On the Move: Tips for Seniors to Get Settled Into a New Community

Moving to a new town can be exciting but stressful, too. For seniors who are uprooting themselves from where they’ve lived for decades, it can be overwhelming. Whether you are moving for financial reasons, to be closer to family, to downsize your home, or just to improve your quality of life, it may take time to get settled and really start enjoying yourself.

No matter if you are moving across the state or across the country, these helpful tips from Lotus Senior Services can help you get acclimated more quickly.

Research Your New Community

Do as much research online as you can before moving. Try to find out about the local attractions, annual events, nearest hospitals and medical centers, best grocery stores, and anything else that is important to you. In fact, since we’re talking about where you’re ideally going to spend the rest of your life, it’s actually a wise move to rent an apartment in the area for a while to see how you like it before committing to buying a house. Then, if you call in love with the area, your realtor is only a phone call away!

You’ll also need to decide what you’re going to do with the house you’re moving from. Your decision whether to rent or sell it can come down to a few factors. The first is whether or not you need the equity of your old home to purchase your new one. Even if you don’t need the money, you may not want to rent your former home if you don’t have the time or inclination to be a landlord. Weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Get Out and Explore Your Neighborhood

Once you’ve arrived in town, even before you finish unpacking, start to explore your area and get comfortable with your new surroundings. Head to the visitor’s center or tourism bureau to get information about places to go, things to see, and useful resources in your new area. If your new town doesn’t have such an entity, try the chamber of commerce, city hall, or the public library for information. The library is also a great place to find out about upcoming community events and local groups you can join.

Don’t Stress About Unpacking

Undoubtedly, you want to get settled into your new place and comfortable as soon as possible, but don’t stress yourself out about unpacking every last box right away. Go room by room in the order of importance to you, and if you don’t end up unpacking every box, that’s okay. Now is a good time to add some cosmetic updates to your home to put your mark on it and make it your own. Repaint a few walls, maybe hang some wallpaper.

If you find yourself becoming overstressed during the process, there are some things you can do to remain calm. Start by taking a breath. Giving yourself a moment to pause can make a big difference. After you’ve paused for a breath, focus on remembering the big picture.

Once moved in, it’s important to optimize your new living space for stress-free living to reduce the fatigue factor associated with a move. This can include simple steps such as incorporating a few houseplants and using an oil diffuser that emits relaxing scents like lavender. To keep your new place clutter-free, consider adding storage pieces like ottomans with hinged tops, closet organizers, or over-the-door shoe racks. For apartments or condos, add space-saving furniture like a Murphy bed in your office or den for guests.

Put Yourself Out There

As soon as possible, thrust yourself into your new community by attending neighborhood events, joining a gym, signing up for classes, or volunteering for local causes. You Move Me suggests throwing a party and inviting your new neighbors and friends during your first few weeks in town. Trulia also recommends extending invites right away noting, “The sooner you make friends in a new city, the sooner it will start to feel like home.”

Change can be difficult, even if you recognize the move is for the better. However, you can decrease the stress of the situation by doing your research, remaining patient with yourself, and going the extra mile to meet new friends.

To work with an independent family advisor about making the best decisions for your wellbeing and living circumstances, contact Lotus Senior Services today!

Written by: Alexis Hall

Lotus Senior Services – http://www.lotusseniorservices.com/

whether to rent or sell it – https://www.redfin.com/guides/sell/should-you-sell-or-rent-your-home

before you finish unpacking – https://www.moving.com/tips/how-to-unpack-and-organize-your-house/

add some cosmetic updates – https://www.commercebank.com/personal/ideas-and-tips/2018/how-to-make-your-new-house-feel-like-home

taking a breath – https://www.zenbusiness.com/blog/top-7-tips-for-good-decision-making-when-feeling-stressed-out/

consider adding storage pieces – https://mytruckbuddymoving.com/4-tips-for-decorating-a-brand-new-house/

space-saving furniture – https://www.extraspace.com/blog/home-organization/home-organization-tips/space-saving-furniture-ideas/

throwing a party – https://www.youmoveme.com/articles/top-tips-for-settling-into-your-new-home

Trulia also recommends – https://www.trulia.com/blog/moving-to-a-new-city-tips-for-first-year/