Does moving to a new city have to be stressful? The truth is there are a lot of variables that can give rise to negative stress, questions that in the past you wouldn't be able get answers for until you arrived in the new city. Fortunately, the internet is your friend and is well-equipped with tools and strategies that will ease your transition.

Here are three major phases for making a move to a big city go smoothly.

Research

Before you go—before you have even packed the first box—a little research can be very reassuring… and exciting!

If you have never been to your new city, there's a lot you can learn before you step foot in it. Start by learning about the neighborhoods of the city, each of which will have it's own vibe and price range. Business Insider recently listed 20 great big city neighborhoods, but there are many in every big city.

Once you've found a few neighborhoods to focus on, you can take a virtual walk down the streets. Google Street View will let you walk down the streets and see not only the building that holds your potential new pad, but also the next-door neighbors and the corner store.

And you don't have to take a place sight-unseen. There are a number of sites that can take you step-by-step through the process, including photos and floor plans. You can check out a dozen different apartments from New York City to LA all while sitting at your kitchen table with sites like: Trulia, Apartments.com, and Rent.com—among many others.

Pack Right

Moving to a new city is an opportunity to update and simplify, especially if you are combining households at the same time. You don't need to lug two can openers along with you, but don't be surprised if you discover sentimental attachments to unexpected things. Honor them, then move forward. (Preferably with only one can opener.)

There are a number of things to consider when deciding between hiring full-service movers or doing it yourself. Real Simple provides a detailed breakdown of all of the pieces of the puzzle. If you chose a professional mover, put time in to research the best deal for your situation. Recommendations from friends can steer you in the right direction, and be sure to get several bids. If you're going DIY, remember: labels, labels, labels.

Connecting

The people you know and hang out with are likely the biggest thing you'll miss about the old hometown. A close second will be the kinds of leisure-time activities available in your new city.

Find people who share your interests on sites like MeetUp. You are assured that the people you meet have something in common with you and want to meet new people.

Time Out is a multi-city site that can give you a feel for the life of your new city, long before you unpack. If you are on Facebook, you can "like" the news sites from that city and you'll start seeing posts about the new city along with updates from your aunt.

Finally, a word about leaving home for a new city. Remember to honor the place you are leaving. Whether you're nervous to leave or eager—or both!—the place you are leaving behind deserves a moment of appreciation. Love it or not so much, it will be easier to leave it if you say thank you, and goodbye.

Haley Isleib writes in Portland, Oregon, where she studied filmmaking at the Northwest Film Center. She loves travel and is an early adopter of any tech she can afford.