Plan For Your Move!
Moving to a new city and starting a new life might seem like a complicated endeavor, but simple planning can make all the difference.
Moving to a new city and starting a new life might seem like a complicated endeavor, but simple planning will make all the difference.
You must be organized when planning a big life change, particularly if you have a significant other, children, or pets coming with you.
This quick guide to seamless relocation will help you and your family members make the most of this exciting time. We’ll get you settled into your DC apartment or house so that you can start living your new, exciting life.
1. Choose Movers You Trust
Some options allow you to move your own items. They drop off a shipping container for you to fill yourself and then pick it up to deliver to your new home.
Others offer full-service moving, even packing your items for you if you choose.
Either way, shop around for quotes. Schedule full- or partial-service companies to come to your home and see your items.
Meeting in person beforehand minimizes the possibility for future issues, allows you to ask questions, and gives everyone involved extra peace of mind.
You can usually gain a pretty good idea of the type of company with which you’re working just by interacting with one of its representatives.
2. Make use of Google Maps
Once you know when you’re moving, the next step is getting to know the area.
A quick search on Google Maps will show you streets, parks, businesses, restaurants, schools, nightlife, universities, gyms, nearby attractions, neighborhoods, and so much more.
It may just be an overview, but Google Maps is a great way to start getting your bearings. And it can help you learn a little bit about the neighborhood you’ll soon be calling home.
3. Check Out Various Neighborhoods and Schools
Google Maps gives you the opportunity to not only find local neighborhoods and schools but also read reviews about them.
See images and street views virtual reality tours, get easy access to schools’ websites for more in-depth research, learn about the surrounding areas, and get a feel for what will be the best fit.
Google Maps allows you to find not only local neighborhoods and schools but also read reviews about them.
Find images, take virtual reality tours, and get easy access to the schools’ websites for more in-depth research.
Once you learn more about the surrounding areas and get a feel for what will be the best fit, you’ll feel more prepared for the move. And you’ll be able to provide more information to your family about what comes next.
4. Check Out Your Commute
This tip is especially vital for those relocating to DC. The time it takes to get to and from work every day might play a critical role in determining where you live.
Luckily, DC has one of the best and most convenient public transportation systems in the country. Living in the city means an array of travel options. And you should look into every single one of them.
Finding a home near a metro stop might be a high priority if you don’t want to drive or battle traffic every day.
To figure out your commute, search for different routes from the neighborhood you’re considering to your future workplace. Do this search at various times of day, but especially during rush hour.
This will give you an idea of how long it takes to get around the city and should help you when it comes time to choose an apartment or house
5. Find Easy Access to Fun, Too
This process also helps determine how far you are from entertainment options. Your move for work doesn’t mean you won’t have time for fun in your new home.
In fact, you’re going to want to explore once you make the move. So figure out how long it takes to get to recreational activities, as well.
Is your new job in a rural area? Plot how long it takes to get to the big city.
If you’d rather spend your time in nearby mountains, shopping malls, sporting events, adventure courses, lakes, rivers, spas, classes, or pretty much anything else – map out how long it takes to get to these things after work and on weekends.
6. Look Into Your Hobbies
On that note, Google Maps also helps you find the best ways to get involved with your hobbies.
A quick search for any activities will show you where you can take part in your favorite after-work or after-school activities.
DC offers a lot of different opportunities to get involved in city life. If you like to exercise, look into the open-air fitness classes. Sometimes, they’re free!
If you like history or art, there’s plenty of museums and art classes.
It doesn’t really matter what you’re into – DC almost certainly has it. So take some time to figure out what you want to get into once you arrive.
7. Apartment Shop Ahead of Time
Filter the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, pet-friendly vs. no pets allowed, parking options, washer/dryer in units, and other essential community amenities.
You can also see walkability scores, proximity to green spaces and shopping, and even decide on options like luxury vs. cost-effective.
Doing this research makes it easier to narrow down your list of potential homes to just those that work for you and your family members – including the four-legged ones.
8. Take a Scouting Trip
There is no substitute for boots-on-the-ground exploration when checking out a new home area, so take a trip if you have the time and money to do so.
Many employers will cover a portion of the expenses involved in such an endeavor, if for no other reason than you’ll be coming out to meet your new teammates.
Bring your family members with you, too, so they can also start exploring and get acquainted.
Reach out to your employer and coworkers for recommendations. Chances are, they might offer to give you a tour of DC. You’ll get to see the city from a local’s perspective, and you’ll get to know your new team members.
And moving to a new place is always easier when you already know some of the people there.
Check out your potential new neighborhood, drive the route to work, visit and tour apartments in person, dine at local restaurants, grab a coffee at a nearby cafe, and take in the sights and sounds of the nation’s capital.
9. Understanding Future Utilities, Car Registration & More
Changing your permanent address is a big step. Be sure to fill out an official change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service once you have a new home.
This ensures your bills, important documents, and more get forwarded to your new home, giving you time to notify all relevant parties of the address change.
Once you know where you’re living, it’ll be easier to find and compare utilities like electric, water, internet, television, and other services. As soon as you sign a lease, you can start doing your research. Lastly, if your move is out of state, be sure to look at local government sites to understand how to change your car title/registration and driver’s license. Many have a time limit for changing your plates and license after changing your residency.
Keep a Positive Mindset while Relocating to DC
Moving is an adventure and, like any adventure, will have positives and negatives attached.
Keeping a positive attitude will help make some of the more tedious items — packing, shopping for movers, car titling, and licensing, etc. — a little less draining.
Focus on the positive things — your new home, the hobbies you’ll enjoy, nature or other nearby attractions, new school and sports opportunities, etc. — to keep your spirits high.
Above all, remember to be excited about your new chapter, and make sure others in your moving party stay excited, too. Looking for the perfect apartment? Check out all of our apartments today!
