By Emma Grace Brown
Guide to a Painless, Successful Relocation for Your Music Career
You’ve decided to take your talents to a new city. Maybe you’re moving to a music hub like Nashville, New York, or Los Angeles. Perhaps you’re moving to a more remote location to focus on songwriting and recording.
Whatever your reason and wherever you’re moving to, it’s essential to thoroughly prepare to avoid many of the relocation headaches other movers experience. Below, the Colorado School of Music outlines some proven tips for planning and executing a stress-free move!
Ensure It’s the Right Decision
First, think long and hard about your decision to move. You’ve probably done this already, but it won’t hurt to reevaluate your situation and confirm that relocating is the best decision for your career and personal life. And if you have a family, it’s especially important to consider how the moving process and life in your new city will impact everyone’s daily lives.
Be Selective in Your House Hunt
Once you’ve confirmed moving is the best decision for your family, it’s time to start finding a home that meets everyone’s needs. Many factors go into choosing the right property and neighborhood. For example, your home should be close to your great schools, work, and essential establishments (e.g., pharmacies, markets, restaurants, etc.). And the neighborhood must be safe.
The home’s layout also matters. Ensure the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, floorplan, and other characteristics align with your current and future goals. Further research the rental rates and house prices in your desired area so you can plan accordingly. For example, the average home in Golden, CO is $338 per square foot.
Hire Movers
You may want to save money by going the DIY route, but that’s a quick way to add unnecessary stress to the relocation process. Try to budget for professional moving services, and it will pay off big time.
Conduct research and connect with several movers in your area. Read customer reviews and interview two or three different companies to get quotes and determine the best fit. Some movers may even offer credits or discounts.
Get a Storage Unit
If your family is like many others, you won’t be able to take all your belongings to the new home. Consider finding a self-storage unit in your new area for items you’re not ready to part with. Look at various facilities to find the best price; this may be a good resource. For instance, you can book a 5 x 5 unit for $39 monthly in Denver, CO.
Start Networking Now
Musicians and songwriters flourish when they have a robust network of other professionals to rely on. Start building a community in your new city, and be proactive about meeting people as soon as you arrive. Connect with venue owners, promoters, marketers, designers, and other professionals who can help you build your brand.
Upgrade Your Site
You must treat your music as a business, and part of that is creating a stellar website that distinguishes you from other artists in your genre. If you do not currently have a website, or if it’s been a while since you updated it, now is the time to take the leap. You can use a free or affordable website builder and have a unique-looking, efficient site in no time.
Start Packing
Finally, take your time packing your belongings for the move. The longer you have, the better you can organize your items for a stress-free unpacking process.
Label all your boxes, so the movers know exactly where they go in the new home, and remember to pack similar items together to avoid confusion. You can find cheap packing supplies through sites like eBay and Amazon.
Conclusion
If moving is the next step to propelling your music career, start planning your relocation today. Take time to find a home that will be your family‘s needs and hire professional movers to reduce stress. Look for an affordable self-storage unit in your new city and start building your professional network. Then, you’ll be ready to upgrade your website and pack for your new chapter!
Would you like to read more helpful content or learn about our in-person and online private music lessons? Visit ColoradoSchoolofMusic.com today! We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons and vocal lessons as wells as some orchestral instruments.
