It’s not easy to relocate your whole life to a place you don’t know. All of your friends, your family, your acquaintances, and even your favorite café at the corner, they are all going to miss you, and you are going to miss them. However, it’s important to keep in mind why you’re doing this – you’re doing it for a better, brighter, and happier future. Whether you’re moving with your loved ones or by yourself, there are many reasons why you would want to start this new chapter in the book of life.
But you need to prepare for it, and most importantly, you need to fall in love with your new town and make it feel like home. How the heck are you supposed to do that? Between all the stress of packing and moving, all the way to not knowing how your new community is going to receive you, this can seem like a daunting task. Not to worry, here are the foolproof ways to make your new town feel like home.
Do your research
First things first, if you are to call your new town your home, you need to know exactly where you’re headed and how the local way of life works. Don’t worry, you’ll get the chance to experience it first hand, but for now and especially in the months leading up to the move, it’s important to tend to some online research. Utilize the vast amount of data found on the internet to familiarize yourself with the local customs, the local culture, and everything you might be interested in.
Join online forums and ask every question that comes to mind – remember, there are no wrong questions. Learn about the town’s history and art scene, find out where the locals gather and research the local laws and rules to prep yourself and your family for a new lifestyle.
Let someone else handle the move
Moving can be extremely stressful, especially if you’re relocating to a whole other city instead of a few houses down the block. Now, there are two ways you can relocate: by hauling everything yourself across the country, or by letting someone else handle the move for you. There are pros and cons for both, but having a professional mover relocate you is a better choice if you want to get to know the destination. In expansive countries where different towns have different cultural makeups, such as Australia, this trend is prevalent.
In the Land Down Under, a family relocating from Gold Coast to Melbourne, for example, will have professional removalists from Gold Coast handle the move while they head out to the new city ahead of time to explore the local scenery, get themselves set up, and familiarize themselves with the community. Follow this example yourself and have a professional move your stuff while you and your family take the time to explore your new neighborhood and strategize your new day-to-day routine.
Organize a moving in party
Once you’re there, you know what has to be done – a moving in party! Organizing a moving in shindig is one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors and bring them all together under one roof, in a vibrant, laid-back setting. There are many ways you can go about this, as you can organize a big party and invite all of the people in the block, or you can choose to host a smaller gathering for your next-door neighbors.
Let your own personality decide. If you’re more of an introvert, then, by all means, get to know your neighbors one by one over time, and host several small gatherings. But if you like a good party, then be sure to invite all of the neighbors, and let the music play ‘till the morning light.
Take part in the local community
Moving on, you should not only connect with your neighbors, but you should also connect with the town and the local culture. And one of the best ways to do just that is to support local causes, volunteer, and become an active member of the local community. Head over to the local rec center or ask around the neighborhood what some of the local causes are, and how you can lend a helping hand.
Pick up a hobby with your neighbors
And finally, do get out and about with your new neighbors. Invite them to your backyard for some BBQ, pick up a round of golf on a weekend afternoon, or just do anything that will bring you closer together. Try not to assert yourself into their lives, but rather, give them the chance to invite you on your next gathering after the first date. Giving and receiving, that’s how lifelong friendships are made.
Parting words
While moving to a new town can be a daunting prospect, it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Use these tips to relocate your family stress-free, and most importantly, welcome this new town into your life, and your heart.
