Thinking that by just unboxing your stuff, hanging the pictures and having to clean up some of the dog’s first vomit from the carpet means you’re settled into your new house; not quite. You’re just starting to get as snug as a bug in a rug.
You’ve got a long way to go, baby.
Defining Home
We all have different ways of settling-in at the new place. Perhaps it’s the first week of meals. Recent grads may not believe they “arrived” until there’s a pair of boxers perched on a lampshade. Others believe when the toilet actually works right they are home.
Are you relocating to the place where you entered the world? You’ve got a leg-up. But if it’s somewhere like “Wheretheheckami, Montana,” The house becomes a home when relationships begin. Don’t sit on the front stoop waiting for the Welcome Wagon. Be proactive. Get to know the folks that are also stuck in Wheretheheckami.
Don’t make a nuisance of yourself. Conversely, be careful of a type of person you may know from the past – Mrs. Blababouteverythingthatcomestohermind.
Instruction Manual
Something the realtor didn’t leave behind are tips on how to fit-in. If you don’t have a day job, all of these are worth a shot. Breadwinners, get to know the folks at work and pick a couple of the suggestions you can do without getting canned:
- Go to the only bookstore in town and buy a couple of maps. One, a street map. The other, a detailed state map. You’re bound to come across a restaurant or a shop that you can spend some time in. Strike up a conversation. Sneak into the discussion, “I just moved here and …”
- If you’ve got time on-you-hands during the weekend, volunteer for something. Great places to consider are nursing homes, the local dog shelter, your church, a museum or the local “Harley Owners Who Use TOO Much Armor All On Their Tires” club.
- Head to the hospital. Got a young’un? Seek-out a support group. Same goes for joining other folks that may have similar medical concerns. Just don’t be like the guy in the movie “Fight Club” who joins groups just because he’s nuts. In other words, if you have a beer every-now-and-then, no need to hang around an AA meeting.
- Have you always wanted to learn about how stained glass windows are made? Does the idea of home brewing interest you? Take a night class. Meet new friends with similar interests.
- What did you like to do back at the old homestead? Surely there’s a club that has the same kind of people in the new city. Join a bowling league or organize a plate party at your church.
- We all have certain levels of comfort. Cast a few of them aside and try something slightly daring. Not dangerous, but an activity that’s different from what you’ve done before. Taking a nap on a neighbor’s front lawn is not a suggestion. Be practical.
- Realize that the move isn’t a cup o’ tea. There’s stress. Lots of stress. Ease-up on yourself. Home-making is a route taken on foot, not a blast-off from the only launch pad in Wheretheheckami, Montana.