There are many reasons people decide to move; you may have gotten a job offer in a new city, decided to relocate for a long-distance partner, or maybe you’re just looking for a change of scenery. Whatever the reason, there are a few things you should consider before making the decision final. New York is home to many, but is it the right place for you?

Visit first

First things first, have you ever visited the Big Apple? Planning a trip before deciding to move permanently, is extremely valuable. That way, you can get a feel of what the city is actually like, versus what you’ve seen or heard via media. New York specifically, has a rich culture, bustling nightlife, and will offer plenty of potential networking opportunities to help you advance in your career. But with that being said, New York is also very expensive, very crowded, and can feel extremely overwhelming at times.

It’s up to you to visit the city yourself and decide if the environment meshes with your expectations. If you’re a person that prefers a quiet, small town, community feel, NYC may not be the best place for you.

Save

Something that often gets overlooked, is saving before your move. Moving is costly, don’t rely on scraping money together last minute. This will without a doubt, leave you under an immense amount of stress.

Preparation is key, and a huge part of preparing for your move is saving money. As soon as you’ve made the decision, make sure you put aside money every month towards moving expenses. You can even download a savings app on your phone, that will help you reach your goals.

There is no set amount that one should save, as each person’s situation is unique. Do some research on what is required for your move (for example boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, etc), and start looking into moving companies. Get a few quotes, and begin comparing prices.

Make sure you’ve saved enough to cover ALL moving costs. Also, consider your apartment budget. Have enough money in your savings account to cover rent for a few months, as well as additional costs like the security deposit, brokers fees, and to lightly furnish your new residence.

Plan your budget

Planning a budget is just as important as saving money. A budget allows you to analyze your monthly income, and figure out how much you can set aside for expenses. Expenses can include rent, utilities, transportation, food, and more.

Creating a monthly budget prior to your move leaves you with less to worry about. If you stick to your monthly budget, it takes the guessing out of managing your income. There is no worse feeling than spending frivolously and not having enough money to cover basic necessities. Additionally, plan for the unexpected. There are many times during a move, that you are required to come out of pocket for things you didn’t for-see. Budget for instances like this, just in case.

Find a place to live

Choosing an apartment is a critical aspect of the moving process. There are a few options available for someone newly moving to the city. You can either find a permanent residence and sign a one-year lease (a lease is usually a minimum of one year), or opt for short-term housing. Both of which have pros and cons.

Finding an apartment can be difficult if you have to go through the process remotely. Photos on apartment finding websites are not always accurate, and it’s recommended that you feel out of your neighborhood before committing to signing a lease. Furthermore, you should be wary of scams. Don’t send money in advance, or without receipts and paperwork. Legitimate rental companies usually have an online presence, and you should be able to look up reviews and get in contact with a broker directly.

If you don’t want to deal with finding an apartment right away, you do have the option of short-term stays. A great choice for short-term housing is co-living.

Co-Living offers private bedrooms and shared common areas. With co-living, lease terms are flexible, so you don’t have to lock into a one-year lease. That way, you can spend more time exploring the city, and deciding what neighborhood you would like to live in permanently. More so, you can visit apartments in person during your search, to make sure what is being presented online reflects the true state of the rental.

Roomrs are the pioneers of co-living in NYC! Check them out if you’re interested in affordable, flexible, and convenient housing.

Hire movers

Whether you’re moving across the country, or just live a few states away, it’s recommended that you hire movers. Movers take away a lot of added stress that comes with planning your move. Some companies offer services that include everything from packing, transporting your items, and even unpacking your boxes. Yes, it comes at an added cost, but it is definitely worth it.

Compare prices and aim to hire a company that aligns with your pre-planned budget.