A new chapter in life
Moving to a new city can be an exhilarating experience. It requires a lot of planning and preparation, which can be overwhelming, especially when you're doing it alone. I have recently moved to Mumbai and this new chapter in my life has been thrilling. I had high expectations and was also worried about how I would navigate my new surroundings. As a single woman who has lived in different cities over the last decade, I have learned a thing or two about moving to a new place.
The first thing I did before moving to Mumbai was to thoroughly research the city. I wanted to know everything I could about the place I was going to call home. I read about the culture, the food, the nightlife and even the traffic and, trust me, that was a shocker. How does a city manage to have traffic at 2 AM?
I started with a checklist of things to do before moving, which included finding a place to live, buying and renting the furniture, getting my belongings from home and setting up my new life in the city of dreams.
While it isn’t easy, know that you’re never alone. Here are a few tips I can share from my experiences:
Pack smart, not hard
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind is to pack wisely. Start by making a list of the essential items you'll need to get through the first few weeks, and then gradually add to it. I only took the essentials and made sure to pack clothes that I would actually wear, including office wear, casual wear, home wear, party wear and ethnic wear. I also packed a first-aid kit and all my important documents, such as my passport, driving license and bank papers. Consider the climate of the new city and pack accordingly. Remember to leave room for souvenirs and items you'll accumulate along the way. Don't forget to label your boxes and keep an inventory of what's inside each one. Packing wisely will not only make the move less stressful, but also save you time and money.
Here’s a checklist of things to carry:
• Pack an emergency first-aid kit
• Bring necessary medication
• Bring original official documents, such as your driver's license, passport and insurance documents
• Bring your bank account details, including cheque books and safety deposit box keys
The hunt for the perfect nest
One of the biggest challenges I faced when moving to Mumbai was finding a suitable place to live. The real estate prices in Mumbai are high, and finding a place within my budget was not easy. While it took me a while to find the perfect place, eventually I did, and it was worth the effort.
Another thing to consider when moving to a new city is your commute and its cost. Since I work in the city centre, I had to look for a place that was close to my office. I also had to factor in the cost of transportation. After considering all my options, I decided to live close to my office, which made my daily commute more convenient and cost-effective.
It's easy to romanticise a city or a place, but it's important to balance this with practicality. While I was excited about living in Mumbai, I had to be practical and consider factors like safety, affordability and accessibility.
Finding your tribe: Meeting new people and reconnecting in a new city
One of the advantages of moving is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends who live there and make new ones in the city. I was fortunate enough to have a few friends living in Mumbai, and meeting them helped me settle in quickly. They showed me around and introduced me to new people, which made me feel welcome and less lonely. Every weekend I explore iconic restaurants that define the city’s food culture and the hidden gens at every nook and cranny with my old and new friends.
The joys of exploring a new city solo
However, it's also important to learn to enjoy your own company and explore the city on your own -- walking around, trying new restaurants and visiting local attractions. After a few weeks of settling in, I stepped out of my comfort zone. Whether it was taking a stroll in a local park, wandering through the bustling streets of a neighbourhood, or visiting a museum or art gallery, exploring solo helped me discover myself in the new surroundings. So put on your walking shoes, and embark on a journey of self-discovery in your new city.
