Moving to a new town, city or even country can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re moving with kids too.
While the move itself can be stressful enough, you also need to make sure that you get to know your new area and can start to feel at home quickly.
Visit the area more than once
You’ve probably been to your new location in order to choose your new property. But these trips are often short and focused on the property. While there’s a lot you can learn about the area online (more on that later), you should take the time to visit as a family and start building your knowledge of the area, alongside some positive memories. If you have kids who are anxious about the move, make it an exciting trip where you visit the local attractions and spend a little money on them.
When you’re heading off on holiday, you want to know that your home is going to be as safe as possible while you’re away. Empty houses are a target for burglars, so how do you make your house look like an unappealing prospect?
Join online community groups
Most neighbourhoods have a Facebook group or NextDoor forums where local residents chat and ask for recommendations. Join these and introduce yourself, you’ll find that there are friendly people around who will welcome you to the neighbourhood and answer any questions you might have. It’s also a good place to find parents of the children at the new school. It can take the pressure off kids if they meet some of their new classmates in a social session first.
Keep your connections
Just because you’re moving doesn’t mean that you have to cut ties with your previous area. While it’s easy to get wrapped up in a house move, make plans with friends to catch up or have them come and visit you in your new place.
If your kids are missing their friends or family, arrange video calls or trips to see each other.
Introduce yourself to your neighbours
It’s often said that people aren’t as neighbourly or community spirited anymore, but that’s not necessarily the case. Sometimes people are shy or don’t want to disturb each other. Why not introduce yourselves to your closest neighbours, strike up a conversation and even take a small gift? It will get your relationship off to a great start and might make your neighbours a little more relaxed when you’re doing any noisy DIY. Having a friendly face to speak to can take away some of the loneliness of moving to a new place. Many people become good friends with their neighbours and socialise with them regularly.
Final thoughts
Moving to a new area can be an adventure. As well as planning your house move, don’t forget to take steps to ensure that you and your family are feeling comfortable in your new community. It can make all the difference when settling into your new life and home – simply consult Essex Removals for all your furniture and object relocation needs, with shipping and storage accounted for.
