Moving to a new city can be incredibly exciting and terrifying at the same time. If you are in your 20s and are moving alone for the first time, then it can also feel like a huge financial burden.
With so many things to do and expenditures to consider, it can be difficult to keep track of your finances. This is the reason why so many people find themselves financially overwhelmed during the moving process.
It’s generally the lack of proper planning which causes this. Thorough research, proper planning, and a systematic approach can help you significantly reduce this financial burden.
Here’s a 5 point checklist that will help you navigate through the process of moving;
1. Do your research
It is very important to research the new place that you are moving to. You have to be very thorough with the research because this will help you plan things better. Some key points you should look into are;
- The cost of living in the city: Rent is the main expense that you should consider but things like grocery prices, the average cost of eating outside, the cost of transportation, etc., are also important things that you should figure out before moving to the city.
- The convenience of public transportation: A fully functional public transportation like metros or buses can make your life easier and also cut down the regular transportation cost. Check whether the city has proper public transportation that covers all the areas in the city. If it doesn’t, then make some extra room in your budget for additional transportation costs.
- Weather conditions: Weather conditions are quite important, not just from a comfort perspective but also in terms of finance. If the temperature of the city is on the higher side, then you will have to pay more electricity bills and even for transportation since regular public transportation will be very uncomfortable. Similarly, heavy rainfall will also significantly increase the cost of transportation.
2. Employee relocation allowance
If you are moving to a new city for a new job or a different position in the same job, then chances are that your employer will provide a relocation allowance. Relocation allowance might include:
- Cost of initial transportation to the city
- Cost of packers and movers that you will need to move your things
- Initial accommodation
- Broker charges
- Deposit amount charged by your landlord etc.
However, not all employers provide this allowance. You need to discuss this with your employer in advance, ideally while accepting your job offer.
Also, relocation allowances are taxable if the amount paid by your employer is more than the actual expenses that you have incurred.
3. Plan your move in a budget
Once you have done your research and discussed your relocation allowance with your employer. You should be able to plan your moving budget.
If you don’t have the provision of a relocation allowance, then you need to consider all the expenses that you will incur while packing, moving, and settling in. This will include your expenses charged by packers & movers, transportation charges, cost of any furniture you decide to purchase in the new place, any house renovation/repair expenses, rental agreement charges, brokerage, charges for electricity, wi-fi, gas setup in the new place, etc.
Your initial research will give you a rough idea about all of these expenses. Make room for any additional expenses you might incur.
4. Prepare for big and unexpected expenses
Even with all the planning, there are expenses that might come up or something that you didn’t take into consideration while making the budget. These expenses can add up and can disrupt your finances. Therefore, before you start the moving process, always make sure you have a strong emergency fund.
Even if you have an existing emergency fund, it is a good idea to strengthen it by adding more funds. This will make it easier for you to handle any emergency or unexpected expenses. The stronger your emergency fund is, the better equipped you are for any financial crisis.
5. Organize your move
Before you move out of your old place, you need to first close or shift your existing amenities. Your wifi, electricity, and gas supply accounts need to be properly closed. Any outstanding payment needs to be dealt with. This is to ensure that you don’t end up paying extra charges, penalty fees, or any other amount that might be charged if you don’t close all the utilities in a proper manner.
You also need to do proper research about various movers & packers that are reliable and within your budget. Compare the best ones and see which one offers the best value for money.
Keep track of all your belongings in an organized manner. Plan how you will pack fragile, sensitive, and important items. If you don’t want to trust the packers & movers, try taking it with you. Give special attention to important documents.
Don’t pack too many things if you are moving out for the first time. Try packing only the necessary things. Chances are you are not going to move into your permanent house for some time. You might stay in hotels, PGs, or other temporary accommodation before finding something permanent. So, keep that in mind and travel light.
Do a research about things like storage units, any friends/ family members living in the new city, and try finding roommates online or a list of brokers. All of these might come in handy if things don’t go the right way.
Last but not least, to make the move less intimidating and more exciting, try to focus on all the good parts like the new opportunities, new friends, and new experiences that you will get to explore. It might feel scary and overwhelming in the beginning, but it can be a turning point in your life.
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