Moving from Out-of-State? These Tips Will Help Your Family Settle In
Moving across town is difficult enough. When you’re moving to another state, your whole life is upturned. On top of packing up your house, you have to start a new job, enroll your kids in a new school, meet new friends, and find everything from a new grocery store to a new doctor.
It will all be worth it when the boxes are unpacked, but right now, there’s work to do. Use this guide to help you settle in after an out-of-state move.
Unpacking
A methodical approach to unpacking saves you from living out of boxes for weeks. Start by assembling beds and unpacking sheets, toiletries, and anything else you need to get through the first night. The sooner you unpack kitchen essentials like dishes, cutlery, and pots and pans, the sooner you can stop living on take-out.
There’s one more room you’ll want to unpack ASAP, and that’s the entryway. It doesn’t take long for this space to become a cluttered mess of shoes, coats, and keys, so hang a few hooks and set a catch-all basket by the door (which you can get on Amazon for under $15). It doesn’t have to be perfect right now, it just needs to be functional.
If you plan to renovate, wait to unpack the remaining boxes or decorate. Remodeling is easier the emptier your house is, and sticking things in a storage unit will spare your stuff from construction dust. Storage in Virginia Beach may be more expensive than you’re used to, but if you look for sign-up deals you can save quite a bit. At Simply Storage Virginia Beach, for example, customers get half off for the first three months.
Helping Kids and Pets Settle In
Moving can be confusing for kids and pets alike. As parents, it’s up to you to guide them through the move so they’re excited, not apprehensive.
Experts recommend moving during summer so kids easily integrate into a new classroom. Moving over summer break also gives you time to explore the neighborhood and learn about extracurriculars before your schedule gets busy.
When it comes to pets, take it slowly. Dogs and cats get anxious when moving, and it’s your job to make your pets feel safe and secure in their surroundings. Set up familiar beds and crates in a quiet area and stay home with your pets for a few days if possible. With you by their sides, your pets will feel confident to explore.
Meeting the Neighbors
The longer you wait to introduce yourself to the neighbors, the more awkward it feels, so don’t put it off. Taking walks around the neighborhood is a great way to meet neighbors organically, but you might miss some people.
Some families host an open house when they move to a new neighborhood, but if a party sounds exhausting after your big move, you can always drop a friendly note in neighbors’ mailboxes to say hello.
5 Things to Do in the First Month
Moving to a new state involves a lot of logistics. Handle these five tasks in your first month to avoid issues.
- Set up utilities: Call electric, water, gas, and internet providers before move-in day so all utilities are turned on when you arrive.
- Switch your car insurance: Your zip code has a big impact on car insurance rates. If transferring your existing policy comes with a price hike, look for insurers who bundle auto insurance with homeowner's insurance or other policies for a discount.
- Go to the DMV: Most states require drivers to get a driver’s license and register vehicles within 30-90 days of moving. Use an online search tool to find the nearest office.
- Find a doctor: It’s faster to see a doctor when you’re already an established patient. Find a primary care doctor now so you don’t have to wait when you get sick.
- Find childcare: Even if you’re a stay-at-home parent, it’s always good to have a babysitter on speed dial. ChildCare Aware has advice on finding a childcare provider.
Right now, your new city seems like a big unknown. But when you take these steps to settle in, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your new state feels like home.
Image via Unsplash
