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Moving to a new home can be both a happy and difficult time for all members of a family. In most cases, every family member has left behind good friends and a familiar home that they've been comfortable in. Although it is exciting to move somewhere new, it is sometimes hard to think of ways to get comfortable in the neighborhood.
Here are some basic tips to make it a bit easier:
- Spend time out of doors at your home. Especially in the early days of your move, be outside whenever you can. Neighbors will find it easy to walk over and say hi to you. Some may not want to knock on your door at first, as they might think they are bothering you when you are unpacking. If you're outside, you are making yourself approachable.
- Along the same lines, take a walk every morning or evening. You'll automatically meet those who are doing the same thing, and if you go at approximately the same time every day, you'll run into the same people.
- Attend some social functions in town. There might be a pet parade, a basketball game, or a kite flying contest. These are great places to meet neighbors.
- Register your child for a sports team as soon as you can. You'll meet parents of children your child's age, and she'll be having fun as she meets other children. If enrollment is not open at the time you move, go to some games and cheer on the teams. You'll meet people and get to know where the playing fields are.
- Be friendly to everyone you see. Smile, introduce yourself, extend your hand, and let everyone in the neighborhood know who you are. You may not become great friends with everyone, but you'll know them, and they'll know you.
- Schedule a one-hour coffee one morning or afternoon after work. Invite everyone you see in the neighborhood, and make it a casual event. Everyone will have a great time, the neighbors will get to see each other in one place, and in no time at all, you'll feel comfortable in your new neighborhood!
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