If you want to move to a new area you don’t know, you’ll need to scope it out to ensure you can settle in comfortably there! And if you’ve already bought your new home and been given the keys, you’ve probably had a couple of looks around already. Perhaps you’ve spotted a nice school for the kids. Plus you know you can walk to the corner shop just up the road. But now’s the time to do some proper research to make sure you know where everything you could ever need is! As such, take a look through our checklist below to ensure you’ve covered all your bases.

Make Friends with at Least One Neighbour

If you know someone that lives on the immediate left or right of you, you’ll be able to rely on them from the moment you move in. So try to make friends as soon as you can. Head over to say hello when the moving van turns up Alternatively knock on their door with something you’ve baked to pass on a bit of goodwill. Don’t be afraid to greet them in the morning when you’re all headed out. Plus always smile when you see them around. 

Map Out Your Local Services

Where is the nearest hospital? Where is the nearest doctor’s office? Where can you go to talk to your local council, or send in letters for your MP? What about a local qualified electrician or plumber? And what supermarkets are nearby, and which is the most affordable? Plus, how far will you need to travel if something isn’t in the immediate area? Get to know all of the map locations of these services and note down their numbers too. You’ll probably need them sooner than you think! 

Know Your Public Transport Routes

If you ever get stranded somewhere, or your car breaks down and you can’t take it, you’ll need to rely on buses, trains, or taxis. But if you don’t know where to catch or hail any of these, you’ll be stuck for even longer! So do your research ahead of time. At the very least, know which bus number takes a route your way. Even if you’re still half a mile away, that’s still closer than you were before! 

Find Some Quiet Places

You’re going to want some peace and quiet from time to time, and sometimes you can’t get that at home! So scout out some quiet places around where you live. Places you can go to take a breather and get some fresh air without anybody bothering you. Parks with plenty of seating, quiet cafes and bookshops, and even just hilltop views of the sun going up or down. These can also be romantic date spots if you want to treat your partner from time to time, so get to know them now! 

Living in a new area can be intimidating. Get to know it as soon as you can to reduce the anxiety around moving.