Cross Country Moving After College – How to Prepare and What to Expect?

Do you want to know how to move out after college? Start by making a plan of how you want to execute your relocation. Think about where you want to live and where you want to work. Research everything about the new city and start budgeting on time. Ask people you know for advice and reach out to friends or acquaintances who live in the city you want to move to for help. Bear in mind that finding a reliable relocation company is crucial for a successful relocation.

The First Step Is to Make a Moving-After-College Checklist

Nothing will be forgotten with a neat and organized relocation checklist. Noting down all the essential tasks that have to be done just in time for the relocation will help you tremendously. The checklist can be a reminder as well as a planner. Write down all of your plans for the future, for instance – where you want to live, what type of job you want to get, and what you need to rent an apartment.

The perk of having a checklist is that you will always know what the next step needs to be. Take a piece of paper and write down all the tasks or type everything on your phone. There are convenient and user-friendly checklist apps that you can download and use instead of a notebook or paper. These apps include:

• Todoist,
• Tick Tick,
• Google Tasks,
• Things,
• Microsoft To Do,
• Toggl Plan.

Create a Budget and Start Saving Money

After creating a plan for the move, the next step is to start budgeting and saving money. It’s essential to be prepared and have enough money for the awaiting living expenses, utilities, food, the phone bill, as well as for any student and credit card debts you might have. Also, one needs to have a relocation budget in order to pay for the cross-country moving services.

Your budgeting method has to be aligned with your savings goals. Learn how much income you need every month to cover necessary expenses, and then you can build savings and know how to allocate money accordingly. You can start using a budget planner, spend less on travel and expensive things and find out more about cities where it will cost you less to live and work.

An Extra Tip – Budget for Two Month’s Rent and a Deposit

Almost all apartments require a deposit when you want to move in. The amount is generally one month’s rent, but in some cities, the amount can be even higher. Therefore, one of the best pieces of advice we can give you is to research what you can afford, read everything about the safe neighborhoods and calculate whether your income could cover your expenses.

Once you gather all the necessary information and you know what kind of apartment you can rent, try to save for at least two months’ rent and a deposit before relocating. If you need help with finding out what the average rent costs are in the area you will be going to, go to the Niche website, where you will find more info.

Research the Best Cities for You to Relocate To

How do you want your life to look after university? If you have a clear outline of what your future should look like, research the best cities where you will be able to achieve everything you’ve been dreaming about. Depending on your desires, some cities might offer more employment opportunities and higher salaries, whereas others might have a more exciting art or music scene. Think about your priorities in life before making a decision.

So, where is the best place to live after college? Students who want to relocate to bigger cities for job opportunities should consider Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, or Scottsdale. At the same time, those who want to live in affordable and exciting cities should move to Dallas, Kansas City, San Antonio, Tampa, and Tulsa.

If you can’t make up your mind easily, watch this insightful video with tips for where to move after university.

Start Looking for a Job

Relocating without a job is a terrible idea. It will be easier to adjust to a new city and live on your own if you immediately start working and earning money. Getting a job will simplify the whole process. Luckily, in today’s world, one doesn’t have to go anywhere in order to find one; everything is a couple of clicks away. Begin searching for a reliable employer on websites like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed, FlexJob, AngelList, or Monster.

Once you spot a company that is hiring, make sure to read reviews and recommendations. Find out more about the company so that when you get an interview, you will know how to answer questions in the best way possible.

You Will Need a Perfect Resume in Order to Land a New Job

Securing reliable and well-paying jobs might be a bit difficult for graduates, but there is a way to beat all the odds against you and get a job in another state before relocating there. All you will need is a professional CV that amplifies your capabilities, previous experience, and education. Here is how you should structure a perfect resume:

• Begin with a personal statement – Draw the employer’s attention to your CV by introducing yourself in a professional yet unique way and sharing some details about yourself.
• Include details about your education – Go into details about the courses you took at the university that are related to the position you are applying to, including your grades and skills you acquired.
• Mention work experience – It doesn’t matter whether you have a lot of work experience; it’s crucial to mention any job title you previously had and what you learned from your previous jobs.
• Add hobbies or interests – Briefly write about some of the things you are interested in and hobbies that might be connected to the future position.
• Don’t forget references – At the bottom of your CV, add some references. Students most commonly include one from their past work experience and one from academia.

Another Crucial Step Is to Network Before the Move

Once you find the city, an apartment, and an employer, reach out to family members and friends who live in the area you are relocating to. They can share with you helpful tips about moving cross country and living in a particular destination. You can also ask them for advice on commuting, the job market, and the nightlife. When you know someone in a particular location, the transition will be smoother, and it will be easier to make new friends and connections.

Of course, keep in touch with your friends from school and don’t forget about them because you might need encouragement from former friends if you feel relocation depression in the first few months after the move.

Reach Out to Reputable Cross-Country Moving Companies

If you are relocating for the first time, you should learn how to choose the most reliable cross-country movers. Making sure that all of your belongings are in capable hands is your number one priority.

First, begin looking for a company on the Internet. Once you find the ones you are willing to hire, read everything about them. On their websites, you can read testimonials and reviews of their customers.

Don’t select a cross-country moving company before calling at least three different companies and asking for an in-home estimate. They will tell you more about their cross-country moving services and what they offer for a particular price. You should try and compare all the companies as well as their services and only then make an informed decision.

Additional Tips – How to Spot a Rogue Mover?

Relocation scams are more common than people think. Knowing how to avoid rogue long-distance movers is crucial when selecting a long-distance moving company. The first red flag is always an issue with scheduling an in-home estimate. If the long-distance movers avoid offering in-home estimates or they don’t show up to review your possessions, it’s best to walk away.

Another red flag is the low price. Many students don’t plan or prepare, and they end up having to organize a last-minute move. One of the common relocation mistakes they make is investing in cheap long-distance moving services. That is a trap. Then, rogue movers take their belongings and hold them for ransom, asking people to pay a high price in order to deliver the items to another address.

Additionally, some companies don’t disclose the price of their relocation and packing services until they complete the move. That is a sign the company shouldn’t be trusted. The bill can be too expensive in the end, or they might not deliver your possessions at all.

What Can You Expect After University?

Moving out after college is stressful for most because it comes with a lot of uncertainty. However, graduation doesn’t mean a blank page. There are a host of opportunities for graduates, like internships, postgraduate studies, and employment opportunities. You only have to choose what you are most interested in.

If you are not sure whether continuing studies or working is for you, you can always spend some time at home with your family. Only after you’ve considered your options can you settle on what your next step should be.

Why Should You Consider Moving in With Your Parents After College?

Are you wondering – should I move back home? Returning to your parent’s home doesn’t mean you’ve failed. This is a good option if there is a chance your finances would not handle the high living costs in cities, student debt, and relocation costs.

The benefits of returning to your hometown are that you will have enough time to re-evaluate your priorities, focus better on the future career path, plan carefully for the next relocation, and save money. Also, you will have an opportunity to talk openly to your supportive parents about which career path to take.

Don’t think that you are a failure just because you don’t want to risk relocating to a big city right after graduation. You are not the only one. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 54% of graduates return to their parent’s homes after graduation.

FAQ

Will You Return Home or Begin Your Life in Another Place? Decide and Begin Preparing for the Move

What is your decision going to be? When you finally opt for an ideal solution, start organizing your move. If you want to venture into the unknown and find work, the best thing is to prepare a budget, research cities, and write a resume. Finding trustworthy relocation companies is an essential step as well. However, if you don’t think that independence is right for you, return to your hometown and begin planning the next step.