Moving Places Is Already a Chaotic Process, Without Asking These Questions It Will Become an Apocalypse.
Perhaps it’s a new job, maybe you’re considering being closer to family, better schools, cheaper living costs or just need a change of scenery, these questions need answering before relocating. If you’ve answered them all and are confident that the big move is good – do it. Because you’ll have no room for regrets.
Remember what Walt said, “We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”
Welcome to Alux.com – the place where future billionaires come to get inspired. If you’re not subscribed yet, you’re missing out.
Are you already exhausted with the moving plans? Skip the long read and explore the same 15 questions in the YouTube upload:
With that checked off, let’s get curious about the first question on our list.
1
Is the Grass Really Greener on the Other Side?
Aluxers, maybe the grass is greener on the other side because there is more sh*t there!
You’ve seen how glamorous and stress-free other people’s lives appear, and you are pining for that too… but are you watering your own garden? Are you giving yourself the time, care, and attention you need to build the life you’re after?
Or are you wasting precious time and energy coveting over someone’s else’s hard work, vision, and dreams?
Before relocating to try and find the lush green garden, start investing in your own. With time, you might find your garden is beautiful after all.
2
Are You Running Away From Something?
Author of The Book Thief, Markus Zusak nailed this one when he said, “The impoverished always try to keep moving, as if relocating might help. They ignore the reality that a new version of the same old problem will be waiting at the end of the trip – the relative you cringe to kiss.”
Our problems have a way of finding us. You can run but can’t hide kind of thing. So, the sooner you deal with the problems you’re currently facing, you’ll never be able to move forward. They’ll always be with you, like the monkey on your back.
3
Are You Trying to Find Something or Someone?
In 1987 U2 released a single that sums up this question… I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.
What are you searching for Aluxers?
Are you looking for something or someone to fill a void? Mend a heart? Plug a hole? Or maybe you’ve just had it with Tinder dates rocking up without the dogs they have in their profile pictures, then we sure as hell don’t blame you!
Before you move to find this person or thing, try changing tactic first. Scrap Tinder for a while and join a local tennis club. Step out of your comfort zone and do a local beach clean-up.
Try a different approach, because if you move to a new city or country with the same game plan, you better believe you’ll find yourself at this exact place again.
4
What Are the Hidden Expenses of a Relocation?
You’ve got the basics figured out.
Moving van – check
Place to stay – check
WiFi or internet – check
What else is there?
You would be amazed at the additional fees you can encounter just with the moving company. Things like parking fees, stair fees, fees for moving valuables, tips for the movers, fees for overly large items and the list grows.
You might need to board your pets for a night or 2, or even yourself if the new place is not as secure as you’d like it. You might need to buy a few furniture pieces to fill the gaps and possibly have them assembled on site.
And on a side note… if you’re moving to start living with the man or woman of your dreams, assembling the furniture together will be a true test of how the relationship will pan out.
5
Do You Have Enough Money to Survive for a Few Months Until You Find a Job?
Aluxers, if you’re making the move sans having a job – how will you pay for rent/food/living until you do find employment?
Have you sat down and worked out exactly what you need to cover the basics and not have to rely on handouts from family or friends?
Obviously, we can’t tell you how much you’ll need to survive – because that differs from person to person. Whether you’re relocating or not, having an emergency fund is exceptionally important. 28% of adults in the US do not have an emergency fund in place.
Just for overall peace of mind, start looking at options for saving for an emergency fund. Also, don’t fall into these money wasting traps – check them out on our video: 15 Things You Should NOT Spend Money On!
6
How Is the Job Market in Your Field? Will You Be Satisfied to Do Any Work to Survive?
Before you relocate, be sure to do thorough research on the job availability in your field. If the market is flooded, perhaps lean towards a different destination.
And what if you’ve tried to find a job in your field for 3 months, and your reserves are dangerously low, will you be comfortable to get a job that is not quite what you’re used to doing?
Waitressing, bar tending, handing out pamphlets – whatever it is – anything to just bring in a bit of cash. If that doesn’t fill you with joy, then you’ll either need to have a bigger reserve fund or rethink your relocation options.
7
Do You Have Backup Support When You’re There?
Relocating to a new city or country is exciting yet seriously daunting, and if you are going to a place where you don’t know anyone – there will be many times when it will be tough going.
Of course, we can’t exactly plant friends and family to where we’re moving to – but if you’re tossed between a few places, heading somewhere where you at least know a person or two, can make the world of difference.
Otherwise, try joining a running club, volunteering at a nearby organization and of course, if all that fails, you can just swipe right.
8
What Will Your Social Life Be Like?
Before making the move, it’s a good idea to find out what kind of social vibe is available for your age-group. If you’re making a move but you’re over clubbing and bar-hopping, then it’s no point going to a place that is known for amazing nightlife and parties. And the same in reverse.
Your destination needs to suit your personality and style.
If you’re a sea-lover, head to a different ocean. If you love a big city, seek the bright lights and faster-paced lifestyle of a new one.
Aluxers, if you find yourself in a new place and feel anxious and stressed, don’t forget about our Mind Mastery meditation course. It will really help you focus, relax and be more productive. Find it here: alux.com/mindmastery
9
What Is the Government Like in the New Spot? Do You Agree With Their Values and Outlook?
In our video, 15 Best Performing Governments in the World, we had a look at several governments that were leading the polls in how well they were running their respective countries. Be sure to watch it to see if you agree or disagree and consider if you will be happy living in a country with those leaders in place.
Perhaps you agree with Trump when he said, “it’s a blessing from God” that he got Covid, and you’re keen to head to America, or maybe “bungling Boris,” is someone best avoided or you like the idea that Jacinda Ardern will likely celebrate a landslide win and serve a second term as PM.
Whatever your reason, don’t consider relocating to a country where you’re just going to bit*h and moan about how it’s run, because it’s up to you to research the pros and cons of each.
10
Will the Move Be Worth What You’re Leaving Behind?
This is a question that only you can answer.
Are you leaving behind an excellent job? Your family? A spot close to the ocean? A safe environment with amazing neighbours?
Will what you gain with the move be worth leaving those securities behind?
If you’re unsure, remember this quote from Lana Lang on Smallville, “Life is about change. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it’s beautiful. But most of the time, it’s both.”
11
Do You Have a Time in Mind to Stay?
Is it 5-years, 10-years, for life? These questions will help you decide the new area, city, or country you will be relocating to.
Will you need to be closer to good schools? Do you need reliable public transport? Is there medical care close by? How easy is it to get to the grocery store?
For example – if you want to move to NYC, you can rely on public transport. However, if you’re keen on LA, you’d need to buy a car.
Those factors can all make a huge difference in your monthly budget and influence your decision. And take note of what Arnold said in our video, Top 30 Arnold Schwarzenegger Quotes, “If you want to turn a vision into reality, you have to give 100% and never stop believing in your dream.”
12
Can Friends and Family Afford to Come and Visit You?
Aluxers, it’s all good and well that you want to sell your belongings, pack your bags and head to Indonesia… but can your family and friends hop on a plane and come and visit you? And can you easily head back home if you need to?
You might find yourself feeling isolated if it’s tricky for people to visit. Whether it’s the cost of the flight, the length of time it takes to get to a destination, or the fear factor many people have in flying to places that they feel unfamiliar with.
Also check out how reliable the internet is where you’re going, because not being able to stay in contact with people also influences how happy you will be in your new home.
13
Is the Culture a Good Fit?
American writer, Audre Lorde once said, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
Relocating to a new place where the culture is vastly different to what you’re used to is a good thing. It might be just what you need to understand, accept, and appreciate what other cultures endure on the daily and make you realize how fortunate you are.
Different cities also have different energies. Does the new city feel like a good fit? Does it match your vibe and your outlook? If not, time to spin that globe again.
14
What Will You Gain by Making a Big Move?
Paulo Coelho once said, “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”
Aluxers, even if you make the move and you feel like you’ve made a mistake. Shake that idea off. It’s not a mistake, it’s experience. If you only gain experience from your big move, that’s just fine.
As they say, a change of scenery is as good as a holiday, and perhaps the big move was there to remind you of how good your life is and make you more appreciative of what you already have.
Here’s a quick word and our views about big changes. It’s from the creaky days when we were called Ealuxe, and it’s “Why Ealuxe Needed To Change or Fade Away.”
15
Do You Have a Plan B Just in Case?
Thinking of a plan B is not putting out energy that you’ll fail, it’s just being a grown ass adult making sure all your I’s are dotted and your T’s are crossed.
Your plan B could just be to have enough savings to tide you by a little longer, re-looking at your living arrangements and getting a roomie to save costs, or going in a completely different direction like heading to China to teach English.
Whatever the outcome, you will only grow and evolve from the experience.
Question:
What great advice can you give others who are seriously considering relocating? We appreciate your feedback Aluxers.
