By Jasmine Dyoco
SpouseLink Guest Blogger
No matter what time of year you’re making a move, being a Military Family moving to a new city can make you feel completely out of place. Not only do you have an unfamiliar house, but being a stranger to the area can also make it hard to relax, and you might even literally be lost at times. However, with a few simple steps, you can regain your sense of direction and get settled in quickly, which can help you feel at home.
1. First Things First
Ensuring your home is safe and secure is a simple but effective way to help you feel more at ease in your surroundings. You Move Me recommends changing the locks in your new abode when you first move in. Also, take some time to locate and check all the emergency-related items, such as the water shut-off valve, circuit breakers, and fire extinguisher. Examine the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order as well.
2. Do Some Organizing
As Military Spot explains, not everyone elects to have the military hire professional movers for the transition, or you might have boxes you decide to pack before the movers arrive. If you do, leave those boxes open for inspection, as the movers will be responsible for the contents. When your move is complete, try to do any unpacking as soon as you can and organize your new home to help you be more efficient. Set up essentials first, such as toiletries, clothes, and cleaning supplies, and then arrange your appliances and furniture. If you have youngsters, setting up their bedrooms will be a boon, giving them a place to go for play and rest.
3. Doggie Dilemmas
Canine companions can be particularly disoriented by the many changes and activities involved with moving. If you can swing it, Canidae recommends spending a few days at home with your dog to help with the transition. Take your pooch for a walk to help him become accustomed to the new surroundings. Try to keep the same routine he had in your old home, and provide his normal sleeping arrangements, bedding, and other belongings. While you and your pup are likely to be excited to go exploring together, avoid a trip to the local dog park until you have a chance to update vaccinations. It’s best if your dog is microchipped as a safety precaution, and make an initial visit without your dog to check to the rules and layout.
4. Around Town
The best way to really get a taste for the local culture is to get out and explore. Start by becoming familiar with your basic resources, such as hardware stores, groceries, and big-box retailers. You should also check out area restaurants, delis, and coffee shops. Take a timeout from settling in and lounge a bit, chat with a waiter, and talk with a hostess. Another idea is to connect with the local public library and visitor center. These organizations are typically supportive and interesting, and you can learn a great deal about the best parts of your new town from folks who interact with a variety of guests every day.
5. Throw Yourself a Party
Have you had a chance to meet your new neighbors yet? Hosting your own open house event is a great opportunity to get to know each other. Ask everyone to bring a dish or offer finger foods and cookies. Make it as simple as possible so you can focus on chatting with everyone, and you won’t have to worry about a substantial mess. You can even center the event around a holiday theme, which will make it more festive. Decorating can help you feel more at home and will create instant conversation starters.
Relocating is always a challenge, but you can settle in quickly with a few smart strategies. Set up your new home properly, help your dependents get comfortable, and become familiar with the area. You will feel at ease in your new surroundings in no time.
If you’re still in the process of looking for a new home for your Military Family, companies like AAFMAA Mortgages Services can help guide you along the way.
About Jasmine
Jasmine Dyoco loves crossword puzzles and audio books, learning (anything!) and fencing. She works with Educatorlabs.org to curate scholastic information. Educatorlabs is a group that is dedicated to providing a resource bank to educators and students.
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