5 Things to Consider When You Move to a New City

Moving can be an exciting opportunity to experience new things, but it’s a good idea to look into some details about your potential new city before calling it home. Many cities have very different price tags—from international capitals such as Prague to London and even between those in the same state such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. So what does cost of living really mean? What else will affect your future if and when you move to a new place? Check out some of the factors you need to consider when comparing city experiences.

1. Cost of housing

Apartment and home costs can vary significantly, and some cities are friendlier to renters. If you are thinking about buying a home and getting a mortgage in your new location, it’s important to look at what other homes are going for and what they have to offer. (You can calculate how much house you can afford.) Your credit score is a major factor in the interest rate you’ll be approved for on the loan, so be sure to keep an eye on your credit in the months before applying. You can check your credit scores for free every month on Credit.com.

2. Basic needs

Housing is often the biggest, but not the only, expense you will face in your new city. The price of basic utilities, health care, and even groceries can vary greatly between places. Some goods are also more or less available depending on where you are located. Finally, it’s important to factor in the cost of transportation. Is there public transit? Can you walk to work? Do you need a car? This can make a big difference in your monthly costs.

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3 Moving Hacks So Smart, Even MacGyver Would Be Proud

When it comes time to move from the old place to the new one, everyone could use a few handy moving hacks … even MacGyver.
Sometimes, there are things about moving that we don’t consider until it’s too late: duct tape, bubble wrap, etc.
We’ve got your back, so you’re ready when you’re hit with the unexpected. We’ve got a list of moving hacks here that would make even MacGyver say, “Hey! I never thought of that!”
Moving can be a headache, and no one likes it—but with a few good friends and a few handy tricks, you might make MacGyver proud.

1. Snacks as Moving Hacks

Not only are snacks like Pringles and popcorn tasty, they can also come in seriously handy when it comes time to move.
Once you’ve polished off the chips, those Pringles cans are indispensable for packing up pens, pencils and the conglomeration of stuff in your “junk drawer.” These handy cans can hold a number of loose items that would otherwise end up rolling all over of the floor of your moving truck.
And when you run out of packing peanuts or bubble wrap, good ol’ fashioned popcorn—which is also dirt cheap—is a terrific substitute. Pop a few kernels and use it to fill up the empty space in your boxes of fragile items.

2. Stretch It!

When you’re carrying stuff down to your truck, going in and out of the house, few things are as annoying as having the door slam on you over and over—potentially even locking you out of the house!
Your best bet to fix that problem? A simple rubber band. Hook one end over the inside knob, turn the knob so it’s in the “open” position, and then you twist the band in an “X” over the latch and hook the other end to the outside knob.
Rubber bands also come in super-handy for keeping small boxes closed or binding clothes hangers together by their hooks.

3. Plate It Up

When you’re packing up your kitchen, you have to be extra careful with plates and glasses, so they don’t get broken en route to your new home. Sure, you could buy those foam squares that are meant to separate your plates and keep them safe, but that can be expensive.
Instead, buy a party pack of foam plates at your local grocery store. They cost just pennies, and they’ll protect your dishes better than foam squares or newspaper.
And when you get to your new place, you also will have something to eat off of while you’re unpacking.
http://www.realtor.com/advice/3-moving-hacks-smart-macgyver-proud/






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