This is part two of a three part series on making relocation or just a move into a new neighborhood easier on home buyers. You don’t have to relocate to feel displaced. When my husband and I moved into our second home together, even though the home was just two miles or so from the one before it, we felt like we had moved to another city. Every neighborhood can have its own culture, so to speak. And as a new home owner, it’s important that you are part of it. Here then we continue with what else you can do so as to be part of the new place without too much stress.

Talk to your Neighbors

The traditional image of neighbors coming over with food the day you move into the home is a good one. It shows that people care about you and that they understand you might not have time (or space, literally!) to cook in the midst of moving. Lately however there aren’t too many neighbors doing it. Perhaps they think it comes across as too nosy.

There’s nothing stopping you though! After you’ve done the unpacking – or even in the midst of it – feel free to get to know your new neighbors. Go over and say hello or just talk to them if they’re hanging out in the yard doing yard work. Everyone wants to know who the new neighbor is that just moved in to the empty house, so go over and introduce yourself. If you’re feeling shy, it’s also okay just to wave or smile and look friendly. Chances are they will head over to your house soon enough to get to know you.

Have a Yard Sale

I actually saw this done and thought it was brilliant. A new couple moved into our first neighborhood and held a yard sale a few days later. Not only did they get rid of a bunch of old things that no longer fit into the new home, they also hung out in their front yard all morning talking to their new neighbors. Later in the evening, those same neighbors came over for a block barbecue. This actually works pretty well with the reference to the above statement of being shy. No one is shy during a yard sale! When there are things to talk about and the sun is shining and you are in an open space, some lovely friendships can be created.

A word of caution, however regarding this: when you have the yard sale, don’t sell (or show) things that otherwise you would throw away. Pick the right items, not junk. Trying to sell your trash will make you seem “cheap” (for want of a better word) and even though they might appreciate your frugality, no one wants a neighbor with trash. Remember the idea of the yard sale is first to meet your neighbors and second to get rid of a few things, not the other way around.

Start (or Join) a Group

The internet is arguably the best thing that has happened for society. No matter where you are, you can find the closest grocery store, restaurants, coffee shops and so on. Not to mention social groups. As an example, when I had a baby, I was surprised at how lonely it seemed in the beginning. None of my friends had babies and I wasn’t working initially, so the world seemed to pass me by. I needed friends that were going through the same phase of life as I was. Finally, I thought it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to check for a playgroup online. Of course, a three month old couldn’t “play” but the group was as much for me as for her. Voila! Turns out it was a great idea – I have five new local friends that make me feel more rooted to this place than I ever did!

Of course, you don’t have to wait for a new group to be created. At the above mentioned yard sale, find out if there are HOA meetings you can attend. Most neighborhoods will have some sort of group for the maintenance and care of their homes and streets. That’s a great way to meet people. Or start your own! What do you care about? Or like to do? Start a group with your interests and you’ll find that there are others who share them.

Talk a Walk!

A great way to get to know your new neighborhood and get some exercise is on foot. You can walk around in the residential area, or you can head downtown. There’s always something going on in the downtown area and a little retail therapy never hurt anyone! Check out the local stores, museums and local goings-on. Downtown will also have flyers and other local posted events that you might be interested in being a part of. It’s a great way to get involved and be part of a larger community.

And who knows? Maybe this new community understands you in ways you’ve never thought about. When we moved out to country, we had no idea there was local homebrewing community and club for my husband, the beer craftsman. But apparently there is – and not just has his beer gotten better, so has our social life. Look around. You might just meet some people that share your interests and make wonderful friends!

Drive, drive, drive!

This might be the only time I tell you to get lost! Haha. Most cars today have GPS that get you from point A to point B with almost no trouble. A good idea however might be to turn that GPS off and just drive. Remember back when you liked to get lost? That way you could get home late? Why not try that? Get distracted. Allow yourself to ramble. Stop and smell the flowers (you can get as or as little literal about that as you like!) It might be the only way to learn new things about your neighborhood. You might end up discovering places you didn’t know existed.

Of course, when you feel you’ve had enough, that GPS might come in handy. Not bad, huh?

Settling into a new home can be hard, but if you throw down new roots quick the process becomes a lot easier and much more enjoyable. Come back to read part three of how you can make the move into a new area easier. This is only part two.

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