Relocation to Dublin is at once an exciting and daunting prospect. Many are drawn here for career prospects, for education, or by the city’s great appeal. Dublin does history and present day together, tradition and innovation, warmth and the energy of a capital. But before you go into the rhythm of its cobblestone streets and lively cafes there is the issue of the move itself.
The Dublin Housing Puzzle
Finding out what home to get into is a big challenge. The housing market is very competitive, with listings only up for a short time. Many new comers are in a that of a short term rental, staying with friends, or even in an extended hotel stay while they search for something more permanent.
Once you secure that apartment or home you’ll notice the size may not be what you had in the past. In Dublin city center you are usually given less square footage which is a trade off for the convenience of city life. Thus when you come from a bigger house or from abroad you will have the issue of where to put all of your stuff.
Downsizing Without Regret
This is the stage where creativity steps in. In terms of what to do with belongings, individuals aren’t tied to getting rid of all that they love. While selling or donating is a great option to make space, some of their things may not be at a stage to let go yet. For those pieces which still have it in them to stay a little while longer, self storage units in Dublin offer a practical middle ground.
In a small apartment or when newcomers are in a rush to pack instead of going through a laborious process of what to put away and what to get rid of, they can use a storage facility which will hold onto furniture, seasonal decor, or those sentimental items until they are ready to use them again. Also modern storage solutions are very flexible which is great for people when they are in a transitional phase for a few weeks or several months.
Hidden Costs of Moving in Dublin
In addition to rent, Dublin movers also should plan for others which may come as a surprise. Security deposits which may be equal to one or two months’ rent. Also let go of some of their hard earned agent fees, use of moving vans, and setting up utility services. Also they may end up buying furniture, which is a must if moving into a place that is not furnished.
For students and young professionals, that may be very overwhleming, but careful planning is the key. Packed smart, borrowed a friend’s van, or use of shared community resources also will help to reduce expenses during the move.
Choosing Where to Live
For new residents the greatest challenge is choosing the right neighborhood. Dublin is a city which has a variety of areas each with their own personality:
- Rathmines is home to a large young professional and student crowd which is due to its dynamic social scene and mix of traditional and modern housing.
- Rathmines is popular with young professionals and students for its lively social scene and mix of old and modern housing.
- Ballsbridge and Donnybridge have a more up-scale feel with their tree lined streets and quiet charm.
- Smithfield has become a vibrant home to new apartments, cafes, and culture.
Before committing, newcomers should check out different neighborhoods.
Coping With Compact Spaces
Once a home is found the next issue is how to best use it. In Dublin especially within the old Georgian areas homes may present issues like narrow stairs or irregular room shapes. But into that comes solutions in the form of modular furniture, smart storage and a minimal decor which in turn can make what seems like small spaces feel very liveable.
Once again, short term storage is a key issue. As opposed to trying to fit all furniture into a small space which may not suit immediate needs, experts recommend storing what is not needed at present in a storage unit until more settled in, which in turn will give the space needed to design a home that is comfortable.
Settling Into City Life
Logistics are just the beginning. Once the boxes are in a different home, into the mix comes the Dublin experience. The city is small which makes it easy to get around via foot or bike and what you find is that at each turn there is a new discovery. From Sunday walks along the Grand Canal to digging through vinyl at George’s Street Arcade or seeing a show at Whelan’s, before long residents feel right at home.
For foreign transplants Dublin’s open and friendly atmosphere helps ease into the city. Neighbors are very much at service in terms of do’s and don’ts—that top pub, that quiet corner for a coffee, the best park for a Sunday walk. Also into building out neighborhood communities which in turn brings about that feeling of home.
Turning Stress Into Opportunity
Moving at all is stressful but in the case of moving to a city like Dublin individuals also open themselves up to the chance to redefine their lifestyle. They may find themselves downsizing which in turn means living more intentionally. They may find that in the search for a new home they end up in a brand new neighborhood. Even the task of sorting through belongings presents a chance for a fresh start.
Through the application of smart planning which includes wise budgeting, looking at storage solutions, and choosing the right area, newcomers may also adopt an open approach to all the city has to present, which in turn will transform the chaos of relocation into a very smooth and at times exciting new chapter in the life of the new resident.
Final Thoughts
Dublin is a patient and persistent city. As residents transpire into the balance of logisticking and feeling out what this new home brings they find a very alive and cultural hub which is more than just a place to put their things.
With smart prep and a few useful resources the transition is less overwhelming and more rewarding. Also at the end of the day moving to Dublin is about more than just getting boxes out of the truck—it is about jumping in head first into what this city has to offer which is a lot of community, creativity and change.
