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Moving to a new community can be a great adventure,
if you go with the right attitude and a sound strategy for settling-in.
Incorporate
these tips into an action plan, and you’ll stay focused, organized
and proactive—just what’s needed to put roots down fast.
Before You Go
- Complete a change of address form with the post office, which
can be done online at the United States Postal Services website,
usps.com. You'll also want to send your new address to any publications
you subscribe to, as it can take up to eight weeks for the change
to become effective.
- Contact the Visitor’s Bureau for materials about your new town,
which should include a map. Identify important routes, such as those
between your home and your office or your child’s school.
- Make initial contact with childcare facilities. Depending on the
area you move to, you may need to put your name on a waiting list.
- If possible, enroll your children in school. Firm plans will reduce
the stress.
- Pack a box with essentials for your first few nights, such as
prescription medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels,
toilet paper, and bed linen.
- You’ll also want to make arrangements for to have
utilities transferred to your name or turned on. In addition, you
will want to set up appointments
to have services such as telephone, cable and high-speed Internet
connected.
Upon Arrival
- For safety and peace of mind, change the locks. You never know
who has a copy of the house key.
- Locate emergency services police and fire stations
and the closest hospital.
- Hang drapes or curtains to give you some privacy.
- Select one room, perhaps the family room, as a place of refuge.
Make it a cozy space, free of unpacked boxes, empty cartons or anything
else move-related.
- Stock the fridge with prepared entrees and the makings for no-fuss
meals.
The First Week
- Check with the post office to see if they are holding mail for
you. Finish sending out change of address to credit card companies,
clubs, associations, friends and family.
- File away all documents related to the move. You’ll
need them for verification of moving expenses at tax time.
- Call your waste removal company or department of sanitation for
a trash collection schedule.
- Open a bank account and arrange for a safe deposit box, if needed.
- Obtain a local driver’s license and transfer the
vehicle registration.
- Register to vote. Call the local Board of Elections for information.
- Take a tour of your neighborhood to become familiar with your new
surroundings. Learn the routes to work, school, grocers, etc.
Help Your Children Adjust
- Maintain family routines. Kids will appreciate the continuity
of family life.
- Involve the kids. Allow them to select new furnishings or decorate
their rooms.
- Take your children to the local playground. If
you move during the summer, it’s likely they’ll make friends there,
which should ease the transition to the new school.
- Try to be home when the children return from their first day at
school. Kids feel reassured when a parent is there to hear about
their day.
- Watch for signs of adjustment problems. These can manifest as
trouble making friends, academic difficulties, and irritability or
depression.
Get Involved in the Community
- Spend time outdoors. Neighbors may greet you and come by for sidewalk
chats.
- Walk your dog in an area where you see other dog owners congregating.
- Schedule an after-work coffee or dessert hour. Invite neighbors
to drop by.
- Choose a place to worship and get involved; consider doing volunteer
work.
- Select professional service providers such as doctor, dentist
and veterinarian.
- Find out if your community has a Newcomers Club. Your local library
is a good place to start.
- Join a club or take up activities you enjoyed before the move.
- Take a job-related class to develop new professional contacts
and update skills.
Don't hesitate to contact your real estate professional for more ideas
or information about your new community. By re-establishing daily patterns
and developing ties soon after arrival, your new environment will begin
to feel like home
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