The excitement of moving to the spot where you want to spend your golden years is behind you. You are comfortable in your new home. Everything is just as you want it to be.
But then you look around and start wondering about adjustment after moving. Where to start building your new life? How to adjust to a new place? Will you ever truly fit in?
Adjustment after moving can be challenging at any age. It can be especially tough for people over 50, whether they relocate to a new property or a retirement community.
Discover ten things to do after moving into a new home to foster a sense of belonging and familiarity, from exploring local attractions to joining clubs. These tips will help you adapt to your new surroundings and settle into your new community.
You have researched your new place of residence before moving and may have even visited to get the feel of it.
When finalizing your move, remember to update your address with all relevant institutions and organizations. Depending on where you relocate, you may need to change your voter registration, register your car, and transfer your driver’s license. Adjustment after moving to another state also entails researching the tax residency rules.
If you’ve moved to a house or apartment, change the locks and double-check that all safety and security features are to your satisfaction.
A kind new neighbor may offer to show you around. Accept with gratitude! Having a local as a guide is the best way to find out where to buy fresh fruit or enjoy an afternoon cup of coffee.
Alternatively, venture out on your own and take time to understand the lay of the land. Set the location of the places to visit on your phone, from grocery shops and restaurants to parks and museums. If there is public transportation, figure out how to use it.
Knowing your new surroundings will minimize the uncertainties and help you feel more confident.
If you are looking for one single answer to the question “how to settle into a new community”, here it is: meet the locals and make friends.
Even if you are shy and withdrawn, meeting new people and making friends should be your top priority after relocating. This will particularly help with adjusting after moving. Social interactions are vital for our mental and emotional well-being. After all, humans are social creatures. We need meaningful and regular social exchanges. With a good support network, you will have someone to rely on should you need a ride to the doctor or simply a friendly chat.
The hardest part is to break the ice. Bake something for your new neighbors, throw a housewarming party, or take dance lessons. In short, step out of your comfort zone, go out and socialize. Settling into a new community happens much faster when you are open and social. Your new place will soon start feeling like home.
Don’t lose contact with your friends. In today's digital age, physical distance doesn't have to translate into emotional distance. Keep in touch with family and friends from your previous location through video calls, messaging apps, and social media.
You may schedule a video chat session, for example, weekly or monthly. This gives you something to look forward to and provides regular catch-ups. There is something special about talking with someone you’ve known for the best part of your life.
You may not need a doctor or a dentist yet, but find a healthcare provider that fits your needs as soon as you settle in. We tend to postpone looking for a new physician until circumstances force us to do it. But if illness strikes in a new city, it is crucial to know where to go. So, choose a primary care doctor and all other health providers you may require before any issues occur.
Don't hesitate to ask your neighbors whether they can recommend someone. It’s an excellent opener for getting to know the people in your community.
Daily routines foster a comforting sense of familiarity and help you settle faster when adjusting after moving. Carry on with your favorite hobbies and activities, but also mark your fresh start by including something new. Make a list of activities you think you’d enjoy and try them out to see what you enjoy most.
Simple routines you find pleasurable, such as taking a walk every morning or becoming a regular at your favorite coffee shop, will anchor you in your new community and provide structure to your day.
Say yes if a neighbor invites you to fly fishing, even if you’ve never held a rod in your hands. Say yes to a social event, even though you usually wouldn’t attend it. Say yes to an invitation to join a bird-watching outing, even if you can’t tell a sparrow from a swallow.
The experiences outside your comfort zone or your route can broaden your horizons and enrich your life.
Let your curiosity and adventurous spirit guide you in your new surroundings. You will meet new people and perhaps even discover a passion you didn’t even know you had.
Does a sports league sound like your thing? Or a wine-tasting group? How about a book club or a gardening group? Find out about the activities available in your community and join in. You will connect with people who share your interests, making it easier to forge new friendships and feel a sense of belonging.
Volunteering also helps you integrate into your new surroundings. Plus, you will benefit the community. When helping out at a local charity, participating in a neighborhood cleanup, or assisting at a community event, you'll meet people who are passionate about making a positive impact. Last but not least, numerous studies have shown that volunteering makes you happier.
The period of adjustment after moving varies in length. Some people take longer than others to adapt to a new place. It can be a matter of several months or a year. Don’t rush. Instead, take all the time you need. Adjusting after moving to a new place is a gradual process. Over time, your new home will become a cherished part of your life.
While adjusting after moving, nurture a positive mindset and enjoy the process. Focus on the positive aspects and make the most of your situation.
Start a journal about your new life. Note your feelings and observations. Write about the people you met, the places you visited, and the activities you participated in. Capture the excitement of starting a brand-new chapter.
You can also post your adventures on social media or start a blog to keep your family and friends updated.
Once fully settled, you may find it amusing to look back at how it all began.
By planning well, establishing routines, and staying positive, you can successfully negotiate the challenges of adjusting after moving and enjoy the benefits of your new living situation.
The starting point of finding your place under the sun in a new location is, of course, getting there on the right foot. Don’t let a below-par moving experience sour your first steps into the big adventure of your life. Instead, trust Shyft to organize your move smoothly and effortlessly.
Shyft provides assistance with moving logistics, allowing you to focus on adapting to your new environment. You don’t need to stress about organizing your move. Shyft will search for reliable movers and find the best quotes for you. Shyft’s moving checklist helps you keep track of everything that needs to be done item by item.
Simply download Shyft’s free mobile app, Shyft Next, for iPhone or Android devices, and arrange a video call with a Shyft representative who will be your dedicated Move Coach. who will be your dedicated Move Coach. You can contact Shyft online or by calling 1-888-501-3181.
The Shyft Move Coach will do a quick video chat to document your inventory virtually, without entering your home. All you have to do is point the camera on your device and the items you want to move.
The inventory list you receive shortly after the video chat is typically 95% accurate. You can add or remove items to make it 100% accurate before approval.
Shyft will then deliver multiple pricing options tailored to your needs and budget. Shyft has a vast network of professional, reliable, and vetted movers who can provide any moving service you may require, from supplying packing materials to packing and unpacking your possessions. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your belongings are in good hands.
You can also trust Shyft will get you competitive pricing. Shyft sends your moving projects to a secure bidding platform. The movers who submit the lowest quotes get a chance to work with you.
When you select the quote that suits you best, the price becomes locked and won’t change unless your move changes in size or destination. There are no hidden fees or extra costs.
The Shyft Move Coach oversees the whole relocation process, door-to-door. Shyft is available around the clock to take care of your requirements. You will always know what’s happening with your move.
As an AARP member, you will receive an exclusive discount of up to $250. Book now and let a worry-free moving experience mark a great start to adjusting to a new environment.