5 Important Things to Do When You Move to a New City

To get your daily routine back on track and ensure yourself a happy and comfortable life is quite a daunting challenge you need to face after moving to a new city.

Unfortunately, even after the removal van has departed and you have unpacked your household items, your stressful relocation experience is far from over. You need to transform your new property into a cozy home, a safe and reliable shelter for your dreams. And even when your new place becomes convenient and nice enough, your moving adventure will still continue – until you have adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings and your fresh new lifestyle.

There are many important things to do after you move to a new city but some of them are, without a doubt, of topmost priority:

1. Set Up The Utilities

If distance made it impossible or you just failed to arrange this issue prior to your move, turning on the essential utilities should be your first task. You cannot survive a day without electricity, gas and water, let alone deal with any of the other crucial necessities that need immediate attention. Make an appointment to have your utilities connected at the earliest opportunity – best of all on the day of your arrival.

Internet access may not be of primary importance but nowadays many people rely on it for their business activities and, of course, for connecting with relatives and friends. So, getting this service up and running during the first days in your new home will certainly be a must. TV is just for fun but if you intend to use the same provider for the Internet and cable, take the opportunity to have the services established together – you will surely appreciate some entertainment after a hard day work of unpacking and arranging your personal effects.

2. Renovate, Secure and Furnish Your New Home

It’s better to have any required repair works done or renovation projects completed before you have settled in and furnished your new home.

It is a good idea to have any upgrades of the electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems, insulation of roofs and windows, installation of special equipment (such as air conditioners or solar panels), as well as repainting walls and ceilings, done as soon as possible, because you will never be able to properly arrange and decorate your new home before all the desired renovation is over.

Remember to properly secure your new residence, as well. This includes security locks and alarms, as well as smoke detectors and lightning protectors.

Dispose of packing materials, clean thoroughly and tidy the premises well as soon as possible, so that you get your life back to normal really quickly.

Furnishing and decorating your living space will make it feel like home. Find the perfect place for your comfortable old furniture you have taken along and buy the modern pieces and convenient equipment you always wanted. Your home design will be complete when you arrange around all the little things you love – pictures and mirrors on the walls, favourite books and nice souvenirs on the shelves, lovely curtains and flower pots on the windowsills.  House plants and appropriate light will bring charm and vitality to your home while the ambient colours will reflect your taste and personality to help you create the perfect atmosphere of your new place. Every valuable item reminiscent of happy moments and beloved people will lift your spirits and encourage you in your new life.

3. Find Occupation, Get Health Care and Secure Education

What to look for when moving to a new city? Consider the various factors when securing these essentials but remember that the matter is really urgent.

Find A Job

People often move because of the opportunity for a better job. However, if you have not secured a job in the new city before your relocation takes place, finding one should be your first concern. A big city will, of course, provide a variety of options, so that you can select the most suitable occupation for you. If you have relocated to a small town in the country, you have probably chosen it for a good reason – already having an idea of what small business to set up or knowing that a specific industry which thrives in the region is appropriate for practicing your skills. Anyway, the Internet can help you research the professional areas you are interested in and qualified for unless there is a specific company you want to be hired by or a friend who can pull some strings for you.

Choose A Doctor

Your next most consequential decision should be to choose a good family doctor. The kind of physician you seek will depend on whether you need a primary care or a specialized doctor. Be extra careful – gather all relevant information, visit the available health care centres and ask for specific medical equipment if you need it. Also, trust the recommendations you receive above anything else. Friends or acquaintances in your new city will probably have useful personal experience to share while your previous family physician will give you professional advice. Do not forget to transfer prescription medicines, if relevant.

Opt For A Good School

You will certainly want to ensure a bright future for your children which can be interpreted as providing the best education possible. If you want to boost the academic development of your young ones, you will search for quality teaching practices in reputable schools. However, do not forget that the transition to a new educational facility will be difficult for your children and search for friendly environment in the hope that it will help kindle their thirst for knowledge and uncover hidden talents. So, research carefully the schools in your new area, visit the appropriate ones and try to get trustworthy recommendations.

Encourage your children to undertake new activities and avail of all the opportunities your new city provides – sports, arts or crafts, anything that attracts your precious angels.

4. Get to Know Your New City

It is in your hands to make the effects of moving to a new city predominantly positive. Your adjustment will be quicker and easier if you get involved in the community life in your new city or town. First, locate all the places in your new neighbourhood that you will need to visit on a daily basis. These include local businesses – various shops and service providers, as well as recreational areas and available entertainment such as cinemas and sports centres, coffee shops and different clubs for practicing your hobby. Visit various local events and participate actively in activities that attract you.

Take long walks when you find the time and find local landmarks and exciting places in your new city. Beautiful parks or interesting museums, traditional restaurants or large shopping centres – anywhere you can relax or enjoy some favourite activities of yours.

Don’t forget the local media. Subscribe to the local newspaper and check regional TV channels to learn recent news and become aware of social issues in your new city. You may want to join local forums on the Web or follow local blogs to better understand the community life and to get some good advice, too.

However, nothing you could possibly do and experience by yourself can compete with communication with the locals when it comes to adjusting quickly and effortlessly to your new life. For you will not only get inside information, but may also find dear friends.

5. Make Friends

To overcome depression after moving to a new city, you need to keep in touch with all the people you care about and to make new friends, too. Organize a housewarming party as soon as you have settled in – invite your old pals to share your first personal impressions of the new place and to have some fun together like in the good old times. But have your new neighbours come over, too – this is the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better and show your positive and friendly attitude. Be a helpful and considerate neighbour – assist the people next door and don’t annoy them deliberately.

Show kindness to your co-workers and to the parents of children who play or study with yours. Share experience, communicate freely and search for common interests that connect you. Common beliefs and preferences unite people, so try to join clubs and attend events that you like, hang out in popular places and be easily accessible.

Befriend your new neighbours and co-workers – with little efforts you will fit in well in your new surroundings!

Meanwhile, don’t forget that advanced technology allows easy communication even with people from all over the world, so call your old pals often and/or share your new experiences via your preferred social networks. While in front of the computer, spare several minutes to write a review and rate your removals – this will help many compatriots with their forthcoming relocation.

No list of things to do when moving to a new city will guarantee your successful relocation. But with your home ready and your adjustment in progress, you can finally relax and enjoy your new life. Follow the unfamiliar path that lies before your feet to discover happiness and good fortune in your new city!