ll want to choose somewhere that has your must-haves and as many of your “likes” as possible. A good place to live will only have some of your dislikes and won’t have any of your deal-breakers.
Really do your research on this one, and conduct in-person research if possible. Stay a week or longer in the area you intend to move to get a feel for the place. If you know anyone who lives there, don’t be afraid to ask questions!
3. Think about how this will affect your relationships with those close to you.
Many people can feel lonely and isolated when separated from family and close friends. If you relocate, will you have enough money to visit your loved ones on holidays or more often? Will that be enough for you?
4. Once you’ve moved to a new city, keep an open mind and explore.
Part of the fun of a new home comes from discovering the surrounding areas. Embrace this adventure and new stage of your life, and be open to meeting new people. The more you put yourself out there, the more likely you are to find new friends and places that will make you feel more at home.
If you are planning a move, contact us at True Friends Moving to help with all your moving needs.
For more tips about moving, check out our blog! At True Friends Moving Company, we don’t just have customers—we make friends for life: (615) 240-2811.