Safeload Coverage
By: Mackenzie Scibetta, Zoocasa contributor
Whether it’s for a promotion, university, career change, relationships, or just a lifelong desire to live in an urban area, many suburbanites will find themselves moving to a city at least once. This change can be exhilarating for some, while others may find the transition to big-city living overwhelming and unpredictable. After all, moving from the suburbs to the city will not only change your environment, but also your home life, relationships, and potentially daily routines.
To make this move as easy and smooth as possible, we’ve put together a guide to help you make a seamless transition from the suburbs to the city. This guide covers everything from maximizing space to managing the higher cost of living.
First Steps: Finding Your New Home in the City
The home search process in a city might be more competitive than what you are used to in the suburbs. Because of this, you’ll need to prepare yourself for the possibility of price negotiations, bidding wars, and fast-paced transactions.
It goes without saying that real estate prices tend to be higher in cities than in suburban areas, so you’ll need to budget accordingly. While owning a home in the suburbs may have been affordable, renting might be a better option in the city. In many urban areas, renting is often cheaper than buying, making it a practical choice for those looking to save money when moving from the suburbs to the city.
When looking for a home in a city, it’s also important to consider proximity to public transportation, schools, and parks. In the suburbs, walkability is not usually a main factor for home buying thanks to the convenience of personal vehicles.
In a city, however, you may need to rely on public transportation much more than in the suburbs. Looking for homes on quiet, residential streets, with easy access to supermarkets will help make the transition to city life easier.
Additionally, cities can be noisy, with traffic, construction, and the general hustle and bustle of urban life. Consider the potential for noises and disruptions when shopping for a home. You may want to consider looking for homes on higher floors or further away from the city center if you’re particularly sensitive to loud noises.
If you want to retain some aspects of suburban living in your new city life, consider a townhouse. It can be a more affordable alternative to a single-family home while still offering some of the space and privacy you’re accustomed to in your life.
Many townhomes even come with decent-sized yards, decks, or porches. Finding the right townhouse or any other type of home in a competitive city market can be challenging, however.
This is where working with a knowledgeable local real estate agent becomes invaluable. They’ll have insights into the latest listings and the best neighborhoods to fit your specific needs.
Navigating the Logistics of Moving Day
Once you’ve secured a place to call home in the city, you’ll have to plan the move — a task that comes with its own set of challenges. Moving in an urban environment is often more complex than in the suburbs, with factors like narrow streets, limited parking, and building regulations to consider.
Downsizing
If you’re moving from the suburbs to an urban area, you’ll likely have to downsize. Most urban apartments have fewer square feet than homes or apartments in suburban areas, so the amount of stuff you own won’t fit in your new place.
This means before you start packing boxes, you’ll need to declutter and reduce the number of belongings you’ll bring with you. A good rule of thumb is to get rid of anything you haven’t used in the past year.
Storage Solutions
Unlike your suburban home, your new city residence likely won’t have a basement, an attic, or several large closets. If you find yourself unable to toss some of your beloved items before moving, consider renting a storage unit. This will allow you to keep sentimental or seasonal items without cluttering your new living space.
Before renting a facility, carefully evaluate how much space you truly need, and compare costs among different options. Remember that prices may be higher in the city, so it’s important to balance your storage needs with your budget.
You also may need to ask yourself which items are truly worthy of hanging on to, and which would be better off in a donation bin.
Coordinating with Building Management
If you move into a condo or apartment building, it’s important to coordinate your move with building management. Reserve elevators, loading docks, and parking spaces well in advance to avoid any last-minute issues. Some buildings may have specific hours or requirements, so make sure to confirm these details early on.
Maximizing Your Space: Design and Organization Tips
City living often means adjusting to smaller spaces, but with a few clever design strategies, you can make the most out of a compact home. Start by opting for multi-functional furniture — pieces like fold-out couches, storage ottomans, or extendable tables.
A Murphy bed can be another great storage solution. This pull-down bed folds up against the wall when not in use, making it ideal for cramped spaces. If your new apartment doesn’t have an extra bedroom for a guest room, you can easily double up an office space or living room as a guest bedroom by installing a Murphy bed.
You also can get creative with room dividers.
Whether you use a traditional room divider or furniture elements like a bookshelf, mirror, or large sofa, strategically placing them can help maximize functionality and create designated areas for work, exercise, reading, or other activities.
Use different types of dividers to reflect the atmosphere and purpose of each space. For instance, a half-height divider or plant wall can create a cozy reading nook, while fabric partitions in a bedroom or closet area can keep the room organized and private.
Here are some additional design and storage tips to help you settle into your new city home:
- Maximize vertical spaces: Utilize the area above your refrigerator with storage bins, choose a tall bookshelf over a wide dresser, and stack bins to make the most of the limited floor space.
- Install bed risers: Bed risers elevate your bed to create more space for storage underneath. Drawers and baskets can easily fit underneath to store items like out-of-season clothing or extra bedding.
- Place a pegboard in tight entryways: Placing a sturdy pegboard in a tight entryway, outfitted with hooks, baskets, and small shelves, is a great way to store your most-used items and keep them from piling up. You can also hang hooks to neatly organize jackets, hats, scarves, and bags, maximizing vertical space and maintaining a clutter-free area.
Preparing for Lifestyle Changes
Moving from the spacious suburbs to the often more compact urban environment requires not only careful planning but also a readiness to embrace a new way of life.
One of the most significant adjustments you’ll encounter is adapting to the distinct lifestyle changes that city living brings. The pace, the costs, and the day-to-day realities of urban living can be vastly different from what you’re used to in the suburbs.
Being proactive and realistic about these adjustments will help you settle into your new lifestyle with greater ease and confidence.
Increased Cost of Living
One of the most noticeable changes you’ll encounter when moving to the city is the comparatively higher cost of living. Whether it’s shopping for groceries, eating out, or just buying everyday necessities, you’re going to have to set aside a larger portion of your income for these essentials.
When searching for a place to rent or buy in the city, it’s crucial to remember the cost of housing is just one piece of the puzzle. In addition to your mortgage or rent, you’ll need to account for higher utility bills, including electricity, water, and possibly heating and cooling costs. These expenses often come at a premium in urban areas, so budget and research accordingly.
For the first few months of living in the city, it could be helpful to track your weekly and monthly spending. This can help you identify the areas where you are overspending.
For instance, you might need to scale back on dining out by cooking at home more often, shopping at discount grocery stores, and planning meals in advance. You also can opt for public transportation to save on car-related costs and explore cost-effective alternatives for daily necessities, such as buying in bulk or using cashback apps.
By staying proactive and adjusting your spending habits early, you can better navigate the increased cost of living and enjoy your new city lifestyle without unnecessary financial stress.
Transportation and Commuting Considerations
One benefit of city living is you’ll have public transportation at your disposal. Relying on public transit may require a shift in your daily routine, however. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with local bus, subway, or train schedules and routes.
If you previously drove everywhere in the past, you might find yourself walking or biking more often. This can be a healthier and more sustainable option, but it’ll require more flexibility when making plans. Consider the time it takes to walk to transit stops, potential delays during peak hours, and the availability of alternative routes.
Additionally, think about the impact of weather on your commute; investing in good rain gear or a reliable bike can make all the difference in maintaining a smooth routine.
If your new job is located far from home, you also might explore the feasibility of a hybrid work arrangement to reduce the number of commuting days. Planning your commute with these factors in mind will help you adapt to city life and ensure that your daily travel is as efficient and stress-free as possible.
Parking
Parking in the city can be a challenge, especially if you’re used to having a driveway or garage in the suburbs. In cities, parking spaces are often limited and can come with a hefty price tag, whether you’re paying for a monthly spot in a garage or dealing with metered street parking.
Be prepared for the possibility of having to park farther from your residence than you were accustomed to in the past.
Additionally, some city dwellers choose to forgo car ownership altogether, relying instead on public transportation, car-sharing services, and ridesharing apps. If keeping a car isn’t a necessity, you might want to consider giving it up.
This can save you money on parking fees, insurance, and maintenance. If you do need a car, however, consider the possibility of using it less frequently, combining errands with fewer trips, or exploring parking garages that offer discounted rates for off-peak hours.
Making the Most of Your City Move
Moving from the suburbs to the city can be exciting and challenging, marking the beginning of a new adventure. The fast-paced urban lifestyle brings opportunities, but to successfully transition, you’ll need to be ready for changes in housing, transportation, budgeting, and space management.
By planning ahead, you can adapt more easily to city life. If you’re thinking about making the leap from the suburbs, give Zoocasa a call! We’re here to help guide you through a smooth transition!
Contributor’s bio: Mackenzie is the Senior Specialist of Public Relations and Content Marketing at Zoocasa, an award-winning prop-tech company that uses technology to provide an intelligent, end-to-end real estate experience. As a dedicated real estate writer, Mackenzie is known for her comprehensive and data-driven reports, which track and analyze trends in local markets across North America.
