Making Yourself at Home: Tips for Settling into a New City

Anyone who has ever packed up their belongings and relocated to a new city knows that getting settled in and familiar with strange new surroundings is, first and foremost, a process that takes time. You have to orient yourself and learn how to get around, which will probably involve getting lost two or three times until you’ve got it figured out. Then there’s finding out where the nearest grocery and pharmacy are, not to mention the dry cleaner, the veterinarian, the daycare…the list goes on.

But knowing where to get milk and drop off prescriptions is just a small part of getting familiar with a brand new environment. To really get comfortable you need to jump right in. Making a point of meeting people and trying new things will help you flourish in your new home.

Perform some safety checks

Upon arriving at your new home, you’re going to want to run a few safety checks. You should test all existing fire alarms to make sure they’re working properly and have new batteries. It’s also a good idea to have all your locks changed, so look up a locksmith in your area. You should also check your heating, cooling, and electrical systems to make sure they’re performing properly.

Don’t default to your ‘comfort zone’

It can be tempting to slide back into old habits and routines – your “comfort zone” – when surrounded by the unknown and uncomfortable. Try seeing this change in your life as an opportunity to grow and learn, try new things and get to know new and interesting people. If you love Chinese food, give Indian a try if you find there’s a really good Indian restaurant nearby. Or check out the local football team to get a real taste of local flavor.

Connections

It’s always easier to fit into a new lifestyle when there’s someone to show you the ropes; steer you toward parts of town that suit your interests; where the best shopping can be found, and provide other information that only locals would know. Try networking with someone in the local branch of your alma mater’s alumni association or the local veterans organization if you were in the service. Through social media you may even run into someone you knew years ago in a former life.

Find a pet pal

Moving into a new home and getting accustomed to a new town can keep you pretty busy and away from your pet, who will also be affected by the upset and commotion of the move. Finding a local dog walker or pet sitter can free you up to make the social rounds while your furry friend is kept company by someone with plenty of experience keeping other people’s pets happy. This could prove to be one of your most important finds, since you’ll need the services of someone who’s good with animals when you have to be at the office late or traveling on business.

Extend your normal routine

It may take some time before your daily routine involves something more than work and home. Until you have a social circle or at least someone you’re comfortable hanging with, your life probably will be restricted to the “8-to-5-and-home-for-the-evening” routine. Look for an alternate space where you’re comfortable, perhaps a bookstore or local coffee shop. This can be a place where you connect with others or just a space where you can relax and indulge in a favorite hobby or do some quiet reading. At the very least, it should be a space that gets you out of the house for a while.

Go for a stroll

Getting to know a new city requires more than zipping around in your car from destination to destination. To really learn where things are, like where to find good fresh baked bread and the best park for dogs, you need to use your feet. Follow your nose for a while. Make a point of walking through neighborhoods and some of the more interesting parts of downtown. You’ll begin to get a real gut-level (and street-level) feel for your new hometown.

Get back to basics

Once you’ve found ways to get more comfortable in your new surroundings, you can focus on other important tasks that will help you settle in. Here are a few to consider:

—Find a dentist in your area by using an online locator.

–When it’s time to get help with home projects, ask around for a recommended handyman or search online.

–If you’ve moved to a new state, make sure your car is insured properly, and become familiar with the requirements including penalties, liability and proof of insurance. The cost of auto insurance varies by location, insurer, and type of policy, so compare rates before making a decision.

–Keep your new place (and its residents) safe by installing a security system.

Give yourself time to get comfortable in your new surroundings. It’s easy to give in to alienation, isolation and loneliness when you’re the new guy or girl in town. Accept that this is a normal reaction and one that will go away once you’re more comfortable. Until then, focus on getting your new home set up (one room at a time) and making it feel like home.

Thanks to Alexis Hall of SingleParentInfo.com

Carol Gilles of the RealEstate Group, has been helping her clients with neighborhood information as well as referrals to service professionals since 1979. Contact Carol whether you are moving across the street or across the state.  She can be reached at 310-864-9738 or Carol@CarolGilles.com