Moving is like an emotional rollercoaster. You experience the highs of excitement knowing you’re in for new opportunities and challenges. There is so much to explore and learn. You’ll meet new people, see new things, and find new hobbies.
On the other hand, there is also the stress of putting new roots in the ground. Will you make friends? How long will it take you to make the new place your home?
Some people are pros at moving. People in the military, for example, move a lot and have it down to a science. It’s almost like they have a mental checklist of things they need to do. For others, though, moving is highly disruptive. You may have lived in one place your entire life, so the thought of moving can be quite daunting.
Whether you’re moving for the fourth time or the first, there are things you can do to make things go more smoothly. A big part of any successful move is learning as much as you can about where you are going and picking the right spot to live. What you’ll look for depends a lot on where you are in the stages of life and your priorities.
Doing the research and choosing where to live often have the biggest impact on your happiness. If you’re trying to make the most out of your move, here are 9 tips for researching your new neighborhood.
1. Getting Your Commute Right
Studies show that people with shorter commutes are happier overall. Finding an easy commute is critical if you have a stressful job or obligations that require your attention outside of work areas.
Choose a neighborhood close to work. It will pay off in spades even if it means living in a smaller place or making compromises on priorities that are lower on your list.
The last thing you want to do is live in a larger house and then sit in the car for hours each day. It’s not worth it.
2. Research Public Transportation Routes
Just like your commute impacts your happiness, so will not having to drive. Find out what sort of public transportation options your new neighborhood has and whether it’s a viable option for your work commute. This will save you a ton of time and let you read or watch movies while you’re on the way to work and traveling home.
Most towns these days have bus and tram options to serve workers.
3. Schools, Schools, Schools
If you have kids, this is THE issue. Finding the best schools in your new neighborhood shoots to the top of any list for families with children. Luckily, there are now more tools online than ever to steer you in the right direction.
Yes, better schools mean higher housing costs, but the money is worth it knowing your children are getting a great education. Also, buying real estate near highly-rated schools pays off. Your home value will increase because those spots will always be in high demand.
4. What Hobbies Do You Have?
Do you like to play tennis? Do you want to join a gym?
When you’re researching your neighborhood options, look for places close to the things you like to do. This is crucial to you continuing to pursue hobbies and other interests. When things are too far away, it’s easy to shrug your passion off and stay home more than you’d like.
Map the distance from where you want to live and then track how long it will take you to get to your class or favorite spots.
5. Pet-Friendly Parks
Having pets is a huge obligation and should be a big part of your move research. If you have a dog, for example, you’ll want to know where all of the dog parks and other dog-friendly areas are around where you live.
Also, while you’re at it, check out whether there is a good vet near you and where you can go to buy any pet supplies you need if you don’t have time to wait for an online service to deliver products.
Take your dog’s welfare into account early because if things are too far away, it’s too easy to say you’ll go some other time.
6. Make a List of Interest Points
Whenever you move, there are always going to be things that catch your eye that you normally wouldn’t do back at your last place. There are going to be parks, restaurants, clubs, museums, and other activities that you can visit and enjoy in your new neighborhood.
Make a list of interest points while you’re doing your research so you don’t forget the places that catch your eye. You’re not going to be able to do everything in the first week or month that you’re there, so having the list is an ideal way to remember all of the things you want to try.
7. Get Healthcare Sorted Early
You never know when you’re going to need medical care, so the earlier you get this stuff sorted, the better.
Right now, doctors are booked full of clients in a lot of places. You may be surprised to discover that you’re on a waitlist if you’re trying to find a family physician for you and the kids. Find a good doctor, or more than one, and get on their lists as soon as possible.
Likewise, research the nearest hospitals and know where to go if you have an emergency. It pays to know where the important resources are in your area, so you cut down on the time it takes to make a decision when it’s important.
8. Find a Storage Facility If You Need One
Moving is chaotic. A house full of boxes and mess while you’re trying to work or sort the kids’ school only adds to the stress. One of the best things about storage units is that you can better manage the chaos because not everything is in your living room all at once.
You can lease storage large or small enough to fit whatever you need in there while you make your way through organizing your new space. Usually, you’ll have no trouble finding a spot near your home that’s a short drive away.
9. Find Social Media Groups
OK, so social media is controversial, but one of the best things about social media platforms these days is the groups and marketplace forums they offer. You can find like-minded people, buy things at a bargain, and sell anything you find out that you don’t need after you’ve unpacked.
People create neighborhood groups that only people who live there can join where they post about activities and meetings you will want to know about. It’s typically worth all of the madness that comes with the territory, and you can always filter out any kooky members so you don’t see their posts if you don’t want to.
The more time you put into researching your neighborhood, the easier your transition will be. You can fill your calendar with things to do before you even get there. It’s a fantastic way to hit the ground running and settle in more quickly.
Find places where you can do what you love, and also look for new things that you want to try. If possible, make connections early on. A good friend in a new neighborhood is like having a key to unlock the door to your new life.
Armor Storage | 517 E. Industrial Blvd. Pueblo West, Colorado 81007 United States
If you’re looking for a storage facility to store your belongings, Armor Storage has got you covered in this department. Here at Armor Storage, we offer a wide range of unit selections and top-notch security. To learn more about our self-storage facility, please check out our website at http://armor-storage.com/.