Moving involves changing your residence. Some people move to a different home within their current community while others move to another part of their state or country. In some cases, people may even opt to move to another country. You may need to move because of a work transfer, change in personal circumstances, or change in your relationship status. Some people also choose to relocate for their retirement.
Over 32 million Americans relocate each year. Once the move is complete, the next challenge is getting settled in your new location. Use these steps to simplify the process of moving and settling into your new home.
Visit in Advance
Visit the city you’ll be living in before you move there. Spend some time exploring the area and learning about the community. Many cities have visitor information centers where you can get maps and brochures about community activities and tourist venues. Accessing this information may help you identify areas in the city where you want to live.
Tourism offices can provide information about restaurants, grocery stores, and other venues, such as churches. When you visit, you can check out restaurants and shops. Familiarizing yourself with local businesses may help you identify neighborhoods you could move to. Moving is one of the most stressful life events that people experience. Familiarizing yourself with the location will simplify the moving process, which can help reduce your stress and increase your comfort level in your new city.
Pick a New Home
Work with a local realtor to find a new home. Real estate agents can help you locate properties you can purchase or rent. Working with a realtor is an excellent option if you aren’t familiar with your new city because your realtor can provide practical information to help you find a neighborhood where you’re comfortable.
It’s ideal if you can visit your new home in person before moving there and spend time exploring the area. This way, you’ll be able to access necessities when you move in and won’t have to spend as much time researching the area to locate the services you need.
Simplify the Move
If you’re moving to Fort Myers, for example, Google “self storage in Fort Myers, FL” to find an affordable storage unit. Storage units can be used to secure household possessions or vehicles. When you rent a storage unit, you’ll be able to visit the storage unit during their operating hours to add or remove belongings.
Some storage units are open 24 hours a day, while others close overnight. Storage units come in different sizes, which means you won’t need to pay for space you aren’t using. U.S. Self Storage provides information about several storage venues you can choose from to ensure you find the best storage facility for your personal needs.
If you have children in school, part of your family may stay behind at your old location while you or your partner move to the new home. You can opt to put some of your belongings in storage to simplify the initial move. This way, the parent who’s moving first won’t need to unpack all of your possessions on their own. These items can be moved when the school year is over.
It can also be helpful to rent a storage unit in your new city. If you need to move before you secure a new home or need to stay in a rental property until you take possession of a house, you may want to store your belongings to avoid moving them twice. You may also need to secure long-term storage if you own a boat or don’t have room for all of your vehicles at your new home.
Seek Support
One of the most challenging aspects of moving can be losing your support system. If you had friends and families in your old city, you might be lonely. Seeing a therapist can be an effective way to receive support as you adapt to your new home. If you’re moving to Washington, for example, Google “therapists in DC” to find a certified counselor or psychologist in your area. You’ll be able to discuss your concerns about loneliness and the stress of moving with your therapist.
Your therapist can also help you develop coping strategies if you have social anxiety or other mental health issues moving could affect. You may also opt to find a therapist before you move using teletherapy services. Teletherapy is therapy provided over the phone or via chat. With online therapy, you can retain your current therapists or find a therapist you can work with before, during, and after your move. You may also want to find a family therapist who can work with your children and spouse.
If you’re religious, you may benefit from finding a new church, mosque, or synagogue you can attend. The religious leader from your former place of worship may recommend a new worship center or provide you with a letter of introduction to a new congregation. Some religious organizations also have social groups you can join, helping you make friends in your new city.
Be Active
Find venues where you can engage in your preferred activities. If you took yoga or pilates classes in your former city, find a new venue where you can continue these classes as soon as possible. Join a gym. Engaging in everyday activities will help you feel at home and make new friends.
Moving offers you the perfect opportunity to explore your interests. Sign up for new classes or join community organizations that focus on activities that appeal to you. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to join a bowling league or volunteer at an animal shelter. Perform web searches to find community-based opportunities you can pursue.
Even if you had a chance to visit your new city before moving, it’s unlikely you had a chance to see the entire city. Spend time exploring your new city to find hidden treasures you’ll enjoy for years to come, such as neighborhood bakeries, parks, bike trails, and shopping centers. Whether you’re out shopping and searching for the best women’s jeans or looking for the most popular beaches, knowing your new city better will help you feel at home.
Moving can be stressful and time-consuming. Visiting your new city before moving, working with a local realtor to find a new home, and simplifying the moving process can reduce your stress and make it easier to focus on getting settled. Building new friendships and receiving support from a therapist can also ease the transition to your new home.