There aren’t many people who move to New York City thinking that one day they’ll leave for greener pastures or a bigger apartment. Loving and leaving New York doesn’t have to be about you, or that weird guy sitting next to you on the 2 train. It happens every single day. All of that said, when is the right time to leave New York? We have some ideas about the topic and when the timing might be right. If you’ve already made the decision to go, working with out-of-state movers in NYC can make the transition much smoother.
When you’re out of New York more than you’re in New York, and it’s a choice.
If you’re visiting friends outside NYC whenever you can (and not just in summer or for holidays), maybe you’re just in New York because you have a job in the city. Unless you work in a field that’s specific to NYC, don’t worry about finding a job — they’re everywhere and you could likely find work in another town and save yourself the exorbitant cost of housing, groceries, and specialty cocktails.
When the opportunity of a lifetime comes around.
Life is strange how you can be perfectly satisfied to stay put until such a career opportunity presents itself, especially when you weren’t looking to. But when you get a job offer out of nowhere and it’s not hell but somewhere that you’d actually like to live, you’d be almost stupid not to take it or at the very least, think about it. And if you’re struggling to make ends meet in New York, you’d be borderline out of your mind not to consider it. More on that next.
When you’re barely scraping by, and your debt is sky-high.
The cost of living here is exorbitant, and if you’re reliant on credit cards because you can’t afford rent, utilities, and basic living costs each month then leaving town may be the rational choice. Getting out of debt isn’t easy, and relocating away from New York could reduce your costs in half or more, once you’re in the black, you’d be able to save money, too.
When you find that you no longer want to explore the city.
The beautiful thing about being in New York is access and exposure to the unseen. Five massive boroughs contain a patchwork of neighborhoods to be explored. When your boss scores you free orchestra seats to Hamilton or another hot Broadway show and you’d rather stay in for a Bridgerton binge, you’re likely not capitalizing on all this city has to offer. And I don’t mean a lazy day or night once in a while because we all need that. And if you’re not getting all that you hoped for, or paid for, from New York City, paying that big rent check every month is even agonizing.
When the bad days far outweigh the good days.
Ask some New Yorkers, and they’ll promise you that the worst days imaginable are bad days in New York, but on good days in New York, the euphoric highs are better than anywhere in the world. The truth is we have bad days in NYC like we have bad days everywhere. But when frustration occurs day in and day out and you find yourself dreading leaving your apartment and always concentrating on what is negative, that’s a sure-shot sign that something needs to change.
Granted, in order to live here, New Yorkers have to put up with a whole lot of B.S., and the fabulousness of life in New York (what with having anything and everything at your fingertips, being in the thick of a cultural mecca, living somewhere where the very essence of inspiration lies around the corner on every block, etc.) should redeem the challenges and annoyances. When it isn’t, it’s likely time to look for a new address.
If being here is seriously impacting your mental or physical health.
The studies estimate that one in five New Yorkers has depression or some other mental health disorder. That’s not surprising. Winters are lengthy, pitch-black, and frigid. It can be isolating living in an apartment. And though you’re never really alone in the city, sometimes you feel forlorn and friendless because everyone’s busy, distracted, and caught up in themselves. It’s called survival. And… NYC is intense, loud, and crowded, thus for introverts, the City is mind-numbing and intimidating. All of this can impact mental and physical health, whether you recognize it or not. Only you know when you’ve reached your limit, but my advice is to follow your instincts. Just know that if your body and mind are telling you it’s time to leave New York, it’s time.
When you gaze at the skyline and feel nothing.
And no matter how long you’ve called this place home, that glorious skyline should be a reminder that you’re lucky to live in a place that many consider to be the greatest city in the world. When you look up at Lady Chrysler, One World Trade, and the Empire State Building and no longer feel inspired, fortunate, and motivated to seize all of the myriad opportunities that this city offers, then it might be time to move on.
There — and if it’s time to go, remember — New York’s not going anywhere. There are scores of natives and transplants who leave and never return, but many return for visits or a flat-out return after taking respite elsewhere. There’s something so beautiful about a city that embraces every person, whether it’s the first time or the 100th time, with open arms, and that’s one of the reasons millions of people fall in love with New York, to begin with. Isn’t it?
FAQs
1.. How do I reduce my moving stress?
Preparation is essential — budget, research new places, and hire a reputable moving company to oversee all aspects of the logistics. Decluttering ahead of a move can also make things move along more seamlessly.
2. What’s the optimal approach for selecting a moving company for my move?
Seek moving companies with experts in long-distance moving, positive customer reviews, and transparency in pricing. Getting quotes from different companies may guide you to the one that suits you best.
3. How do I get ready to leave New York?
You may start by scouting new locations, securing a job if needed at the new destination, budgeting for moving costs, and hiring a reputable company to transfer your belongings.
