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Moving to a new area is exciting, but it can
take some doing to make your new surroundings feel like home. Not only do you have a house to unpack, but
also you have a community to explore.
Here is how to feel less like a stranger and more settled in, both in
your new home and in your new hometown.
Clean,
unpack and organize. Making your new house feel like home can be a
daunting task, but sometimes the most difficult things can be simple underneath
it all. You Move Me recommends cleaning your new home before you
do anything else, lifting any residual grime previous homeowners left
behind. You can use a house-cleaning checklist to help
ensure you don’t miss any major points, but you’re better off hiring a cleaning
service for the job. In Santee, maid services charge an average of $108 - $215, depending your home’s
size. Next, you’ll need to unpack some belongings so you have
familiar items surrounding you can be a great step toward feeling settled. Unload your essentials and set up your key
furniture and appliances so your home is functional and do some organizing as
you go.
Get your bathrooms and kitchen up and running
since you need those areas for daily basics, and add your creature comforts
later. Pet owners can benefit from
hiring a dog walker (an hour-long
walk can cost you $22 - $27) to help ensure Fido doesn’t
get into anything while unpacking, or if you venture out to take in the town or
pick up essentials.
Learn
and explore. Getting
to know the area is another key to feeling at home. While you obviously can’t take it all in at
once, exploring local culture can help you feel oriented. For dog owners, this can be challenging. If you can’t bring your pup along, consider
hiring a pet sitter (the average cost of pet-sitting services is around $17 per hour) while you are out and
about, so he isn’t left alone right away.
Once you decide on arrangements, where should you venture first?
One idea is to visit some of the elements in
your own neighborhood you plan to use
frequently, such as the local library, a coffee shop, and the visitor’s
center. These basic features offer a
taste of what your new community offers and can help you feel welcome. Another idea is to familiarize yourself with
the area online so you can locate all the major assets of the new community. Simply exploring via the web can help you get
a sense of direction, helping you better navigate future comings and
goings.
Saying
“hello.” Becoming acquainted with your new surroundings
is more than maps, attractions and architecture. Make it a point to greet your neighbors, and if you belong to a
homeowners association get familiar with the rules. Take your kids and pooch along for a stroll
through the neighborhood, so everyone has a chance to get comfortable and say
“hello.” Another engaging suggestion for
getting to know your new neighbors is to throw a party. Think of it as an open house after you’re moved
in. Keep things casual! Think pitch-in, backyard barbecue, or game
day celebration. It’s a great get-to-know-you opportunity.
Doggy
dilemmas. Dog
owners have unique concerns when it’s time to settle into a new place. Transitioning into a new home can
be hard on your pup, so allow him some time for adjustment. Make sure you set up his necessities right
away and try to put them in areas where he would expect to find them. If possible, spend the first few days at home
with your dog. It can help him to see
this change is permanent and feel reassured you aren’t going to leave him
somewhere strange. The Spruce suggests
keeping your dog’s routine as normal as possible
throughout your move and while settling in so he feels secure.
It’s exciting when you’re making the
transition into a new place, but it also presents challenges. Do some unpacking, organizing and exploring
to feel at home in your new surroundings.
Before you know it, you’ll feel settled and comfortable.
By Natalie Jones