Moving is always an exciting experience, but it can also be intimidating. The physical move and subsequent unpacking are stressful enough, and getting used to a whole new life can take weeks or months.
With the stress that comes with moving, it is easy to forget that there are several steps you can take to start feeling part of your community as soon as you arrive.
Nowadays, people are less likely to engage with neighbors. This is even more evident in large cities, where there are always things to do, calls to make, and electronic devices that tend to isolate us more than we think.
It is exciting to have a new home, a new environment, new furniture, new colors, new paths, and, of course, meeting new neighbors.
Take this opportunity to turn your life around or eliminate aspects that you did not like about the place where you previously lived.
Moving does not just mean changing where you live; it can become an improvement in your lifestyle.
To help you make the transition a little easier, below are seven things you should do as soon as or even before moving to a new neighborhood.
Change Your Address at the Post Office
It is probably best to change your address at the post office a couple of weeks before moving.
Doing so will give you the necessary time for the change to be processed and instituted. Besides, you will receive your bills on time and not have to worry about late payments.
However, it is essential to notify the tenants or owners of your old home that they may still receive mail even though you no longer live there.
Communicate this courteously and plan to do regular check-ins to prevent mail from piling up and becoming a nuisance to new residents.
Introduce Yourself to Your New Neighbors
One of the first things you should do when moving to a new neighborhood is to get acquainted with your immediate neighbors and introduce yourself. It may sound too simple, but it is a significant first step.
In some cases, neighbors introduce themselves when they see that someone new has moved into the neighborhood, but feel free to take the first step if they do not.
Doing this will help you make an excellent first impression and give you the possibility to make new friends and ask them for recommendations about services in your community.
Explore the Area on Foot or by Bike
Before deciding to move to a new neighborhood, you should have a good understanding of the background, safety, and amenities of the neighborhood itself and the surrounding areas.
Although driving around will give you a broad overview, you will get a different perspective on foot or by bicycle.
It is an excellent idea to focus on your city’s downtown area, as it is likely where you will find most of the essential businesses.
Find New Healthcare Professionals in Your Area
While you may not need a healthcare professional immediately when you move, you will eventually need to find a new primary care physician and dentist.
This is often a difficult decision as there are often many options, and trust is a determining factor when choosing a medical professional.
Some good options would be asking your old doctor or dentist for a recommendation, asking your new neighbors which ones they go to, or visiting a practice, such as the “Los Lunas Smiles from Los Lunas, NM” office to see if you feel welcomed and relaxed.
Know Local Service Hours and Politicians
When you move in, some essential things to learn include garbage and recycling days, street cleaning, how to dispose of yard waste, permits requirements for activities around the house like yard sales, and more. Each city differs in terms of schedules and policies.
Visit Local Restaurants and Shops
When you move to a new place for the first time, it is not a bad idea to see nearby places where you could go to eat or do your shopping, as your kitchen will probably be a disaster for the first few days.
It is an excellent way to get out there, meet new people, and take some time off from the stress of moving.
Volunteer
Even if it is a couple of hours a week, any little help is welcome in any community. In addition to doing something for others’ benefit, you will have the opportunity to get in touch with new people and integrate into the new neighborhood.
Follow these tips, and you will see how you will adapt to your new neighborhood quickly and start your new life in the best way.
