Feel At Home Faster After You Move

Moving to a new community can be a great adventure, if you go with right attitude and a sound strategy for settling-in. Incorporate these tips into an action plan, and you’ll stay focused, organized and proactive—just what’s needed to put roots down fast. Before You Go Complete a change of address form with post office, which can be done online at United States Postal Services website, usps.com. You'll also want to send your new address to any publications you subscribe to, as it can take up to eight weeks for change to become effective. Contact Visitor’s Bureau for materials about your new town, which should include a map. Identify important routes, such as those between your home and your office or your child’s school. Make initial contact with childcare facilities. Depending on area you move to, you may need to put your name on a waiting list. If possible, enroll your children in school. Firm plans will reduce stress. Pack a box with essentials for your first few nights, such as prescription medicine, toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, toilet paper, and bed linen. You’ll also want to make arrangements for to have utilities transferred to your name or turned on. In addition, you will want to set up appointments to have services such as telephone, cable and high-speed Internet connected. Upon Arrival For safety and peace of mind, change locks. You never know who has a copy of house key. Locate emergency services – police and fire stations and closest hospital. Hang drapes or curtains to give you some privacy. Select one room, perhaps family room, as a place of refuge. Make it a cozy space, free of unpacked boxes, empty cartons or anything else move-related. Stock fridge with prepared entrees and makings for no-fuss meals. The First Week Check with post office to see if they are holding mail for you. Finish sending out change of address to credit card companies, clubs, associations, friends and family.