For many reasons, someone might move from the city to a small town. A new employment opportunity, relocating to be closer to family, or just because you’re looking for a change. There are some significant advantages to living life a little slower and smaller, like less noise and pollution, a lower crime rate and getting to know your neighbours better. Still, moving to a small community will be a massive change if you’ve always lived in the city.
If you’re getting ready to move from the big city into a small town, here are some tips to help you prepare.
Tip #1: Do Some Research
One of the wonderful things about living in the internet age is that it’s possible to learn about the area you are relocating to without stepping foot in the town! Are there certain things you must have in the town you choose to live in?
Maybe a rec centre or a great selection of walking trails is crucial to you. Or perhaps you want to relocate close to a university. Researching ahead of time will help you narrow down your choices. Check out the local newspapers, read blogs written by a resident, or see if you can find any video footage of the area.
Tip #2: Plan a Visit
After your online research and finding a town you’d like to call home, visiting in person is still a good idea. There’s no substitute for a close look at the community you hope to make your own. Take some time to explore the different neighbourhoods, coffee shops, parks, and other locations that will be significant once you move.
Tip #3: Plan Your Move
Once you have done your due diligence and decided on the small town you will soon call home, consider portable storage container rentals to make moving day as simple as possible. Shipping containers are generally a less expensive way to relocate than hiring a moving company, and they can be much less stressful too! You can do everything quickly and completely control your belongings while packing and unpacking.
There are many reasons to consider moving to a small town. Living in a small town will present different challenges than in a large urban centre, but the rewards will likely utweigh the hardships. A few benefits of leaving the big city are a lower cost of living and a slower, more peaceful lifestyle. If you think moving to a small town is right, get ready to love your new life.
Tip #4: Compare Cost of Living Factors
You’ll find many differences between big-city and small-town cost of living. For starters, housing is usually much more affordable in a small town. If homeownership is out of reach in the city, a small town may be the answer. There are many other areas where you’ll find savings, too.
Car insurance, property taxes, and groceries are also cheaper for small-town dwellers. The flip side of this equation is income. Often salaries are less in a small town than what you could earn in an urban centre, so you might have to keep that in mind when doing any financial calculations.
Tip #5: Consider Your New Transportation Needs
There’s a significant difference between how you get around in a big city and a small town. Many city-dwellers are used to having an extensive public transportation system at their fingertips, and this is something most small towns won’t have. If you are not a car owner, you will likely need to consider buying or leasing one.
Even if you are going to be working from home, you may find that you need reliable transportation. Additionally, life in a small town can open up new opportunities to walk or bike to get where you need to go. And bonus, you’ll probably never have parking problems!
Tip #6: Prepare for a Different Lifestyle
There’s no getting around it; life in a small town will be much different than what you’re used to in a big city. You’re leaving behind the hustle and bustle. There will be fewer people, less noise, less traffic, and typically, a slower pace.
With city life, you have dozens of entertainment and restaurant options nearby, but a small town will be different. You’ll likely also have to get used to having less in the way of convenient amenities. For example, you may only have one or two grocery stores to choose from, and you’ll likely need to travel farther to access them.
Tip #7: Plan to Get Involved
Once you’ve moved, get engaged with the community. You might volunteer at a local event or become involved with a fundraiser. Not only will you feel good about your contribution, but it’s also a great way to meet people and make new friends.
