Relocation Made Easy – Top Insider Tips for Relocating

Are you in the process of relocating? Whether it’s relocating for work or moving the family to be nearer your friends and relatives, moving house is more than just changing your address, it’s about starting a new life somewhere new.

With so many things to consider before the big move, we’ve created a fantastic checklist of hacks and relocation tips to make the transition as stress-free as possible.

Always Try Before You Buy

As with any relocation, it’s vital to ensure you plan properly, and organizing a reconnaissance trip or two is the perfect way to kick start a new chapter in your life. Fundamentally, these “recon” visits are ideal to experience a new area for what it is, rather than relying on how it may appear on polished listings and relocation guides.

In doing so, you also get the chance to explore with curiosity, after all, this is where you’ll soon be living. Be sure to visit local cafes and wander through the local markets. If the opportunity arises, also try to strike up conversations with local residents, as you can learn more from a local in ten minutes than you can from hours of online research.

Also, don’t just fixate on one area because it’s the nearest neighborhood to your new job, instead, explore the surrounding areas, as you might stumble upon a far more desirable location you want to be based in. Then, once you’ve shortlisted a few potential locations, make sure you try out your new commute, particularly during rush hour, to see if moving there will mean your morning routine will be a battle or a breeze every day.

Spend Time Uncovering the True Character of Your New Neighborhood

If you get the chance, try to spend as much time as you can where you might be living, discovering how the area transforms at different times of the day and week. After all, a peaceful street you fall in love with in the morning could turn into a noisy nighttime hub after dark.

In addition to this, pay particular attention to your personal requirements and interests, such as how far the nearest supermarket, gym, or doctor’s office might be from home, along with testing its transportation connections for getting around. While these may seem trivial right now, you’ll thank yourself for doing so once you’ve settled in.

For those of you relocating with a young family, take time to research the schools early, and take a tour while you’re in town whenever possible. By taking the time to meet with potential teachers and fellow parents, you’ll gain a far more authentic insight into how a local community feels and functions.

Tap Into Local Knowledge Before and After Your Reconnaissance Trips

One tool that can prove to be essential before and after every relocation recon trip is to conduct your research using social media. Here, you can join local Facebook groups or browse neighborhood forums, as residents of the area will openly share honest advice about where to eat, shop, and the best attractions you can visit nearby.

Furthermore, if you are house hunting, don’t hesitate to chat with your potential neighbours, as they’ll tell you all the things you need to know that a real estate broker won’t tell you. For instance, how good is the parking in the evenings, which roads flood during the winter, or worst-case scenario, if the area has a problem with crime?

At the end of the day, relocating isn’t just about finding a new house, it’s an investment in you and where you choose to live. Therefore, it’s important to spend as much time as you can getting to know your new area, as only then can you call your neighborhood “home”.

Planning a relocation? Best Western Hotels & Resorts can make your move easier than ever!

With more than 2,000 hotels spread across North America, wherever you’re planning to relocate, Best Western Hotels & Resorts can help simplify your reconnaissance trips. Why not treat yourself to a touch of luxury by earning rewards through our Best Western Rewards® and Pay with Points program, or if you’re relocating for work, our Best Western Business Advantage® Program.

Best Western can even make it easier if a member of your family is looking to relocate, offering options like gifting a free night’s stay to help you acclimatize to your new surroundings in comfort. Wherever life takes you on your next journey, follow these simple relocation tips, and by booking your stay at Best Western, we’ll help to take the stress out of the process.