Tried and True Tips for Getting Settled in a New Town

Every year, around 35 million Americans say “sayonara” to their home or apartment and head out on a new adventure. Sometimes, these relocations are work-related; people also move to be closer to friends and family or for a fresh start. Whatever your reason, one thing is certain: It will take time to get settled into your new surroundings as you relocate to a new town. 

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First Things First

Before you pack your bags and boxes, start by networking with your future new friends. You can use platforms like Meetup.com and Facebook to connect with other North Atlanta residents with interests similar to yours. 

Remember to transfer the utilities or launch new services, get the kids enrolled in their new schools, and forward your mail from the post office. You’ll want to spend some extra time researching internet providers. Keep in mind that 5G internet can be up to 25 times faster than traditional 4G. 

Also, something many people wait to do until the last minute is to switch their car insurance. This is a bad idea for many reasons. First, Georgia may have different minimum coverage rules from your old location. Just as concerning, some areas have more dangerous roads than others, so it pays to know what you’re getting yourself into.

Over the Threshold

So, you’ve made it to your new home. Congratulations! This is great, but there’s still a ton of work to do. Your first priority is to unpack the kids' stuff. This way, they will have something to keep them entertained while you tackle the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. If you arrive late in the afternoon, at the very least, get the beds put up and the refrigerator plugged in. When you wake up the next morning, you can prioritize your other rooms, and the unpacking process will feel a lot less daunting since you have had a full night of sleep in your own bed.

By now, the kids are probably getting bored. This is a perfect opportunity to take a walk around the neighborhood. Getting outside is one of the best ways to meet your neighbors and to acquaint yourself and your family with your new neighborhood. If possible, walk to the local park or head down to the school playground, where, depending on the weather, you are likely to run into your children’s forthcoming classmates and their parents. This is also a great time to familiarize yourself with all the great local businesses, including restaurants, in North Atlanta.

Don’t forget to help your dog settle in, as well. Rover smartly suggests keeping them with you while you explore the neighborhood, but take things slowly. At home, stick to the same arrangement of their bed, toys, and crates to foster familiarity. They are naturally going to be a nervous wreck for the first few days, but trust that they will acclimate to their new home in time, and probably sooner than you.

Moving is a big deal, and it is especially hard on kids. You can ease some of their concerns by waiting until the end of the school year before moving, especially when it means moving out of state and away from everything they know. But, even if you can’t wait, you can still smooth out the transition by making new friends before arrival and exploring the neighborhood as soon as the keys are in your hands. A new adventure in North Atlanta awaits!