Moving can be a major task to tackle. It can often leave you feeling exhausted and relieved when the move has been completed. Once all of the major work is done, you are left disposing of cardboard boxes and wondering what is next.

You have to get settled in to a new home which may not seem like home at first. It can make you feel a bit disconnected and requires an adjustment period to get used to the new place. If you’ve moved to a new city, the disconnected feeling is even greater. There are certain steps you can take to ease the transition into a new location.

1. First, fill out a change of address form and submit it to the post office if you haven’t already done this. You should do this as soon as possible. You can also do this online at the USPS website. This is very important because you don’t want your mail to continue to go to your old address, especially if its far away. This can cause unnecessary stress that you don’t need during this transition period.
2. Once you’ve changed your address, you can slow down. Make a plan of how you will use your time. Setting up your new home and exploring your new city won’t be as hectic as moving, so you don’t have to rush. If you plan out how you will set up your home, learn about your neighborhood, meet neighbors, etc., if will seem less overwhelming and more like a fun adventure.

1. After you make your plan, try to learn about your new home. Check things like windows and doors, alarms, fire extinguishers, your yard if you have one, your mailbox, etc. You will begin to become familiar with your home and you will also be aware of anything that needs attention.
2. The next thing you want to focus on is certain registrations. If you have children, they will need to be registered in a new school. If you haven’t already done this, or you haven’t selected a new school for your child yet, take some time and learn about the school choices in your area. Some places have more than one choice so you have to figure out which one is best for you and your child(ren). You will also need to register your vehicle if you’ve moved to another state and also transfer your driver’s license. States have varying deadlines on transferring your vehicle registration and license, so check with your new state’s DMV for this information.
3. Don’t forget to plan some time to help your children and your pets adjust to the new surroundings. Just as you may be feeling disconnected, they will also. Children may be feeling alienated or lonely because they don’t have friends in the new neighborhood and pets can exhibit bad behavior because they are insecure about their surroundings. Help children adjust by letting them express their feelings and getting them involved with things they might enjoy in the community. Help pets adjust by keeping them on a regular schedule and providing them with some extra love and attention.

Following these few tips can make the post-move time easier for you and your family. By taking it step by step, one day at a time, you can feel less stressed about the situation. Before you know it, you and your family will feel right at home again.