Whether you or your significant other got a new job or you are graduating — or maybe you’re moving just for the heck of it — moving is a scary and daunting task. Never fear! This list will make packing your teacup collection the hardest part about moving.
1. Walk the streets
This was my biggest fail when it came to my last move. Making the transition from a sleepy college town to a city more than twice the size and population, I did what smaller-town folks do — rely on Craigslist to find an apartment. So I did that and with much frustration I settled on an apartment that was too big and too expensive, because I couldn’t find any more options. Get out there. Park your car somewhere (legal) downtown, grab a coffee to go and walk around. Not everyone uses the vast Interwebz to post available spaces — some simply stick a “For Rent” sign outside. I missed out on some incredible spaces in my price range, because I just relied on the Internet for answers.
2. Network
Most likely, one of your friends knows a friend who knows a cousin who has a friend that lives where you’re headed. Connect with them. Make a lunch date or meet for coffee — that local is going to be your connection to all information holy and necessary for making your move as easy as possible. This is your chance to grill them about best restaurants, best neighborhoods, where the good drinks are made and where the most fun nightlife is to be had. Then maybe buy them dessert for supplying you with the know-how. Maybe you just made a friend. Which brings me to …
3. (Try to) make friends
Even though it can be so much easier to enjoy Netflix marathons with your real BFFs, Pinot Grigio and Godiva, “getting out there” and meeting people in your city will be a benefit in the long run. Find a bar, cafe or bookstore that fits your vibe. Grab a coffee and hang around for a bit — chances are, you’ll see other people there who share the same style and interests.
4. Try anything and everything
And I mean everything. Make it a goal to try every coffee shop in a 15-mile radius of your house. (Google Maps is an excellent tool for this goal.) Or make it a Saturday tradition to hit a new hiking trail with Fido in tow. Speaking of Fido, dog parks are great places to meet locals.
5. Get down with free stuff
Free showing of a silent film? Free wine and gossip at a group’s monthly book club meeting? Free show at a bar downtown? Get on that. Whoever said “nothing is free” is a big fat liar. Tons of things in this world are free and some of them are awesome. I once saw an ad in my city’s alternative weekly paper for a free yoga and beer tasting class. I was basically devastated that I missed it. Don’t make my mistake — keep on those things. I also rather enjoy cashing in on each and every local gym’s “free trial” period. Whether it be a week or three days, it’s exciting to try out a new facility and take a few fun classes.
6. Be a tourist ± but just for a while
This is where the Internet comes in. Google your new home city – Yelp and TripAdvisor are filled to the brim with recommendations on things to do and see. Moving to Seattle? Well, you really can’t live there without ever going to see the Space Needle — unacceptable. Tourist activities may cost a big of dough, but seeing them is a great way to lean about your new home, and have fun while doing it.
Chloe Rambo can be reached