Moving into a new house? It involves more than arranging furniture and acclimating your kids to a different school. To feel truly comfortable and settled in, you’ll want to make connections with neighbors and community members. Here, Realtor.com offers seven ways to settle in after a move so you can make your new community feel like you’ve been there for years.
1. Network before moving
Going from one friend to two is much easier than starting from zero. Reach out to your network of friends to see if anyone knows someone in your new community. Next, contact that person via email and suggest meeting up for coffee once you’re settled in to your new home. If you hit it off, great. But if you don’t, at least you’ve met someone who can possibly steer you toward fun things to do in the area.
2. Host an open house
Throwing a party after you move in is a great way to meet a lot of new people in a single setting. Make sure your open house is casual and easy by scheduling on a quiet Sunday afternoon and offering simple fare (think beer, chips, apple cider and brownies). Your new neighbors will have a chance to meet you, and you’ll get to hear some news about the community.
3. Venture outside
If you’re dealing with a ton of cardboard and packing peanuts, consider taking your box cutter out to the lawn or driveway and breaking down your boxes outside. Bagging recyclables and tying up cardboard bundles are more fun when you can take a break to chat with passers-by. Or do a little gardening, such as potting hardy mums, raking leaves, or planting bulbs. Time these tasks for when people are picking up kids at the bus stop, and you’ll create easy meet-and-greet opportunities.
4. Visit local establishments
Make an effort to patronize the smaller shops and restaurants in town. Frequent a couple of cafes or diners and get to know the servers and owner by name. Restaurateurs are well-networked members of their communities.
5. Grab the dog’s leash
Your pup might be able to run out the back door to exercise, but you also can use it to your advantage when it comes to meeting new people. Dogs allow you to make quick and smooth introductions to other pet owners, plus you’ll meet more community members if you hang out at the local dog park.
6. Join a group
Love to fish? Or enjoy making pottery? Indulging in a hobby might not be top of mind right after a big move, but now’s the time to make yourself have a little fun. Try a site such as Meetup.com or Nextdoor.com to find folks with similar interests. Many homeowner’s associations also have websites and Facebook groups you can join. Or sign up for your local CSA, or community-supported agriculture. You’ll get to meet new people and support local farmers at the same time.
7. Stuff some mailboxes
Put together a fun letter or postcard that spreads the news of your arrival and gives people your contact information. Be sure to include a little bit about your family in the note and then leave it in your new neighbors’ mailboxes. Or bake a batch of cookies and drop them off as you introduce yourself.
