If you’ll be moving soon, due to a job change, going to a new school, or retirement, there are a few things you should do in order to make sure that your move is as comfortable as possible. But, even after you’ve chosen a home in your new city, and know where you’ll be working, there is still more to do to make a home for yourself once you move somewhere new. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a big move, as well as how to get adjusted once you arrive in your new home.
Plan Ahead.
Before you move, spend a few weeks thinking seriously about what it is you want to accomplish in your new location. Think about the contacts and progress you want to make professionally, how you want your social life to improve, and activities that you’ll take advantage of while you’re retired. If you’re moving because of a job, go to the official website of the city often, so that you can keep track of the recreational activities that are available to you during your time off. It may also be a good idea to subscribe to local magazines and the main newspaper in the city a few months before you arrive, so that you’ll be aware of local news in the area, and can continue to find out about local businesses and recreation.
To keep your finances on track while you’re relocating, make sure that you’re in constant contact with your accountant, and/or are keeping accurate records of how much you’re spending and what you’re spending it on. Moving can be very expensive, and you’ll be much less anxious and worried about living in a new place when you know your finances are in order.
If you’re a part of any national organizations, be sure to contact the local chapter in the city you’re moving to; this is an automatic social opportunity to get to know more people in your new area, and it’s likely that you’ll have things in common with people who belong to the same groups or organizations that you do. If you already know the neighborhood you’ll be moving into, getting in touch with clergy from a local church that practices your religion is also a good way to acquaint yourself with people you may be spending a significant amount of time with once you arrive.
Be sure to send a change of address card to all your friends and family (and to the post office) about a month or so before you move as well. This way, your loved ones will know how to get in touch with you right away-and it will be refreshing and comforting to receive cards and letters from those who are familiar to you when you’ve just moved to a new place.
If you’re moving with your family, have a meeting or two to find out everyone’s feelings about the move, as well as ways that everyone can make the move more comfortable. Each family member will have their own concerns about moving to a new place, and when you know the things each family member fears or is looking forward to, you can make the move a smooth transition for everyone.
Make Yourself Comfortable.
Once you arrive, it’s important that you show yourself friendly if you want to develop a healthy social life in your new city. When your family gets settled in the new neighborhood, make it a point to meet the neighbors, even if they don’t come knocking on your door first. If your neighbors do stop by to welcome you, make sure that you’re friendly and pleasant, even if they ‘caught you at a bad time.’ Don’t be nervous or afraid to meet new people; let your neighbors see the real you-a friendly smile, or even extending a dinner invitation once you get settled can go a long way. If you’re moving with your family and have children, ask your real estate agent about the neighborhood(s) you’re considering before moving, to make sure that there are a number of schools nearby; this is usually an indication that children live in the neighborhood.
Even after your neighbors welcome you for the first time, make sure that you find time to be sociable or available. Take your dog out for a walk often, or run or ride your bike in the neighborhood often, so that your neighbors will see that you like being outside of the house often; they’ll be more likely to include you in neighborhood activities and invite you to dinner.
Volunteer at non-profit or church-based organizations is also a great way to meet people and get involved in your new community, and you’ll feel good knowing that you’re beginning your stay in your new place by giving back to others.
Volunteering is also a great way to ease your anxiety about being somewhere new; when you’re helping someone else, you don’t have the time or energy to dwell on your own fears and insecurities. There are a number of non-profit organizations that are national, such as the Salvation Army and Goodwill, so you can look online to find a branch in your new area that you’d like to contribute to.
Plan a visit.
Try to visit the place you plan on moving to as much as you can before you start packing. While newspapers and websites may give you a good idea of what to expect once you arrive, a close-up look at the environment, changes in weather, and the restaurants and shopping that your new city has to offer will let you know just what to expect once you arrive. It wouldn’t hurt to visit your new office building and meet some of the employees, or to attend a church service of club meeting in your new city, so that you can say you know someone in town once you get there. If you’ve been working with a real estate agent that is based in the city you’re moving to, you may want to visit as often as possible to look at new homes in a variety of neighborhoods before you make a final decision.
