(Black Enterprise) — According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 37 million Americans—roughly 13% of us—move to a different home every year. That’s a lot of transition. Unfortunately, moving season also represents a lot of opportunity for crooks and con artists who want to fleece you financially. “Half of all moves take place between Memorial Day and Labor Day,” says Steve Schwartz, Executive Vice President of Consumer Services for Intersections Inc., an identity theft protection company. “A lot goes into a big relocation, and often times identity protection is not top of mind with everything else that’s going on.” To guard against potential identity theft, Schwartz recommends that consumers take the following steps–before, during, and after a move.

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It all seems so glamorous. You can just see yourself writing the great American novel on the stoop of a New York City brownstone, acting out a scene in an Oscar-worthy movie on a Hollywood soundstage or heading back to Chicago on a first-class flight from an international business meeting.

Many people dream about trading in their humdrum existences in small towns and suburban cul-de-sacs in favor of exciting big city lives.   Only a few actually get up the courage to do it and do it right.

Do you have what it takes?

You’ll need more than a dollar and a dream. Here are a few words of advice for those who are brave enough to try to make it in the big city.