You may be going to Delhi for your job, or your spouse has been transferred there, or it may just be your dream to move to a new address. Whatever may be the reason, moving to a new city can always be challenging and intriguing. With an estimated 9.8 million people residing in Delhi, the entire process can be overwhelming in terms of both time and energy. Delightful Delhi, as some call it, is defined by ancient monuments that are legendary, a myriad of cultures, fascinating art galleries, lively shopping streets, museums that one would visit again and again, noteworthy Government buildings, and eating places that fully satisfy your taste buds.
1. Do Your Homework
You can save a great deal of your time if you research well in advance about Delhi. In today’s net-savvy world, you can find out about everything under the sun on the Internet, so make good use of it. Your kith and kin can also provide you with valuable information about the new city. It’s a thoughtful idea to visit the place well in advance for a couple of days and get as much information as possible about what it has to offer to you, or what it doesn’t! Check the amenities that are easily accessible in your neighbourhood, and how far away you will be from healthcare and entertainment options.
2. Shrug Off The Extra Baggage!
Now is the right time to get rid of all the unnecessary items in your house. Give away your family’s unused belongings to make some space for new things. If you’re starting from scratch, and are going to live in a room on rent in Delhi, you would need your space. Packers and movers will only be able to fit in so much!
3. Manage Your Finances
A vital decision like moving into a new city like Delhi would surely require you to calculate your living expenses and prepare a budget for yourself so that you don’t end up finding yourself in a fix. Keep some money aside in safe custody that will suffice you at least 3-6 months so you don’t have to worry about the expenses in case they happen to exceed your budget. Factor in the amount that a house on rent in Delhi may cost you and calculate all other expenses around it.
4. Get Accustomed to Delhi
Once you have relocated and figured out everything about your new city, be it the closest grocery outlet, medical shop, gadget store and whatever else you need, you may feel overwhelmed by the big city. Break loose from the blues of relocating to a new place by getting out for a breath of fresh air, and to experience your new life. Get to know about life in Delhi by personally experiencing it!
5. Be Prepared for the Weather
Delhi experiences extreme weather. It either tends to be too cold or too hot. During the months of May to July, the temperatures can soar up high accompanied with dust storms, making the region very dusty due to which most activities are conducted indoors during these months. During the monsoon season, the temperatures tend to lower a bit due to frequent showers. The months from October to March, however, tend to be the better months in the city due to the mild temperature during that period. December and January tend to get pretty nippy, so do come equipped with woollen clothes and warm bedding and upholstery.
6. Choose the best mode of Transport
Before or right after you move to the city, do a recce of what kind of transportation suits your daily schedule best – public transport, or your own private vehicle. The Delhi metro, which offers a safe and efficient way to get around much of the city, acts as a boon to Delhiites. This rail transit is the cheapest, and undoubtedly the fastest way to travel in and around Delhi. Apart from this modern system, it is also connected by various forms of public transport like auto rickshaws, radio taxis and buses.
7. Job Opportunities
After moving into a city, hunting for a job can be a complicated and stressful process. So plan ahead before you settle in. Delhi is truly a city of opportunities and is buzzing with life, culture, and an exciting new job scene. Having emerged as a major destination of IT-enabled services, thousands of jobs have been created. Several MNCs have also sprung up in the newer parts of the city. Furthermore, Delhi now has a vibrant start-up scene, and is a haven for up-and-coming artists and designers.
8. Opportunities for Education
Delhi is an education hub that attracts students from the regions of northern, central and eastern India. Here, you will find several elite schools that prescribe CBSE, ICSE, State and International curriculums. Since transport can a little arduous in the more populous parts of the city, specifically searching for a residence close to the school you prefer for your children is a advisable.
9. Develop a Social Support Network
While talking to the locals and long-time residents of the city is the best way to get to know a city, it could be nerve-wracking proposition to someone who’s just moved to a new place. So if talking to strangers is not your cup of tea, the Internet is always present to help you out! There are several online groups, websites and forums that can help you out to make new friends and keep you updated about events happening nearby. The faster you can build a support network, the more you will feel at home, and the happier you will be with your decision to move.
10. Be alert of Touts and Scams
New residents unaware of local practices can fall prey to touts and scams. A tout could be just about anyone – from your auto rickshaw driver to your hotel manager, or anybody who is getting a commission from having you spend money! However, Delhi is also a city of warm, generous citizens among whom you will find a lot of people who will genuinely help you without asking for anything in return, so being overly cautious will kill the purpose of travelling, that is to explore and connect with new people.
Delhi is an incredible land of historic significance and great energy that offers something for everyone. The food, the culture, history and everything else are fascinating. And, most importantly, the services by packers and movers in Delhi efficiently assist you in making your move a smooth migration. Keeping these pointers in mind, you can be assured of relocating hassle-free without worrying about anything. With a unique perspective on life and work, architecture and human diversity, you are sure to fall in love with this beautiful place!
Credits for images used in this blog post (unmodified):
‘Bada Gumbad view’ by Thangaraj Kumaravel: http://bit.ly/1L1WSve
‘Connaught Place sunset’ by Ville Miettinen: http://bit.ly/16tXPvu
‘HUDA City Center station’ by varunshiv: http://bit.ly/22GPWMy
