Moving to a new city can be an incredibly exciting time. It promises adventure, a chance for a fresh start, and new professional, personal, and social opportunities. At the same time, a move can leave some people fraught with nerves and anxiety. It’s a big step, and there are lots of variables that could derail the process if not carefully considered.
Cardiff, the capital and largest city in Wales, is a vibrant student city with a thriving nightlife and cultural scene. Whether you’re moving there for university, a new job, or simply for a change of scene, there are a number of things you need to do in preparation to ensure the move goes smoothly. Let’s find out what they are.
Secure accommodation
Number one on your list of priorities should be to ensure you have somewhere to stay when you arrive in the Welsh capital. Where you end up living will depend entirely on your reason for being there, your budget, and what you like to do in your spare time. For example, a student flat won’t be suitable if you’re moving to Cardiff for a new well-paying promotion, while similarly, a luxury penthouse apartment will not be ideal if you’re moving there to study.
To save yourself from moving all your possessions down at once, why not consider moving some down ahead of time and keeping them in a storage unit? Safestore Cardiff has two locations and offers a range of different types and sizes. Having some of your possessions already there will make moving day much less stressful.
Familiarise yourself with the area
Moving to an entirely new city can be an intimidating prospect. Not only will you be unlikely to know many, if any people, but you will also be unfamiliar with the local area, where to go and where not to go.
To alleviate your fears, consider spending some time in Cardiff ahead of your move to get a feel for your home-to-be. While it’s important to use the public transport systems and learn how they all work, take the time to slow things down and walk around the city. This will allow you to take everything in at your own pace and really learn what the city is all about.
Research online
The internet and social media are invaluable tools that you can make use of when preparing to move to a new city. Follow local newspapers digital channels and get an idea how what happens in Cardiff and a feel for the culture of the city. One of the most important things to do is to join local groups on social media. This can give you a fantastic insight into the daily happenings of the city and how locals speak to and interact with each other.
While the internet is crucial for allowing you to gather information on your new destination, it will also let you keep in touch with friends back home after you move, an important step that you shouldn’t fail to do. CenturyLink internet, for example, may be your best option for this if you’re moving somewhere in the US, whilst BT, Sky and TalkTalk are good options here in the UK. This will keep you connected even during the chaos of unpacking and will help you to settle in by giving you access to all of the sites you love.
The next steps
Don’t let the thought of moving to a new city fill you with dread. While it can be a scary time, it should also be exciting and make you eager to open this new chapter in your life. To ensure the process goes smoothly and disruption-free, consider moving your possessions there ahead of time and storing them in a storage unit. Try to visit Cardiff before the move to get a feel for the city, and don’t forget to do some research online so that you know what to expect when you finally arrive.
Images: Unsplash
