Moving from the city to the suburbs can seem like giving up an enormous part of your identity and lifestyle. You’re leaving the convenience of corner stores and 24-hour everything. You’re giving up the ease of widespread public transportation. But most likely? What’s drawing you to the suburbs will be worth it once you get accustomed to the change.
But what do you need to consider to make the move a successful one? After all, if you’ve been a city dweller for quite a while (or life!), you don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why we’re here with a guide to moving from the city to the suburbs. With what you should pack (and what you shouldn’t) as well as what to buy in advance, we’ve got you covered.
What to Pack
If you’re moving from the city to the suburbs, chances are good that you’re moving into a much larger home than you currently have. That means you’ll inevitably need to purchase some new furniture and decor to make your new house feel like home! So here’s our best advice on what to pack, and what to leave behind.
- Declutter before you start packing. There’s no use bringing items that you don’t really like to your new home. If you’ve been waiting for just the right day to get rid of that armchair you’ve had for years, now is the time. A new home is an opportunity for a fresh new look, right? It’s time to declutter before the move
- Leave the miniature things behind. Apartment-sized items are critical for city living, but in a larger home, they’ll just be out of place. If you’ve been cuddled on a tiny loveseat all these years, it might be time to upgrade to a full-sized couch. The same goes for your bed. Does your new master bedroom have space for a larger mattress? It’s time for a really good night’s sleep.
- Bring the things that make it feel like home. Making such a big move can be tough, but the little details of a home can make things easier. Gather some reminders of your favorite parts of the city: coffee from your coffee shop, some artwork of the local landmarks, or a cookbook from your favorite local restaurant can all offer a little taste of city energy when you need it.
What to Buy In Advance
There are some elements of city living that we end up taking for granted that just won’t be there in the suburbs. For instance, grabbing a Sunday morning coffee will require more than just walking down the block — and may not even be available at 7 am when you’d like it to be. So here are a few things you’ll want to purchase for your new home.
- A coffee maker, espresso machine, or other beverage preparation materials. We all know that feeling when you really want a cuppa but, for some reason, can’t have it. So before you get hit with the shock that your local coffee shop doesn’t open until 10 on Sundays, prepare to make your own.
- A vehicle. If you don’t already have a vehicle of your own, it’s time. Suburban life can be manageable for a little while without one now that Uber and Lyft are available everywhere. Eventually, though, you’ll want (and need) your own. Prepare to enjoy stocking up on groceries and putting them in your own car!
- Lawn & yard supplies. Depending on what season you move, the urgency may be higher. If you move in the winter, you’ll want to be prepared with shovels, driveway salt, and maybe even a snowblower to take care of your driveway and walkways. Yard and driveway care are one aspect of homeownership that can sometimes take city folks by surprise. Take a look at what your new home in the suburbs will require and be prepared!
Other Things To Consider
If you’re keeping your regular job, if you have children, even if you have pets… they’re all factors to consider in your move! Here are a few more things to consider to make your move to the suburbs a smooth one.
- Consider not only the time of your commute but the quality. When you’re real estate shopping, it might seem enticing to choose the home that’s near a local trail that will take you into the city in an hour or less. But do you really want to spend a July afternoon, standing-room-only, riding home? A home that offers a slightly longer commute of higher quality might be preferable.
- Look for childcare and schools in advance. There may be plenty of schools and childcare around, but they might not have space. Before moving from the city to the suburbs, inquire about availability. This will ensure you don’t get stuck carting your kids halfway across town for daycare.
- Find out about pet regulations and infrastructure. If you’re bringing your cat from the city, it’s likely they’re an indoor pet. If you want to let them outside, make sure you supervise well! It’s a whole new world and they are likely to get lost. If you’re moving with your dog find out if there are dog parks, walking trails, or other pet-friendly spaces nearby. If doggy daycare is part of your routine, check the reviews on some facilities near your new home. Keep everybody in the household happy!
If you’re moving from the city to the suburbs, you might be about to get the best of both worlds: more space, quieter, and easy access to everything you love about the city. Let us help make your move an enjoyable one We’ll handle the details while you find out the hours of that coffee shop.