By Natalie Jones
Packing up and moving to a new city is a grand adventure. A new town means new things to do, new people to meet, and new sights to see. However, settling into a new city is also a little scary. When everything around you is unfamiliar, it can be tough to find your footing. You’re not alone navigating this big change in your life. Countless people have packed up, moved cities, and thrived doing it. These are some of the best tips for making your new city feel like home.
Updating Your Car Insurance
If you’re moving to a new state, you’ll need to switch your car insurance as soon as possible. Every state is different in terms of laws and regulations, so it’s important to research what they are in your state before shopping for insurance. Then, you can start searching for the plans that are available in your zip code, which is an important factor in determining your plan’s rates. From there, you can decide which coverage you really need and how to save the most money by obtaining multiple quotes. Getting your car insurance taken care of early will give you peace of mind as you settle into your new city.
Finding Work
If you moved before lining up a job, you have a challenge ahead of you. On one hand, you need to generate income quickly to gain financial stability in your new home. On the other, accepting the first full-time job that comes along could threaten your ability to find work that matches your interests and qualifications.
Consider entering the gig economy to make ends meet while you look for work in your field. Gig economy jobs have a lot of flexibility, which means you’ll still have time to send out resumes and attend interviews for full-time jobs. Dog sitting is one great option when you’re new to town, because you effectively get paid to meet your neighbors! Even if you’re a stay-at-home parent looking for side work, a side gig dog sitting is a great way to get to know your community.
Don’t Forget Fido
Speaking of dogs, there are steps you should take to help your best four-legged friend adapt to your new city as well. First, be sure to keep your pet’s belongings and set them up in your new space. A familiar bed and favorite toy can go a long way in making Fido less anxious about the move. Then, before you head out to explore nearby dog parks, make sure he’s caught up on his vaccines and that he knows basic commands like sit and stay.
Learning the Lay of the Land
You’re going to get lost a lot during the first weeks in a new place. However, that doesn’t mean you should stay in! Accept the adventure and spend time exploring the streets of your new neighborhood. Go on walks, try local restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and supermarkets to find your favorites, and drop into community events that pique your interest. You’ll not only learn your way around, but you’ll also get a feel for the local flavor.
Settling Into Your Home
If you’re not comfortable in your house, it will be hard to feel comfortable in your community. In addition to logistical tasks like cleaning, organizing bills, and updating your home’s safety features, you’ll want to decorate so your new place feels warm and familiar. However, that doesn’t mean replicating the interior design of your last home. To adapt your décor to the new house, factor in the home’s color scheme, floor plan, and traffic flow.
Before making any design changes to the exterior of your home, follow Trulia’s advice and check with your homeowner association. An HOA can be your friend or foe, and the last thing you want is to start off on the wrong foot.
Making Friends
Finding friends is one of the toughest parts of moving to a new city. When everyone around you has established social networks, it’s hard to break in and form meaningful relationships. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! As Realtor.com points out, the best way to meet new people is by joining groups that align with your interests. Whether that’s a parents’ group, a hobby-focused meetup, a faith community, or a community garden, you’ll meet like-minded people who, in time, could become lifelong friends.
Don’t forget about the kids! Helping your children make friends goes a long way to easing their apprehension about moving. Encourage kids to spend time playing outside so they can meet other neighborhood kids. When you talk to neighbors, ask them if they know of families with children the same age as your own. Enrolling kids in extracurricular activities is another way to help them make fast friends who enjoy the same hobbies.
Finally, be patient with yourself! It takes time for a new city to truly feel like home. You might feel a little out of place for the first few months or even the first year. As long as you’re getting out, meeting people, and engaging with your community, you’re heading in the right direction.