Moving across the country is a huge deal! Follow the tips below, and you will feel settled in at your new home in no time.
1. Find Your New Doctor
You never realize how many things you are connected to in your home city until you have to move away. Though a doctor’s appointment probably isn’t the first thing on your mind when you just moved cross-country, finding one in your new city ASAP will make things easier on you when you actually need it.
The same goes for dentists, eye doctors, gyms, hair salons, and vet. You can either research these professionals in your neighborhood or ask your new neighbors or co-workers for their recommendations.
2. Register Your Car
Once you arrive in your new state, be sure to register your car there. States usually require you to register vehicles between 10 days and a month after you move, so make your trip to the local DMV right away. You might need to switch to a new driver’s license, too.
3. Explore Your New City
One of the fastest ways to acclimatize yourself to your new city is to explore. Go on walks around your neighborhood and then the rest of the city in order to get a feel for the area. You will get a sense of how locals do things and start to orient yourself with the landmarks and layout of your new home.
Exploring on foot is also a great way to stumble upon places that can become your new haunts. Cafes, restaurants, shops, medical offices, the list goes on. There is no better city guide than your own two eyes!
4. Unpack Everything
Moving a long distance can be exhausting and overwhelming to the point that you would rather relax in your new home instead of unpacking. However, don’t leave those boxes for too long! Putting everything in its place can help you feel more at home in your new house.
Not having piles of boxes cluttering your space can also relieve some of that post-move stress. Plus, if you unpack right away, you won’t have to hunt for things you need!
5. Update Your Address
When you move, make sure to get your mail forwarded from your old home to the new one. You should also change your address on things like your credit cards, magazine subscriptions, and other companies that send you frequent mail.
If you don’t have a permanent address in your new city yet, you might want to forward your mail to a loved one’s house for the time being.
6. Make New Friends
Having to leave your support system is one of the scariest parts of moving. That’s why it’s important to try and make new friends right away when you arrive at your new home.
Introduce yourself to neighbors, join a club, or get friendly with new coworkers for an easier transition.
7. Acclimatize Your Pet
Moving cross-country is jarring enough to people, but it’s extra tough for pets. They don’t know what to make of it! To ensure your pet gets acclimatized to your new home, let them explore the house and show them extra affection.
Try to avoid leaving them alone for a long time if you can. Just like humans, pets take time to feel at home after a move!