Going from big to little can be a big shock. Whether you’re relocating for personal or job reasons, you may consider downsizing from the big city to a smaller suburb. More and more singles, couples, and families are opting out of living in major metropolitan areas due to the high cost of living.
If you have decided to take the leap from a big city to a small town, here are some professional packing and moving tips so that you land on your feet.
Your Home is Your Oasis
When you make a choice to move to the suburbs, you will enjoy the fact that you can now spread out and relax. You don’t have to worry about being on top of your neighbors, hearing those loud city noises, or having to take public transportation to get anywhere. Now, you can enjoy full-sized appliances, your very own yard, plenty of storage space, and stars in the night sky that you can see.
When you live in a big city, your home is like a window to the outside world and not really its own destination. When you move to a small city, you have created your own little oasis, a destination, a place to unwind, be yourself, and relax. Everything you need for entertainment and comfort is all right there – from barbecuing on summer afternoons to finally owning a pool.
A Slower Pace
Life in a small town just moves slower. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it does take some getting used to. You may be used to walking five minutes up the street to your favorite coffee shop or to the local pharmacy. Now, you actually have to get in your car and drive places. Public transit is less reliable in small towns if it’s even available, says Rural Health Information Hub.
It may take longer to accomplish certain things, but isn’t this small-town pace why you moved out there in the first place?
Living away from the hustle and bustle of a big city can force you to slow down, strike up conversations with neighbors and local business owners, and just take your time. You may feel more relaxed and happier than you ever were before.
Everyone Knows Everyone
City dwellers live in a constant state of anonymity. You may have gone weeks without seeing a familiar face on the street, whereas in a small community, you may run into your neighbor or the parent of your child’s best friend whenever popping out for a loaf of bread. Neighbors and acquaintances are important social connections because they can be a reliable source of info about the town. You may learn where the best coffee shop is, the most qualified vet for your dog, or the grocery store with the freshest produce – just by listening.
Earlier Nights
Living in the big city probably meant late dinners out after 8 p.m. and a night on the town ending in the wee hours of the morning. Now that you’re living in a small town, things close up much earlier. Expect to go out to dinner at six and be home by 11 after getting a cocktail. Many small businesses close by 5 p.m., and oftentimes pharmacies close by 8 p.m. – rather than remaining open for 24 hours.
Home Ownership
Living in a small town means it’s up to you to maintain your yard and sidewalk. You have to clear your driveway of snow, rake up the leaves, and make sure your property is safe. If you live in an apartment on a busy street in a big city, everything is taken care of for you. The snow is cleared from the walk by the time you wake up, and the streets are plowed. By late morning, life proceeds as usual. In a smaller community, you have more personal responsibility as a homeowner.
Grocery Shopping is Different
How you stock your pantry will be different in a small city rather than in a big one. Not having a car and having quick access on foot to the local grocer in a big city meant that you could only buy enough groceries that you could carry home. Now that you have a car, plenty of pantry storage, and a full-sized fridge, you can hit the grocery just once a week so you can save time and gas. You have more time to plan out your menu, which saves your sanity too.
Contact Redefyne Moving
Moving from a big city to a small one takes some adjusting, but in no time at all, you’ll be enjoying your new life. If you need moving assistance, call us at 817-405-2890 or complete the form online for a free quote.
