How to Move to the Big City

10. Ask about relocation expenses.

Once you get a job offer (You will get it!), you will have to negotiate the terms of your employment. Since you’re moving from another city, be sure to ask if they will cover your relocation expenses.  You never know unless you ask.

11.  Keep a game face while apartment hunting.

Be confident in your housing research.  Don’t let a shady landlord sucker you into renting a place that doesn’t actually fit your life or budget.  Have a list of questions with you so that you know you get all the information you need about an apartment before committing to one.

12.  Do not bring furniture.

If your new job doesn’t pay re-location expenses, you will want to ship as few items as possible.  Instead of spending a wad of cash to drag your Ikea furniture across the country, consider  buying a one-way plane/train/bus ticket for yourself, shipping all your non-furniture things to your new address and just buying new furniture once you get to town.  Sounds like a daunting task, but unless you have some really nice furniture, you will probably spend more money moving your furniture than it is actually worth.  You can have a farewell yard sale or eBay/Craig’s List sale. Plus, doing it this way gives you the chance to create a whole new space for yourself.

Another option is to just move to the city, couch hop with friends and try to get a job once you arrive. That is very risky and not recommended. Planning now will save you anxiety later.

Have you made the move to a big city? What was your experience? Did you do any of these things?