Moving to a new neighborhood can be daunting. Here’s how to make it easier.
After moving into the neighborhood, get to know your neighbors. It can help you feel like you are at home and settled into your new space.
First, meet as many people as possible by introducing yourself and handing out business cards with your contact information or inviting them over for coffee or tea.
If you haven’t had an opportunity to meet everyone on your street yet, set aside a little time each week to drive around and introduce yourself, especially during the change of season (when moving is most common) and after moving trucks have been in the neighborhood for a few days/weeks.
As a first step towards community involvement, become a friend on Facebook and follow your neighborhood association online for newsletters and updates on what’s going on in the area.
In addition to being friendly to those you have met, take it upon yourself to welcome those moving into the neighborhood. Offer moving help as needed. The courage of offering moving assistance can lead to friendships with your new neighbors as well as opportunities down the road when they might need some help from you.
Next, find out about events and meeting dates for your neighborhood association and local watch group to keep up-to-date on what’s going on in the area (and join if possible).
Neighborhood associations are also great resources for learning about local resources that can help make moving easier, including utility providers, home delivery services, moving crates and boxes suppliers/schedules, furniture rental options for apartments, garage moving sales, moving help, and moving supplies.
Moving day
Make sure you follow neighborhood moving guidelines so that your neighbors aren’t annoyed with moving day. Here are some key moving tips:
When moving into your new place, tell every one of your move-in date & time to avoid traffic on busy moving days. Ask for at least four business days’ advanced notice before moving in so the community association can plan for approvals of parking permits if needed. If moving during peak seasons (trickier local moving timelines), ask for more than six weeks of advanced notice to be safe.
Some communities require residents to get written approval from the neighbors of your moving in and moving out dates to make sure you know what the moving guidelines are for your new place; don’t assume you can move in on a whim without telling anyone.
Don’t park moving trucks, vans, or storage containers in front of homes during moving days. Make sure that moving trucks fit within designated truck loading zones (marked with available permits) and aren’t double-parked. If they don’t fit, city services will unload them for you – at your expense!
Unloading moving trucks: try not to wake sleeping neighbors while unloading early morning or late night if possible. Use quiet voices and close car doors softly so as not to disturb them, especially during nap time! Be mindful of noise levels moving large furniture and crates – moving heavy objects can rattle the house, so be careful moving in during daytime moving hours when neighbors are home or moving out at night.
If moving a lot of items into your new place, consider using flatbed dollies to move furniture indoors for easier maneuverability. When moving inside, be mindful of where you’re walking (and how much noise it makes), especially if you’re carrying heavy objects up/downstairs. If moving valuables or fragile goods, ask friends or family to help carry them safely down the steps/stairs by holding gently on the sides (not top and bottom).
Remember: moving through communities is like driving a car; stay within the rules. Don’t follow too close (don’t double park)
Finding A Mover
Neighborhood moving companies can be found by getting recommendations from friends and family, local moving sales, or online moving directories. Check the moving company’s insurance records for any claims filed through them before hiring to avoid damage costs during moving day. Make sure moving quotes are guaranteed, so you don’t get stuck with hidden fees on moving day (or after). Ask how many movers/helpers will come on moving day (more support = faster move) and what types of trucks they’ll use (smaller trucks equal more trips upstairs!).
Moving Help
Make sure there is parking near your new place for all moving helpers! Figure out how many helpers you need based on the weight of furniture and other objects moving. If moving several items inside, consider using flatbed dollies to move furniture indoors for easier maneuverability.
Moving Crates & Boxes
If moving objects like glassware, dishes, books, or sensitive electronics, ask moving help about moving supplies (such as moving boxes) with moving quotes to avoid breakages on moving day. Ask about packing supplies (like bubble wrap) and transportation costs (unwrapped items are more expensive to transport). Try not to pack too many things in one box so that the weight of the packed box is evenly distributed along with other boxes using bubble wrap or dividers between each item.
Moving into a new neighborhood can be an easy transition if you follow some moving tips. Make sure to ask your moving company about the moving timeline and get written approval from neighbors before moving in or out, but don’t assume they’ll give it! When moving day comes around, make sure that all of your helpers know how much help is needed for carrying furniture and other items inside.
Ask them to stay mindful of noise levels while moving large pieces downstairs or when transporting delicate goods like glassware, dishes, or electronics on their own (consider packing these things in boxes with dividers). If possible, avoid waking up sleeping neighbors during early morning hours by unloading without making too much noise and try not to double park near houses where people live; city services will tow moving vehicles if found.
Be mindful of your new neighbors, plan your move, and embrace your new neighborhood community.
Good luck!
