| It is a new day and a new place there is | | | | • Go to the local library and get a |
| a smell of paint and boxes surrounding | | | | membership for the family. |
| you. Whew, it is time to get settled. If | | | | • Introduce yourself to your new |
| you handle unpacking systematically you | | | | neighbors and call up your office to let |
| will not have any problem. Get the | | | | them know you have arrived. |
| movers to place boxes in the rooms where | | | | • A visit to the mall, drugstore, |
| they belong, for example all boxes that | | | | and grocers is a must. It will help you |
| contain kitchen stuff should be placed | | | | make new friends and stock up on |
| in the kitchen. Create a priority list | | | | essentials. |
| and unpack accordingly. Many people | | | | • Make the move an adventure for the |
| prefer getting the kitchen and bedrooms | | | | kids and plan special treats to help |
| done first followed by the living areas. | | | | them settle in quickly. |
| • Check that all appliances and | | | | • Go to the local bank and set up |
| electronics work. Keep a master list and | | | | your accounts. |
| tick as "OK." | | | | Help the kids and pets settle in by |
| • Next have the utilities turned on | | | | bring them small gifts and set up a |
| and all the appliances connected to the | | | | routine for them. This helps them settle |
| right outlets. | | | | in quicker. Many families hold a "new |
| • Create a mover's file and file all | | | | life" party or ritual, and plant a tree |
| receipts, insurance papers, as well as | | | | or bush to symbolize new life and order |
| contracts in it. Pin a sheet with the | | | | pizza or have a barbeque in the yard. |
| mover's numbers and contact details. | | | | Music and laughter always eases any |
| Ensure that you have the bill of lading | | | | tensions or discomfort. Hugs and kisses |
| and payment receipt. | | | | help create bonds and erase fears. Spend |
| • Keep ready the papers pertaining | | | | more time with the young ones and pets |
| to the transfer of school registrations. | | | | to reassure them of your love and |
| Plan to go meet the school authorities | | | | support. Packing a "love em" box helps. |
| and complete the formalities. | | | | This could contain favorite CDs, a |
| • Take care of essentials like | | | | family movie, a few pictures, and a |
| registering for a new driver's license | | | | story book as well as cuddly toy, having |
| and get new tags for your cars. | | | | things that a family is comfortable with |
| • Make the time to meet the new | | | | eases the first night in a new home. |
| doctor, dentist, as well as vet. | | | | Transitions are always hard and every |
| • Ask the newsvendor to start | | | | bit of effort made to facilitate |
| delivery of newspapers and magazines. | | | | settling in goes a long way. Plan on |
| • Visit the local citizens club or | | | | what to do after the move and things |
| Y. If you are religious make contact | | | | will go smoothly. |
| with your temple or church. | | | | |