- Moving House? Every little bit helps
- Bishops Move & Masons Removals: a winning collaboration for Removals in Cardiff
- How to safely move house with your pet
- Relocating to a new office in 2024? We have the tips and tricks to make it a success
- Masons Removals Operations Director, Richard Mason, brings heart to every move
You finally made the big decision to move to a new city! Good for you. But there’s still a mountain of things to do before you move. Starting with some pre-move research will make the transition easier.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with the wealth of info online, we get it. That’s why we’ve taken the hassle out of the search with the 5 most useful ways to learn about a new city before you move.
1. Dive into online databases
Familiarise yourself with the city by searching city databases, websites, community forums, etc. City websites are a rich source of information and can include guides for tourists or new residents about restaurants, local supermarkets, public transit, and recreational activities.
For a deeper understanding, browse through online databases dedicated to collecting and analysing info on UK cities. An example is The Office for National Statistics, the UK’s largest independent producer of official statistics. They collect and publish statistics related to the economy, population and society at national, regional and local levels. They also conduct the census in England and Wales every 10 years.
2. Determine the best mode of transport for work and play
Research the public transport in the city to determine if it’s necessary to buy a car or use public transport. If you decide to drive to work, Google Maps will give you accurate traffic estimations down to the day and hour. If you choose to take public transport, check out the routes and schedules of the local public transit.
Besides the commute to work, decide how you will explore the city with your family, and research the public transportation to get to different places keeping each family member in mind. Once you have transportation sorted, it’s time to explore! A great place to start your adventure is at historic sites like buildings, battlefields, monuments, parks, gardens, shipwrecks and more. Check out Historic England for some ideas.
3. Good schools indicate goodness
Whether you have children or not, researching the schools in your new city can be a helpful indicator of the care the residents put into their community. Good schools often point to residents who value their neighbourhood.
If you want to learn more about schools in the city you’re moving to, specially private ones, take a look at Talk Education – a central guide to the best schools across the UK and even further afield.
4. Scrutinise crime rates
Before moving to a new city, it’s imperative to delve into the crime reports. Many city police departments publish this information on their official website, and if rates aren’t available online, you can usually obtain some information over the phone. If you are moving to a city in the UK, below is a list of websites you can visit to gather more crime information:
5. Locals have the low-down
Asking the locals is a great place to get a real-world understanding of what it’s like to live in the city. You can obtain this information on social media platforms where you can find current residents and ask specific questions. Check out sites like Facebook, Instagram, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. Read through posts from residents on these pages to get insight into the things that matter to the community, and you may even find some friends that share your interests.
Relocating can be daunting, but some pre-move research can help put your mind at ease and allow you to take care of the finer details like, finding a reliable self storage company to store your excess goods. Use these tips to get familiar with your new address and start thinking like a local before you actually become one.
Bonus Section
Moving to Cardiff, Penarth or another charming area in the Vale of Glamorgan? Check out these resources
For those moving to the breathtaking Vale of Glamorgan in south-east Wales or to Cardiff, the Capital – we at Masons Removals know all about this region. It’s where we started our journey, expanded our reach and eventually earned the reputation as a leading removals company in the community while spreading our wings nationally and internationally.
We are community experts in all the vibrant cities and towns that make this county a treasured gem. If you’re moving to Penarth or moving to Cardiff, check out our guides to make your move easier.
Other resources for soon to be residents, include:
- Visit Wales: Ideal for scoping out tourist areas in the Vale of Glamorgan and the wider country.
- Visit The Vale: Perfect for a more localised experience with a focus on the towns of Penarth and Barry.
To get to know your Vale of Glamorgan town or city better, we recommend diving into Reddit forums. You will pick up unique insights hard to find on other online spaces. Check out what one user had to say about Cardiff:
“Small, compact city. Lots of nice parks. Easy access to nice landscapes like the Brecons and Pembrokeshire. Decent bars and restaurants. The bay and city centre are nice. Lots of government departments if you want to work in the public sector.”
If you’re looking for a professional removal company in Wales for a home or office move, either locally, around the UK or across the globe – we at Masons Moving Group, AKA Masons Removals, have a team of experts who will ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free. With over 115 years in the industry, we help you relocate anywhere in the world – whether it’s down the road or across oceans!
