Moving to a new city is bittersweet. You have a job to look forward to and a city to explore, but your friends and family are many miles away. It’s exciting and overwhelming all at once, and you can’t wait to start feeling at home in your new town. But first, there’s work to do.
These five steps will take you from a house full of boxes to a place you’re proud to call home.
Don’t put off unpacking
Decorating a new space is one of the best parts of moving. But unpacking box after box of dishes, linens, and office supplies? Not as fun. As tempting as it is to put off unpacking, deal with it while you still have momentum from moving. This is easiest if you labeled your boxes and packed according to priority level — if you’re reading this before moving, take note!
Unpack these high-priority items first:
- Pots and pans, dishes, and other kitchenwares.
- Bedding, dish towels, and bath towels.
- Toiletries and cleaning supplies.
- Tools.
- Electronics and chargers.
- Pet supplies.
- Clothing.
With the essentials unpacked, you can stop living out of suitcases and subsisting on take-out. But don’t stop yet: With the important stuff in its place, start deciding where to put low-priority items like seasonal decorations and recreational equipment.
Make it your own
On to the fun stuff: arranging and decorating your blank slate of a home. Start with the basics, like placing furniture to create traffic flow and hanging your favorite art. After you’ve gotten to know your home’s quirks, you’ll have a clearer vision for how you’d like to change it, whether buying new furniture, repainting, adding shelves and lighting, or a little bit of everything.
Get to know your neighborhood
Now that you’ve made your new house a home, it’s time to venture outside your four walls and explore the neighborhood. Say hello to neighbors you see (or knock on their doors if you’re feeling brave), scope out the local green spaces, and find the closest coffee shop and grocery store.
If you have kids, include them in the introductions. A new neighborhood is a big, scary place for small kids, but you can ease the transition by venturing outdoors with your children and connecting them with local activities and play groups.
Help pets settle in
It’s not only humans who feel a little nervous in a new town. Your dog or cat is likely to exhibit post-move anxiety too, but you can help pets settle in by maintaining routines and spending extra time with them. Pets may be extra clingy after a move, but with care and attention, they’ll accept the new place as home. Start exploring the neighborhood with your pup right away and look for local dog parks where he can exercise. Once he’s in the park, keep a close eye on him and how he’s interacting with other dogs. If you notice signs of anxiousness or other dogs being aggressive, it may be time to take him home.
Contact these services ASAP
You’re almost done, but first, make these essential connections in your new town:
- Your car insurance company: Most states give 30 days to update your car’s registration, but in order to register, you’ll need proof of in-state insurance. If you’re new to the state, familiarize yourself with its minimum coverage requirements, then shop for a policy — obviously, there are a lot of car insurance options, so shop around to find what works for your lifestyle and budget. Depending on where you’re moving from, you may pay less for the same level of coverage.
- A primary care physician: Instead of waiting until someone gets sick, find a doctor in your health insurance network, and schedule new patient visits ASAP.
- A veterinarian: The same advice applies if your pet needs a doctor. The AVMA explains how to find a new veterinarian.
- A babysitter: A good babysitter is worth their weight in gold. Give yourself plenty of time to find a sitter you trust by starting your search now.
- A handyman or handywoman: You can count on discovering at least a few minor problems when moving into a new house. Ask your new neighbors for recommendations — it’s a great way to break the ice!
There’s no shortage of things to do when you move to a new town, and it’s not over once you’ve taken these steps. Expect to spend a year settling into the new location before it starts feeling like home. That may sound like a lot of time, but in a new city, you’ll have no trouble finding things to do!
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If you came across this article before you moved, or if you rented first but now ready to buy a home, give Alex Galitsky a call 407-284-1213 and he can help you every step of the way. From getting pre-approved and finding a mortgage with best rates and terms , to finding that perfect home and negotiating a great deal. To Learn more about Alex, visit http://TopOrlandoRealty.com