Once the movers have left, the boxes are unpacked, and you’ve checked off everything on your safety and security list, you might find yourself feeling a sense of unease. You may be asking yourself: how long will it take for this new house or apartment to truly feel like home?
Try not to worry. Settling into a new home takes time, and you can only move through the process so fast. There are some easy, fun activities you can do to help accelerate the transition:
1. Send a “new address” card
When you move, it’s customary to share your new address with everyone important to you. These days, it’s easy enough to send a mass email to your network of family and friends, but why not go old-school and send it through the postal system? It’s easy enough with services like Shutterfly and Snapfish to take a photo from your virtual house tour and turn it into a postcard.
2. Give a virtual house tour
During and after your move, take lots of photos so that later you can give a virtual house tour. Showing off your new house or apartment is a great start to making it feel like it’s your home. Plus, it’s an incentive to finish unpacking, organizing your stuff, and decorating. After all, you want your new home to look good in those photos.
3. Host a housewarming party
It’s not just that you’ve moved to a new place. It’s that you’ve joined a new community, and few activities will make you feel more at home than getting to know the people who live around you. Throwing a party is a great excuse to knock on your neighbors’ doors and introduce yourself.
If hosting a party and knocking on people’s doors isn’t your speed, consider reaching out to those who live immediately adjacent to your new home. Even if you don’t become the best of friends, they’re people you’ll probably interact with the most often.
4. Plant a tree
If you have a yard, planting a tree is another fun activity that helps your house feel like a home. It’s a nice ceremonial way of commemorating your move. As it grows, a tree marks the passage of time and becomes a symbol of your own deepening roots into the community.
5. Write a letter to yourself
Every relocation is a change, the kind of change that’s accompanied by strong emotions. Writing a letter to yourself is another way to commemorate your move, channel those emotions, and initiate the transition from house to home. Try to describe what you can about this period of your life, and it will become a treasured document as you accumulate memories in your new home.
6. Join a local club or group
Joining a local club or interest group is a fantastic way to meet new people and immerse yourself in your community. Look for options like book clubs, sports leagues, or hobby groups that align with your interests. Websites like Meetup or local community boards can be helpful in finding groups.
Attend community events
Stay informed about community events such as farmers’ markets, festivals, and art shows. Participating in these activities is a wonderful way to connect with your neighbors and learn more about local culture.
Get involved in local volunteering
Consider giving back to your new community by volunteering. Find local charities or organizations that resonate with you, whether it’s helping at a food bank, participating in community clean-up days, or mentoring local youth. Volunteering can provide a sense of fulfillment and help you meet like-minded individuals.
7. Explore your neighborhood
If you’re new to the neighborhood, another fun thing to do is to go for a drive and get deliberately lost. When you reach an intersection, pick a direction at random and see where it takes you. It’s an exciting way to explore your new surroundings while building confidence as you learn to navigate new roads and traffic patterns.
Explore nearby parks and nature
If you love the outdoors, find local parks, nature trails, or hiking spots to explore. Spending time in nature can help you unwind and discover the natural beauty of your new area. Pack a picnic and invite friends or family to join you for a day of relaxation and exploration.
Try out new restaurants
Take the opportunity to explore your new culinary scene by trying out local restaurants. Make a list of eateries you’d like to visit, whether they’re family-owned diners, food trucks, or upscale dining spots. Don’t forget to leave reviews to help others in the community!
8. Go geocaching
Part of feeling like you have a home is knowing a place better than visitors and passerby. That’s why geocaching is such a great activity to try after you move (especially if you have children). As you hunt for hidden caches, you’ll start to see your neighborhood in a whole new light, as someone who knows all its secrets. And once you start to feel comfortable with your home area, another fun activity is to plan your own cache for others to find.
9. Celebrate your move like an anniversary
Moving is special occasion, so treat it like one and have dinner at a nearby restaurant. Not only can you enjoy this celebration every year if you want, it’s also a great way to get familiar with a new neighborhood.
10. Host out-of-town guests
Invite friends or family members to visit as soon as it’s feasible after you move. After all, a house truly becomes a home when you open your doors to others, and this is especially true when it’s with the people closest to you.
Moving into a new home is just the beginning of your adventure. With these fun activities to do at home, you can make the most of your new space and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking for activities to do in the house or fun things to do at home with friends, there’s no shortage of options to keep you entertained and relaxed. So, what can you do at home today?
Moving to a new home opens the door to exciting opportunities and experiences. By engaging in these fun activities, you’ll not only make new memories but also establish a deeper connection with your new community. Embrace this new chapter in your life and enjoy every moment!