So, are you getting ready to swap cities? It is a common right of passage for most people to leave the city of their youth to attend college or start a career, and the lights of a new city can be both daunting and exhilarating. It is also common for families to move to new suburban city to establish a nest as kids arrive and budgets changes. Maybe you are looking for open space, a quieter life, or a better school district for your children. Or, maybe you are relocating because a job promotion requires you to move to a new city. There are many reasons why you might move to a new city, and the acclimation process is not always easy.
With a move to a new city, which essentially is a complete lifestyle shift, there is more to it than just packing up your belongings and calling a professional moving company. Nope, because there is often mental and emotional anguish involved because all that you new is left behind, from friends to favorite hangouts, to a familiarity with a place that defined you for so long. It might even seem like your own identity is changing. You had the rhythm of YOUR city all figured out, and now you must adapt to the pace of a new setting, and that requires time.
No kidding, it is possible you will need a therapist as much as you need a real estate agent while contemplating the move to a new city. The biggest issue for many people is that they wrapped their life around favorite restaurants and bars, social spots and clubs, and the security that a friend or family member was available whenever a crisis occurred. These familiar places might have been only a short walk, drive, or Uber-ride away, and they are nowhere near your new habitat.
The fear also exists that the art and culture associated with your former city will evaporate when you move to a new city, especially if you are moving to a suburban city. However, always remember that a rewarding life is for you to own, regardless of where you life, and new experiences and challenges only add to a rich life. Furthermore, do not forget that you are the architect of your life, and you can construct it in any way that you find comfortable regardless of whether your address is on lamp-lined Main Street or within a tree-lined suburban community.
Explore Your New City
Spend some time scouting your new community to figure out the neighborhood’s vibe. Check out the parks, community centers, and the local coffee shop. Attend some community events, the local farmer’s market, or any place in which locals gather, and talk to people while you are there.
Greet your Neighbors in Your New City
There is no better way to scout your new city then through the wise eyes of your neighbors, who have lived in the area longer than you have. Ask them about the area’s hidden secrets, lively spots, and the best places to shop, eat, and play. In addition, communicating with your neighbors when you move is good etiquette and could prove to be beneficial down the line. Neighbors can watch your house when you are on a vacation or business trip, or feed your pet while you are away for a few days, or lend you something in an emergency, whether you need a cup of sugar, an extension cord, or a specific tool.
Make New Friends When You Move to a New City
In the Internet age, there are countless ways to meet new people in your new city, and you can find these new friends in any category, according to your interest. Here are some options for meeting new people in your new area:
- Meetup.com is a great place to meet new friends in thousands of categories that you can fine-tune to your interests, age group, and area. Group members schedule real-world events throughout the year, and real people meet in the real world to have fun or support a specific cause.
- If a move to a new office corresponds with a move to a new city, go out of your way to meet your co-workers. Schedule lunches with as many people as possible, which will immediately improve your professional career through networking, and eventually improve your social life, when your peers begin to invite you to happy hour events and weekend activities.
- Continuing education classes at community colleges open up doors to meet new people. Do you want to learn Latin, Web design, or sculpture? The door is wide open to learn a new craft that intrigue you or helps your professional career, while meeting other folks who share your same interests.
- Volunteer with a local organization to assist your new community and make new friends. Soup kitchens, animal shelters, community festivals, parks and recreation organizations, the Red Cross, and a myriad of other places need your help. Helping others feels goods and puts you in good company.
- Join a local running, hiking, or book club. Every community has their clubs, which help people to organize and do fun activities together.
Practical Things to Consider When Moving to a New City
Acclimating yourself with your new city is very important, but don’t get so caught up in the adventure that you forget the practical things that are required when moving to a new city. Here is a list of things you must do when transitioning to a new residence:
- Inspect Your Boxes and Furnisher for Damage: As you organize your move, put together a household inventory. An inventory will help you determine if the moving company damaged or lost any of your possessions during the transition to your new house. Use your inventory sheet (over your photographic memory) to inspect every box and each piece of furniture as it arrives to your new home. Make sure that all of your belongings make it to your residence in one piece, without breakage, dents, or significant scratches or tears. If you find something during the move, tell your moving company about it immediately. In addition, as you unpack your moving containers, write down all broken and damaged items, and contact a manager at your moving company to expediently resolve the issue.
Professionally licensed and insured moving companies will work hard to resolve any issues regarding damage in a way that is in your favor. The moving company may pay to replace the damaged item, fix the broken item, or help you submit a claim through the moving company’s insurance policy. I the moving company refuses to assist you with the matter, file a complaint against the mover, and check to see if your homeowner or rental insurance covers the cost. Remember, accidents occur during any move, so be kind as you look to resolve the issue, but also make sure that you have the insurance (including additional coverage) to avoid heartache and inconvenience if an important possession is damaged or lost. - Prioritize Your Post-Move Tasks: Make a list of all the things you need to do within the first week of moving to get your new residence in order. Prioritize the order of activities, which includes a plan for unpacking and assembling, in order of need. Make a checklist and schedule a few tasks to complete each day. With a prioritized plan, most unsettling and overwhelming feelings begin to evaporate.
- Set Up Utilities: When you move to a new city, you will have to set up utilities with a new utility provider, in most cases. Sometimes, the process is as simple as transferring service to your new residence, but that is not typically the case. You do not want to be in the dark, literally, or without water when you move into your new home because your life will be on hold as you scramble to get your utilities turned on. Most city-government websites offer information to new residents about the utility companies that offer service in your area.
Water, sewer, garbage, and recycling are usually offered by the city itself. Electric, gas, and cable providers are numerous and vary within each area. Usually, utility companies can start your services within three to five days of making the request, but do not take this for granted. Call utility providers at least two weeks before your move to ensure that the provider turns on the particular utility the day before your intended move.
During peak moving times, which include the summer, the beginning and end of the month, weekends, and holidays, the wait time to hook up services might require more time. The same is true for disconnecting services at your previous residence. You do not want to pay for utilities at two residences, so plan ahead. In addition, if you are starting service with a new provider, a deposit is often required, even for people with good credit. - Inspect Your New House or Apartment: Learn your new home. In particular, if you are moving into a rental home or apartment, you will need to conduct a thorough inspection for damage to the interior and exterior of your residence. Water issues are common, so check for plumbing leaks, faucets that drip, and commodes that run nonstop. If you are renting your residence, write down the issues on your rental inspection checklist and contact your leasing agent. If you purchased your house, check your home warranty and make necessary repairs immediately.
Plumbing issues lead to increased water bills, sewage problems, foundation issues, and damaged floors, ceilings, and walls. In addition, look for fire damage, holes and blemishes on walls caused by wall mounts from the previous resident, and ensure that the appliances work correctly. Furthermore, inspect the yard and cupboards for pests because you will want to eliminate the issues before they end up becoming a huge issue.
Furthermore, locate the fuse Box, gas shutoff, and main water supply shutoff. When accidental damage occurs to water lines, gas lines, or electrical outlets and wiring, you will need to turn off the water, gas, and electricity throughout your home until you find someone to make the proper repairs. The main fuse box is typically located in a closet or garage. The main water supply shutoff is usually located in the front yard somewhere and requires a special tool to turn it off and on. Your natural gas shutoff is located just before the gas meter. - Update your Address: Fill out a change of address form at the post office before your move, and call your bank, insurance company, and other important institutions to inform them of your new address, so that you do not miss any bills or statements. Furthermore, you will need to visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to update your new address on you license within 30 days of your move. Also, don’t forget to transfer your medical records and find a new pharmacy if you receive prescriptions on a schedule.
Throw a Party to Celebrate Your New Life in a New City
Finally, it is time to celebrate your transition to a new residence in a new city. Moving is hard, moving is expensive, moving is stressful, but the post-move celebration puts all of these things to rest. Maybe you had a 100 percent positive experience from the beginning to the end, but it is more likely there were at least a few bumps in the road along the way, but you can complete the moving experience on good terms by winding down and celebrating the beginning of your new life, which centers on your new residence. Therefore, a housewarming party is in order.
The term “housewarming” comes from the actual act of warming a home. Before we had electricity, and central heat and air, “housewarming” guests would bring firewood to a new community resident as a gift. The firewood was for the home’s wood burning fireplaces and furnaces. In addition, a housewarming party was a ritual activity, in which houseguests warmed the house with their warm bodies to repel evil spirits that might be lurking within the home’s corridors.
In the modern world, housewarming parties provide as a way for new residents to display their new home, reward friends and family members who helped with the move and the accompanying anxiety during the transition. It also provides an opportunity for you to meet new neighbors, and even receive a few needed gifts for your new house.
Traditionally, people throw a housewarming party within a month of moving into a new residence, and the gathering consists of friends, family, and your new neighbors. So, give your guests at least a two-week notice before the party, and try to choose a time that is most convenient for your most important attendees. Typically, the afternoon is the best time for a housewarming party because a get-together in the late evening might upset your new neighbors with unwanted noise instead of creating positive feelings with them.
You can have a potluck in which guests bring their favorite dish and drinks to share with other people who attend. Although, what matters most is that you enjoy yourself and unwind, while creating great memories, as this is the first significant occasion in your new home.
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