Moving to a new city is not an easy decision, especially if you don’t know the place. That’s why more and more people are opting for a trial period: a temporary stay that allows them to discover the neighbourhood, get to know the neighbours, understand the cost of living, and, with this information, decide whether or not it fits their lifestyle.
With seasonal rental companies such as Spotahome, this trial period is straightforward, as they offer furnished and well-located accommodation without the need for a long-term commitment, which reduces the initial stress.
Why do a ‘trial run’ before moving?
Living in a city for a few weeks or months before settling down permanently has its advantages:
- Make informed decisions: you can get to know the different neighbourhoods before buying or renting long-term.
- Assess the quality of life: in terms of transport, leisure options, safety, and the local atmosphere.
- Adjust to your actual budget: check how much you spend daily on food, transport, and entertainment.
- Build a network of contacts: make friends or professional contacts to ease the transition.
Accommodation: your base of operations
Where you stay during this period is key to the impression you will have of the place. Fortunately, Spotahome allows you to book verified flats and rooms, with real photos and videos, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
When choosing temporary accommodation, keep the following in mind:
- Strategic location: prioritise areas where you plan to live permanently, preferably well-connected to public transport and close to the services you usually use.
- Services included: ask if the price covers electricity, water, and internet bills to avoid unexpected expenses.
- Flexibility of stay: opt for contracts that allow you to extend or reduce the duration without high penalties.
Live like a local
During your trial period, get around the city like a real resident to get a feel for what everyday life is like there.
Apps such as Citymapper and Trainline make it easy to plan routes on public transport. Many cities also have bike and electric scooter rental shops, such as London’s public bike service or the e-scooter system in Bristol and Nottingham. Use them to familiarize yourself with the streets, assess road safety, and measure distances.
A key part of this “trial move” is to live as you would in the long term. Here are some ideas to help you integrate:
- Explore local shops: supermarkets, street markets, and independent cafés.
- Attend community events: fairs, markets, concerts, or sporting activities.
- Take part in cultural tours: agencies such as Sandemans New Europe or City Sightseeing offer guided tours where you can learn about the history and culture of the city.
Assess practical aspects
Beyond the initial charm, this trial period is ideal for paying attention to certain key aspects, such as:
- Cost and availability of permanent housing.
- Job opportunities.
- Essential services like hospitals, pharmacies, schools (if applicable), and sports centres.
- Safety and environment.
- Timing and seasonal considerations.
Budget and expense control
To realistically assess the cost of living, keep track of your expenses during your trial stay. Write down how much you spend on temporary rent, transport, food, leisure, and extra services (gym, memberships, etc.).
You can use apps such as Monzo or Revolut to categorise and track your expenses daily.
Conclusion: Try before you commit
Trying out a city before you move is an investment of time and money that can save you a lot of trouble in the future. This strategy allows you to find out if the climate, pace of life, opportunities, and environment suit you.
With modern tools and specialised services — from seasonal rental companies to transport apps and cultural tours — planning and living this experience is easier than ever. Ultimately, the best way to know if a place can be your home is to live there, even if only for a few weeks, and let the experience speak for itself.