| Moving to a new community can be a great | | | | |
| adventure, if you go with the right attitude | | | | File away all documents related to the move. |
| and a sound strategy for settling-in. | | | | You'll need them for verification of moving |
| Incorporate these tips into an action plan, | | | | expenses at tax time. |
| and you'll stay focused, organized and | | | | |
| proactive-just what's needed to put roots | | | | Call your waste removal company or department |
| down fast. | | | | of sanitation for a trash collection |
| | | | schedule. |
| Before You Go | | | | |
| | | | Open a bank account and arrange for a safe |
| Complete a change of address form with the | | | | deposit box, if needed. Obtain a local |
| post office, which can be done online at the | | | | driver's license and transfer the vehicle |
| United States Postal Services website, | | | | registration. Register to vote. Call the |
| You'll also want to send your new address to | | | | local Board of Elections for information. |
| any publications you subscribe to, as it can | | | | Take a tour of your neighborhood to become |
| take up to eight weeks for the change to | | | | familiar with your new surroundings. Learn |
| become effective. | | | | the routes to work, school, grocers, etc. |
| | | | |
| Contact the Visitor's Bureau for materials | | | | Help Your Children Adjust |
| about your new town, which should include a | | | | |
| map. Identify important routes, such as those | | | | Maintain family routines. Kids will |
| between your home and your office or your | | | | appreciate the continuity of family life. |
| child's school. | | | | |
| | | | Involve the kids. Allow them to select new |
| Make initial contact with childcare | | | | furnishings or decorate their rooms. |
| facilities. Depending on the area you move | | | | |
| to, you may need to put your name on a | | | | Take your children to the local playground. |
| waiting list. | | | | If you move during the summer, it's likely |
| | | | they'll make friends there, which should ease |
| If possible, enroll your children in school. | | | | the transition to the new school. |
| Firm plans will reduce the stress. | | | | |
| | | | Try to be home when the children return from |
| Pack a box with essentials for your first few | | | | their first day at school. Kids feel |
| nights, such as prescription medicine, | | | | reassured when a parent is there to hear |
| toiletries, a telephone, clothing, towels, | | | | about their day. Watch for signs of |
| toilet paper, and bed linen. | | | | adjustment problems. These can manifest as |
| | | | trouble making friends, academic |
| You'll also want to make arrangements for to | | | | difficulties, and irritability or depression. |
| have utilities transferred to your name or | | | | |
| turned on. In addition, you will want to set | | | | Get Involved in the Community |
| up appointments to have services such as | | | | |
| telephone, cable and high-speed Internet | | | | Spend time outdoors. Neighbors may greet you |
| connected. | | | | and come by for sidewalk chats. |
| | | | |
| Upon Arrival | | | | Walk your dog in an area where you see other |
| | | | dog owners congregating. Schedule an |
| For safety and peace of mind, change the | | | | after-work coffee or dessert hour. Invite |
| locks. You never know who has a copy of the | | | | neighbors to drop by. Choose a place to |
| house key. | | | | worship and get involved; consider doing |
| | | | volunteer work. Select professional service |
| Locate emergency services - police and fire | | | | providers such as doctor, dentist and |
| stations and the closest hospital. | | | | veterinarian. |
| | | | |
| Hang drapes or curtains to give you some | | | | Find out if your community has a Newcomers |
| privacy. | | | | Club. Your local library is a good place to |
| | | | start. |
| Select one room, perhaps the family room, as | | | | |
| a place of refuge. Make it a cozy space, free | | | | Join a club or take up activities you enjoyed |
| of unpacked boxes, empty cartons or anything | | | | before the move. |
| else move-related. | | | | |
| | | | Take a job-related class to develop new |
| Stock the fridge with prepared entrees and | | | | professional contacts and update skills. |
| the makings for no-fuss meals. | | | | |
| | | | Don't hesitate to contact your real estate |
| The First Week | | | | professional for more ideas or information |
| | | | about your new community. By re-establishing |
| Check with the post office to see if they are | | | | daily patterns and developing ties soon after |
| holding mail for you. Finish sending out | | | | arrival, your new environment will begin to |
| change of address to credit card companies, | | | | feel like home. |
| clubs, associations, friends and family. | | | | |