Unless you are one of the few lucky people who have neighbors that come up to your doorstep as they watch your truck get unloaded with a welcome basket, settling into a new neighborhood may seem stressful for you. Here are three tips from the moving pros to help make your transition much more enjoyable!

1. Throw a housewarming party

   Pass out invitations to your neighbors for a simple lunch-in at your new house. Prepare some drinks and refreshments or mixed drinks and hors d'oeuvres, greet your community members and discover how quickly you can go from being a “stranger” to a welcome member of the neighborhood. If you have children, plan a playdate with the local kids to allow them to also grow accustomed to the new environment.

2. Create Opportunities

   When presented with the chance, greet your new neighbors. This can be while your children are waiting for the bus, you’re going for a walk, or while you are outside on a summer day. There’s a good chance that someone else is doing the same thing. Take that opportunity to strike up a conversation explaining how you’re new to the area and watch how a friendship can emerge.

3. Explore the area

   Along with a new house, your new neighborhood offers a wide variety of new places to explore. Try going out to a new restaurant, wander around the local shops, or attend a community event. Get involved with the community by participating in local affairs. If you take the initiative and become familiar with new places, chances are you will meet some new people along the way and settling-in will become enjoyable.

For more actionable information to help you with your transition, take a look at our city guides. If we don’t have a guide that you would like to see email us at imlachcollins@gmail.com