Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.
Moving Back to Your Hometown? Here Are Some Dos and Don’Ts to Think About
Moving back to your hometown can be an exciting opportunity to reconnect with the old life you’ve been missing for quite some time now. However, you should keep a few things in mind, so follow some dos and don’ts and have the best transition and relocation experience ever.
Do Hire a White Glove Moving Company to Assist You With the Process
Even though you’re moving back to your hometown to be closer to your family, the process still has a lot of challenges, and you can make some serious relocation mistakes. No matter what your reasons for the move are, relocation is a very stressful activity that involves everything from packing boxes and getting rid of possessions to lifting large items like pieces of furniture and loading the truck. The process is often not as simple as you think, so it’s best to book some white glove moving services just in case.
You’ll have to ensure the white glove movers are legit and certified and will handle all aspects of your move professionally. The fastest way to do it is to check the company’s data and info on the FMCSA website. After all, being in good hands while relocating long distances is a must.
The benefits of hiring a trustworthy relocation team are numerous. They will save you time and stress and ensure that your belongings are protected during transit. So, before you start planning and organizing the move, be sure you’ve booked a company with the best white glove moving service.
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Use a Wide Range of Long-Distance Moving Services to Make It Easier
Besides relearning all the relocation hacks that will help you move like a pro, you need to decide what services you will use from the professional company. There are a lot of things to think about when planning a long-distance move, and a good long-distance mover will offer a wide range of services to make your move easier, from packing service and unpacking to transportation and storage. They should also be able to provide you with a free quote so you can choose the right long-distance moving company for your budget.
Take all the help you can get from professional movers
Don’t Hire an Acquaintance to Help You Find a New Home
You probably have relatives and old friends in your hometown who also work as realtors. Even though it could be alluring to select one of them to be your real estate agent, you should give it some thought first. House hunting can be quite a stressful and intimate experience, so you will require a knowledgeable, trustworthy agent to guide you through the home purchasing process. Mixing friendship with work is frequently a bad choice. If you do choose to employ a buddy, be sure they are qualified for the position.
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When Moving Back to Your Hometown Do Prepare for an Emotional Roller Coaster
Be sure to prepare mentally for the encounter before returning to your hometown. Many folks who return home anticipate finding everything precisely as they left it. I can tell you that this won’t happen. Old places like the restaurants you frequented as a youngster may have closed, and old pals may have relocated. Be aware of the possible changes, especially if you’re relocating at the last minute, having problems with adjustment insomnia, and feeling depressed after the move.
Homes in your community that used to be inhabited by friendly neighbors could suddenly be owned by total strangers. Returning back to a hometown can result in emotions of melancholy and despair due to all of these changes. Just keep in mind that after you relocate, there will be plenty of opportunities to create new memories.
Don’t Forget to Contact and Reconnect With All Your Friends and Family
It’s time to get in touch with your family, prior acquaintances, and old pals. Starting with the people you already know isn’t ever a bad idea, whether you’re looking for a job or a new network. Fortunately, social media has made it simpler than ever to get in touch with former friends. You may reconnect in a matter of seconds by just reaching out via Facebook or email. If you’re not sure how to approach them, find some guides on making new friends in a “new” city.
Reconnect with the people you already know
Do Consider the Fact That the Cost of Living Has Changed
Make sure it’s financially stable for the return to your hometown. Since you were a child, the cost of living may have increased or decreased significantly. Therefore, to gain a sense of the typical cost of living in the area before relocating, investigate everything from restaurant rates to housing.
Once you ensure moving back makes financial sense, check how to save on relocation costs and make the relocation budget that will keep you on track with all the needed expenses and prevent spending more money than needed.
If the question, “Should I move back to my hometown?” keeps coming back to your mind, think about all the benefits and positive sides this move will bring you. Yes, returning to the old routine with the same old folks is simple. But if you become active in your neighborhood and community, you’ll get more networking and connections than you predicted.
You can also network by trying to join some Facebook groups or visiting the VolunteerMatch website. If you enjoy volunteering, learn more about opportunities in your area. Join neighborhood clubs and social gatherings to meet like-minded locals and foster interests and creative hobbies.
One of the best things you can do to improve your online presence is to get involved in a community related to your field. There are many benefits to getting involved in a community, including:
Meeting new people and networking,
Learning from others,
Staying up-to-date on industry news,
Getting feedback on your work,
Finding mentors and collaborators,
Promoting your work,
Having fun.
Do Prepare for a Small Talk
The days of shopping alone at supermarkets and petrol stations are long gone. Be prepared to bump into people you used to know now that you’re back in your hometown. Additionally, there is a good chance that they may be curious about your current activities and living arrangements. There will be plenty of opportunity for small conversation, be assured. Fortunately, if you’ve lived in your hometown for a long time, this small talk might ultimately develop into a meaningful conversation as you get to know your old pals again.
However, if not, here are some tips on how to make small talk so you can avoid any awkward moments and enjoy your conversation.
Make a Good First Impression
The first step to making small talk is to make a good first impression. Smile and be friendly when you meet someone. Shake their hand if you are comfortable doing so. Maintaining eye contact shows that you are interested in the conversation.
Find Common Ground
One of the best ways to make small talk is to find common ground with the other person – luckily, the hometown could be the first topic. Others could be something as simple as talking about the weather or your shared love for dogs. Once you have found something in common, you will have an easier time keeping the conversation going.
Ask Questions
Asking questions is a great way to show that you are interested in the other person and the conversation. Avoid yes or no questions, as they will not help to keep the conversation going. Instead, try to ask open-ended questions that require more than a one-word answer.
Get Ready to Be the Main Talking Point of the Community
Living in a small town is not always easy. There are a lot of things that people want to talk about, and very few people want to listen. So when something big happens, in no time, everyone already knows it. So, be prepared to be at the center of many conversations. Find a way that will help you deal with it so you don’t get affected by it.
You can always have a prepared story to talk about and avoid getting involved in some deeper conversations if you don’t want to. For example, you can talk about how long-distance movers made a move easier and more efficient. After all, you moved safely, even though you were relocating during Coronavirus.
Get used to being in the center of conversations
Don’t Let the Family Overtake Your Life
Your family members may decide to visit whenever they like now that you’re back in your hometown, from your in-laws to your parents. However, it’s generally vital to establish boundaries with the family members unless you’re ready for this kind of open-door policy. Thankfully, there are several acceptable ways to ask your family to respect your privacy. For instance, you may say that even though you enjoy seeing them and since they live nearby, you’d welcome a text or a call before they drop by.
Also, you can call them to talk about setting boundaries while they help you with the unpacking process. You’ll keep them occupied, and they won’t be able to overthink the things you ask them to do. Yes, this may seem like exaggerating, but you surely don’t want to ruin all the benefits of the move just because you can’t set boundaries in the right way with your loved ones.
Talk honestly with your family and set some boundaries
Do Treat Moving Back to a Small Hometown as a New Place
Relocating to a new place wasn’t easy at all. So, don’t be surprised if returning to a hometown triggers the same feelings. After all, it’s best if you treat the place you once called home like it’s completely unknown. You have to remember that your hometown isn’t the same old location even though you’re traveling the same old routes.
You’ll need to put in the effort to start forming your own social network, explore your surroundings, visit new restaurants and bars, and meet new people. Consider installing community-specific smartphone apps, learning about your options for getting around, and signing up for neighborhood listservs. You’ll quickly become accustomed to your new environment thanks to all these items.
Lastly, it doesn’t matter if you’re moving into your parent’s home or into a separate apartment – you have to make your place feel like home all over again. Gather all small apartment ideas and let your creativity overcome the negative feelings you might have caught up with. The following video will have instant results with all the ideas on how to make a small apartment more spacious.
Relax, as the Move Will Be Worth All the Trouble in the End
With all the dos and don’ts we mentioned, you should also remember to relax. You’ve been through a lot lately, and you deserve a break. Take some time for yourself and do something you enjoy. Don’t overthink it, and enjoy the ride. Remember to take deep breaths and know that it will all be worth it in the end. Keep your goals in mind and try to make the best of the fact you’ve returned to a place you once called home.
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