The Importance of Knowing Your New Area

Whether youare moving to a new area from another city or you are moving from one end of town to another, Charlotte, and its many diverse and interesting neighborhoods, is a great place to live. But if there is one thing you do before you move, make sure and research the new location—in a detailed manner. A pretty home, a fun new area with exciting places to explore, new people to meet, yes these all matter. But let’s not forget those little “pop-up” issues that produce just to remind you that the research you did before the big move, well, it wasn’t quite thorough enough. Don’t experience “buyer’s regret” because of the things you didn’t think about before you moved. Let TNT Moving Systems help get you started towards your new home.

Let’s not forget about school zones, crime rates, and traffic; the cost of living, the cost of buying, these are all very important to consider when thinking about moving. What about issues with sewage? Yeah, this is something to think about before you make that move.
Certain areas of Charlotte are experiencing some interesting issues with sewage, and for people who recently moved to these areas, this could become a serious problem. Can you imagine moving into a new spot in Southend only to find you can’t flush the toilet and that it could be months before the problem is fixed? That’s not good. Not good for anybody.
Southpark and Southend are two of the fastest-growing areas in Charlotte. Hip restaurants, cool hangouts, and plenty of shopping—not to mention beautiful parks, fun breweries, a bustling train system, and plenty more—have been drawing crowds of new and displaced Charlotteans for years. But a memo sent back in 2017 from Charlotte’s water company to all new developers in these areas warning them to halt production due to sewage issues has caused major problems in the last two years.
According to an article in the Charlotte Observer titled “Why toilets might be the one thing that holds back growth in Charlotte’s hottest areas,” the sewage systems in both Southend and Southpark were never meant to handle so much…well, you know. The system just can’t keep up with the amount of growth the city is experiencing. And even though the city is rushing to add more sewage lines, growth and development have been reduced to a slow pace. In some areas, there are still people who can’t even flush their toilets.
So what exactly does this mean? Well, you can still buy and rent in these areas, but you definitely want to find out how you will be affected by the restriction in sewage lines before you make the move.
Reactions to such a setback in production have been as expected. Those who are still experience problems and can’t use toilets (both residentially and commercially) have voiced frustration. Some companies, such as D.R. Horton, True Homes, Lennar Carolinas, CalAtlantic Group, David Weekley Homes, and Shea Homes have filed a class-action lawsuit against the city of Charlotte because of extra fees to ensure waste is managed properly. It’s all a big mess, to say the least.
Charlotte is one of the top-ten fastest-growing cities in the U.S., but can the city keep up with this rate of growth? While we certainly hope so, for those who are getting ready to move, there is some research to be done.
For starters, contact Charlotte Water to find out if your new area has been or will be affected by the city’s little sewage snafu. If you are moving to or around Southend or Southpark, chances are you will be affected in some way. But it’s always better to be prepared.

Here are a few initial things to consider before you move anywhere inside or outside of Charlotte:

• City Reviews. Niche is a city review website that lets you narrow a review by zip code. This is a great way to find out what people are saying about your new area. Niche also pulls up interesting data on diversity, family-friendliness, etc. so you can get a good idea of the type of area you are about to move into.
• Activities & Nightlife. What are your weekends like? Do you typically stick around the house with the family, or are you one to be out and about hitting up breweries and walking trails? The nice thing about Charlotte is there are plenty of neighborhoods connected to greenways and within walking distance to fun areas for dining and drinking. Move to an area that suits your lifestyle—you will be so much happier in the long run!

• Cost of Housing. Currently, housing costs are up in Charlotte, but this doesn’t mean it will stay that way. Cost also depends on where you plan to buy. You could spend time researching the market to help you make predictions of where you can buy, or you could simply find yourself a nice realtor who can (and probably already has) do this for you. One recommendation is Michael Booe at Helen Adams Realty. Michael can answer any questions you have about possible areas of interest in and outside of Charlotte.

• Commute Time. It's always tempting to let this one slide when looking into new areas. "I’ll get used to the long drive”—this might sound possible, but it rarely is. It’s those things we do the most that tend to matter most, so it is worth the effort to find an area that doesn’t put you too far away from your place of employment. When shopping for areas to live, narrow them down to a handful then take the time to drive the commute for each. See which seems to be the most reasonable and stick with that area.

• Schools. If you have children or plan to have them one day, you know school zones are important. Typically, we want our kids growing up with the same class of memorable faces, which means you don’t want to have to pull your kids from one zone to place them in another. Perform a Niche search to see what people have to say about the many different school zones within the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. This can help you determine where you plan to plant roots and establish a family.

• Cost of Living. When moving to a new city, the cost of living is usually something researched. But when moving from one end of town to another, like Cotswold to Uptown, we don't usually think about the price difference. But it is a good idea to consider the closest grocery stores (think a Trader Joes versus Whole Foods) and gas stations and eateries. These are the places you will most likely spend a lot of your time and money, so it is a good idea to seek out those living areas that provide you with the type of shopping that's best for your wallet.

• Crime Rate. This is another great search for Niche. Crime rates change a lot, and though we hear differing viewpoints from the local news, friends, and family, it’s best to find the facts. It wouldn’t hurt to contact the Charlotte Police Department in order to get some factual insight into the crime rates of the area you are looking into moving as well. Driving around your prospective living area at night is also a good way to get an idea of what the area is like, but nothing beats looking at the cold, hard facts.

Living in the Burbs
Considering a move away from the hustle and bustle of the city limits? Check these growing suburbs out:

1. Fort Mill. About eighteen miles from Uptown, Fort Mill has become quite a popular area for families to move. Its low property tax, highly-rated school system, and affordable housing continue to attract retirees and newly formed families from all walks of life. And with neighborhoods such a Baxter Village it is not necessary to have to venture into Charlotte for a fun night out.
2. Indian Trail. Looking for something a little more rural and off the beaten path? This is your place. With beautiful countryside views and backyards that open to clear, blue skies, Indian Trail is quickly growing in popularity. About fifteen miles from Uptown, this is a place to settle down. Check out Sun Valley Commons for some great places to eat, drink, and enjoy the slow life.
3. Huntersville. Great schools, nice and affordable homes, and only twenty minutes from Uptown—Huntersville has been one of Charlotte’s top suburbs for years, and it’s only getting better with time. With the great restaurants and retail of Birkdale Village, and the enticing boat-life that Lake Norman provides, it’s no wonder people are scrambling to get here. Plus, with the promise of a LYNX transit system running from Charlotte on up to Huntersville, it might just become the most popular suburb yet.
4. Mount Holly. This is the place for those who are always on the move, looking for that next great hiking spot or river to kayak down. Mount Holly is the home of The U.S. Whitewater Center and Crowders Mountain State Park. Two wonderful spots for outdoor fun. Best of all, Mount Holly works on multiple levels: there are trails and camping for the uber-active plus plenty that are more family-friendly.

Finding the best fit takes work, but once you find that new area to move into you will be so glad you did the research (you’ll also be happy your toilets flush!). Contact TNT Moving Systems today to get a quote on your next big move.

*Sources:

• https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/business/article194974714.html

Home Storage: A How-To Guide to Help Keep You Organized and Clutter-Free

The importance of staying organized is never more apparent than when you are packing, unpacking, or simply going through a purge. Having a place for everything, and then keeping those places organized and free of clutter, can be cumbersome and a bit overwhelming, but at TNT Moving Systems we have a few tricks to help you keep everything in its right place.

No matter the size of the home, we always find a way to fill it with stuff. It accumulates rather quickly, this stuff: that comfy chair you were given but don't really need; excess clothing items you're just not ready to get rid of (what if boot-leg jeans come back into style?); a garage full of lumber for, you know, that treehouse you have been planning on building for the kids—who just left for college.

It’s difficult to get rid of stuff, even when we know we need to do it. But worry not, we are here to help. And the first step in becoming clutter-free is not to look at how much you have, but instead to figure the what and where.

What to Keep & Where to Store it

Before we look into how to store specific items, you need to decide where you will store them. Obviously, dishes and the like go in the kitchen, the sofa and television in the living room, etc. But what about those things you want to keep, but you don't use all the time?

The first step in organizing your home is to figure out how you are going to work with the space you have. And no matter the size of your home, it’s best to begin with the rule of three. Decide on the three areas of your home that will be most used to store lesser-used items. Typically, these areas include the basement, garage/shed, and attic. Here are some general rules for using each of these three areas for storage:

Basement: for some reason, people love to put boxes and perishables in their basements. This is usually not a good idea because the basement of any house is the first place to flood. Basements are also a bit more humid than the rest of the house, which encourages mold to grow. Now, just because basements tend to take in moisture it doesn’t mean you can’t use this area for storage, you just need to be thoughtful about what you put down there. At TNT Moving Systems, we recommend using a basement to store the following only:

• Plastic furniture (outdoor, children's, etc.)
• Unused toys
• Kitchen supplies that are sealed and kept in glass or plastic containers

Garage/Shed: whether or not your garage or shed is insulated, this is a good place to store anything that can withstand extreme hot and cold weather. And even though people like to store food items in the garage, especially when the garage and kitchen are connected or close, this is not a good idea. Insects, reptiles, and even rodents, always find a way in and out, and you don’t want to have anything around that could attract them. However, these things are fine to be stored in a garage or shed:

• Tools
• Outdoor equipment
• Clothing (in sealed bags or containers to keep away from moths and other insects)
• Holiday décor

Attic: unless it is temperature-controlled, an attic can get pretty hot or cool—but not near as much as your garage. This area of the house is the most used for storage, and the biggest problem with using the attic is we usually forget what we put up there! Here are items to be stored way upstairs:

• Decorations
• Suitcases and other luggage items
• Fabrics and furniture
• Miscellaneous items that don’t seem to fit anywhere else in the house

Now that you have those storage items put away, let’s jump into the fun stuff like organizing the refrigerator, silverware drawer, and cabinet area. The very thought of going through these places and purging and organizing induces sweat and calls up that vein protruding from your forehead—but don’t stress! We got you.

The Kitchen

A well-organized kitchen provides more than just food and drink. It creates a warm and welcoming area for conversation and cooking—a place to explore new ideas and establish traditions. And because we use our kitchens so much (at least three times a day, but of course it’s much more than that), we find that the level of organization in which our kitchen is kept, strongly determines how organized we are in our own lives; a dirty, unkempt kitchen makes us feel discombobulated, out of place. But a clean, kept kitchen makes us calm and happy, ready to try new things.

When we are organized we feel good. We feel right, like we can do anything. So let’s look at organizing three separate areas within the kitchen: the fridge, the silverware drawer, and the upper cabinets (used for housing dishes).

• The Fridge: an organized fridge can save you money and time. The first step is to clean out and discard. This means getting rid of those items past their expiration dates (you know you have a jar of pickles sitting in your refrigerator from 2012), and also throwing out those products you know you are never going to use.

The second step is to reorganize the shelves within the fridge. Reconfigure the shelves so that you are able to have the items most used in the front or inside the door. You want everything placed in order of use. This keeps you from having to dig through areas of the fridge for one little thing, which then tips over the milk carton initializing a domino-like collapse of everything else on that shelf.

Next, find a heavy-duty and water-resistant shelf liner (The Container Store makes these specifically for inside the fridge) and line the bottom of all shelving areas. This will make cleanup from rotten fruit or spills much easier. What’s more, if the spillage is too drastic you can remove the liners and wash them.

Now it’s time to fill the fridge back up. Be sure and keep all similar items together—for example mustard, ketchup, and salad dressing can all go together. Consider purchasing small organization bins meant for a fridge (you can find these at The Container Store as well) where items can easily be kept together.

Stack to save space. Certain items, like fruit containers and jars, can be stacked pretty easily, but what about cans or bottles? These are likely to take up the most space because they are so difficult—if not impossible—to stack. But rest assured, there is a way. We love the bottle and can dispenser from…wait for it…The Container Store, which is a small, flat piece of plastic with ridges that keep individual bottles and cans in place and stackable. This is a wonderful way to save space in the fridge.

• The Silverware: it takes all of five seconds for the silverware drawer to become disorganized. Now you and the rest of your family find yourselves rummaging around in it with one hand, creating that always-recognizable song of silverware clinking and chiming like nails running down a chalkboard. And all this just to find a fork. But it doesn’t have to be like this. This is a small organization project that delivers big results.

Begin by taking everything out of the drawer(s) and setting them in groups (spoons with spoons, forks with forks, you get it). Now, go through each group and try and remember the last time that item type was used. If you can’t remember, throw it out!

Next, measure the interior of the drawer and buy a durable liner to place inside (you can find quality liners at Target, The Container Store, even Walmart).

Once the drawer is lined, purchase individual silverware organizers (The Container Store has these made of wood and we find they work well and look the best). The problem with those one-piece plastic organizers is you are stuck with one design. What happens when you add more silverware or need to reconfigure? This is what's so nice about using individual boxes. Now you can set your silverware drawer up just as you like it. And if you need to add a section for new silverware, just buy another organizer.

• The Cabinets: the upper cabinets are typically reserved for dishes. This area is also one that becomes cluttered quickly, but with a few organization hacks, you can have the cleanest, most organized cabinets in the neighborhood.

Start by taking all the dishes out and placing them somewhere safe. Then measure and place a liner down—be sure to use one with rubber or any other non-slip surface so you know your dishes will stay in place, even when bumped or pushed.

Now, in order to take advantage of all your vertical space, consider using Undershelf brackets and hooks for those wasted spaces above your stacked plates and bowls. Undershelf brackets are perfect for small mugs and saucers because they act as mini shelving areas that attach to the underside (with small screws) of the interior of the cabinet. And hooks can be used for more mugs or anything else with a handle.

Another way to add storage room is by utilizing stackable shelves. By simply placing a stackable shelf inside of your cabinet you can create even more room to stack plates and bowls. It’s a shelf within a shelf and it’s genius!

Organized: A Way of Life

Becoming organized takes some work. For instance, cleaning out and reorganizing a fridge can take up to a day to complete. Working on your silverware drawer and cabinets might not take quite as long, but it’s still a lot of work. But here’s the thing: once you are organized, it’s really not that difficult to remain that way.

Think of it as a way of life, and you will quickly begin to notice the benefits of being organized because life is better when your home is well put together.

Feel free to contact us at TNT Moving Systems for more organization ideas—what about your dining room or play areas? We're here to help!



-Andrae Bergeron

*Source: https://www.containerstore.com/organization-projects?search=kitchen&page=1#stq=kitchen&stp=1

Preparing for a Move? Label Boxes While you Pack

Moving Tip from TNT Moving Systems: Label What you Pack

Preparing for A Move? Different Sized Boxes are the Way to go

Packing Tip from TNT Moving Services

TNT Moving Systems Can Help you Move into a House or Apartment

Apartment or House? TNT Moving Systems is Here to Help

TNT Moving Systems is Here to Help you Pull Off the Perfect Move

TNT Moving Systems is Here to Assist with the Perfect Move

Preparing for a Move? Here are Some Tips for Moving Out

Are You Getting Ready to Move Out?

Is Minimalism the New Black?

Although so much of the “American Dream” has involved acquiring things, the “tidying up” trend has taken over. No longer is a growing mass of possessions — clothes, gadgets, collections — indicative of social standing. Instead minimalism is the new luxury.

WHO IS “MINIMALISM” FOR?

Good design isn’t cheap. Whether it’s an iPhone or an angora sweater, a KitchenAid mixer, or boots made from hand-tooled leather, items that are built to last require an investment.

There’s a certain kind of circular disadvantage associated with poverty and consumerism. Limited incomes typically allow little room for saving money. If one is unable to afford “The Nice Thing” because one does not have the upfront capital to buy it, one often has to settle for the less expensive, poorly made “Available Thing.” Instead of buying “The Nice Thing” once, one ends up perhaps spending even more over time repeatedly buying the “Available Thing.”

Consider an inexpensive pair of work slacks sold at a big-box discount store versus a pair of tailored slacks in heavier fabric from a high-end retailer. Or think about a cheap set of socket wrenches made from low-grade metal that warp when put to the test versus professional-grade tools that will withstand any pressure. The same exchange applies to buying in bulk. That giant pack of paper towels costs $22 while one roll is $1.50. (And buying that multi-pack means needing space to store it.) Saving money in the long run requires having money to spend now.

“You cannot choose to ‘declutter’ if you are already living in a sparse home you cannot afford to furnish,” writes Chelsea Fagan for The Financial Diet. “You cannot ‘reduce’ the food you consume if you are already only able to put one good meal on the table per day. And when nearly half of Americans would be unable to pay their bills if they missed a single check, this ‘forced minimalism’ is much, much more common than we would like to imagine.”

Being a “minimalist” in the Pinterest sense of clean, white shelves and tiny stereo speakers on a natural wood entertainment center in an airy living room with a stylish couch and hypoallergenic cat isn’t a casual lifestyle.

“The only people who can ‘practice’ minimalism in any meaningful way are people upon whom it isn’t forced by financial or logistical circumstances,” Fagan writes.

TIDYING UP

Although not everyone can afford Instagram-worthy décor, and while cleaning and organizing take time that may well be hard to find, there are practical tips to managing messes.

Marie Kondo, author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing,” asks one question that cuts to the heart of clutter — does it bring you joy?

Granted some items in our lives are simply necessary. Our toothbrush may not make us happy, but it helps keep us healthy. What Kondo is getting at though are the things we amass that don’t quite work, don’t quite fit, are taking up space that we otherwise need, and are distracting from the things we actually do want.

Do you have 16 pairs of shoes and only wear 3? Kondo says to thank those 13 extra pairs for having served their purpose for you and release them on to their next life by donating, selling, or trashing them. Are you pretending you’re going to re-read that college textbook about international banking systems? Kondo says, let it go. Did your grandmother buy you a set of seasonal toilet paper cozies at the church yard sale that you’ve kept shoved in the back of the sock drawer? Kondo tells you it’s okay to send them on their way.

Tidying up, which you can see in action in Kondo’s Netflix series, is an exercise in self-editing. “Her method is deceptively simple,” writes Sarah Archer in The Atlantic. “She has clients begin with clothing, move on to books, then paper documents, then komono, which means ‘miscellaneous’ in Japanese and encompasses the kitchen, bathroom, garage, and other objects. Then they finish up with the final category, which is sentimental items. There’s something about the way in which Kondo explains the goals of her exercises that gets her clients to open up. This is the key difference between Tidying Up and most other reality shows: There’s no sense of competition, and the ostensible makeover at the heart of every episode simply involves regular people becoming happier and more at ease in their own home. Kondo doesn’t scold, shame, or criticize. Things spark joy or they don’t, and it’s fine either way.”

Decluttering has the advantage of making it easier to clean. Whether mopping floors or disinfecting the bathroom counters, things get in the way. Although Kondo is in favor of organizing, not by area but by type of thing (i.e. not just the hall closet and winter wear but all your clothing all at once), you may try tackling a smaller task at first to get you motivated. Try going through the refrigerator and freezer by taking everything out, inspecting expiration dates, and cleaning all the hard surfaces with a disinfecting cleaner. This activity has the added benefit of keeping your family healthy! How about the coffee table or nightstand? Tackling little projects that take less of a time commitment than your entire closet will help keep you going and give you a way to practice new behaviors like putting things away after you’re done using them.

If you’re looking to save money, making your own cleaning supplies is easier than you might think. For an all-purpose cleaner that’s also safe around children and animals, combine 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water, and use it with a sponge to wipe messes away. Make a glass cleaner by mixing 1/2 cup white vinegar with 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 2 cups of water. Remember that baking soda is a terrific deodorizer for sneakers, gym bags, and pet beds. For greasy surfaces like kitchen cabinets, add a few drops of dish soap to a spray bottle and fill it with warm water and clean with a damp rag. If you need to scrub something like a pan or bathtub, try a handful of salt and use half a lemon to rub the salt around then rinse with clean water.

Other quick tips to refresh your surroundings?

• Put your houseplants in the shower. A full rinse with cool water will clear them of dust and debris.
• Run plastic children’s toys through the dishwasher to sanitize them.
• Wash your shower curtain in the washing machine with hot water and a few towels.

TOO MUCH

Organizing in and of itself is nothing new. Television capitalized on homemakers’ aspirations for a clutter-free life in the early 2000s, launching series of reality TV shows like “Hoarders,” “Clean Sweep,” and “Mission: Organization.”

“Hoarders” stood out for the extreme cases the show highlighted. Homes were more than disorganized or cluttered. Occupants had crossed a line such that their attachment to and inability to get rid of possessions, many of which were no longer useful and had become hazardous, posed a serious threat to their quality of life. Commonly hoarded items include newspapers, magazines, bags, boxes, photographs, household supplies, food, and clothing.

“Hoarding can be related to compulsive buying (such as never passing up a bargain), the compulsive acquisition of free items (such as collecting flyers), or the compulsive search for perfect or unique items (which may not appear to others as unique, such as an old container),” according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

Hoarding has been classified as a mental condition closely associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and depression. The ADAA states:

“People hoard because they believe that an item will be useful or valuable in the future. Or they feel it has sentimental value, is unique and irreplaceable, or too big a bargain to throw away. They may also consider an item a reminder that will jog their memory, thinking that without it they won’t remember an important person or event. Or because they can’t decide where something belongs, it’s better just to keep it.”

There’s a difference between what is seen as typical saving versus collection and hoarding. Those who hoard often feel embarrased about their possessions and living conditions when others see them. Their clutter is an isolating force. Collectors on the other hand maintain their carefully curated collections and have a sense of pride in what they have gathered.

Someone who hoards may exhibit the following:

• Inability to throw away possessions
• Severe anxiety when attempting to discard items
• Great difficulty categorizing or organizing possessions
• Indecision about what to keep or where to put things
• Distress, such as feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by possessions
• Suspicion of other people touching items
• Obsessive thoughts and actions: fear of running out of an item or of needing it in the future; checking the trash for accidentally discarded objects
• Functional impairments, including loss of living space, social isolation, family or marital discord, financial difficulties, health hazards

The show “Hoarders” and its follow up, “Hoarding: Buried Alive,” made an attempt to help those who hoard address their conditions with professional organizers and mental health therapists. These types of professionals target the behaviors associated with hoarding rather than just the mess itself.

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals has tips for how to hire a professional organizer or productivity consultant. Step one is figuring out what kind of services are needed — there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to tidying up! There are consultants who specialize in a range of skills such as organizing for people with disabilities, helping seniors who are downsizing, managing estate sales, tackling home offices, converting paper documents into digital assets, and designing storage solutions such as customized closets.

“Avoid choosing a Professional Organizer or Productivity Consultant strictly by price,” states NAPO guidelines. “Instead, focus on finding someone with the personality and skill set that match your needs. That person is most likely to deliver the greatest value by achieving the results you desire in the shortest amount of time.”

WHEN IT COMES TO MOVING

How much we have seems to directly correlate with how long we’ve been in a single place. Maybe there’s still a stash of your childhood things in your parents’ basement. Maybe the garden shed in the backyard is a vestige of every hobby you ever had. Whether you ever plan to move or not, pretend that you are. How hard would it be? How much money would you spend putting things in storage or shipping things by weight?

TNT Moving Systems can get you from wherever you are to wherever you’re going, local and long-distance, but we know from experience that planning ahead for moving day is a good thing. If you need help, call us for a free quote. We are a moving company but we also tackle projects like loading and unloading storage pods, moving pianos, and packing.

Visit us online at tntmovingsystems.com or call 704.523.1455.

Clean Out Your Closet Before you Move

Clean Up Your Closet: Donate Old Clothes

Donate Large and Bulky Items Before Your Next Move

Clean Out Large and Unnecessary Items

Why Do Americans Move? The Top 6 Reasons Regarding Housing

Top 6 Reasons Why People Move Regarding Housing

How do Americans Move?

The most common ways that Americans move locations

How to Get to Know People (As an Adult) in a New Town

Relocating, at any age, is a stressful time in one’s life. Whether you are moving across town, across the country, or across the pond, change is difficult. While children have a hard time with moves too, they at least get the opportunity to make new friends at school, in the neighborhood and in after-school activities. That takes care of the young, but what about the “young at heart?”

Move.org reports that roughly 35.5 million (or 11 percent) Americans moved in 2017 (July 6, 2018), so you are far from alone in your quest to meet new friends and settle into a new community.  The top five reasons to move are as follows: to relocate to a new or better home (16 percent), to establish their own household (11.5 percent), for “other” family reasons (11.3 percent), for a new job or job transfer (9.9 percent), and to find cheaper housing (8.3 percent).

The logistics of moving are tricky enough, but there can be emotional struggles along the way. Anxiety and depression are common. Psychologists* recommend three first steps to help you feel better and adjust, 1) get out of the house, 2) accept and extend social invitations, and, 3) do the things that made you happy in your old place.

Making friends as a grown-up offers some unique challenges, but it’s not impossible. Taking the above recommendations a step further, here are some tips to make meeting people and trying new things a bit easier:

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

Do you have a hobby? Want one?Taking a class is a great way to meet new people in your community and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Local colleges and school districts have community education classes (time to brush up on your French or figural drawing?) and libraries have lots of opportunities for learning with classes and programs featuring locals who can inform you about places to visit in your new community. Over 50? You likely have even more options to meet people. Senior centers, universities, and AARP offer an array of classes for varied interests.

Raise a glass! With the popularity of micro-breweries and wineries, the traditional “bar scene” is shifting. Check in advance for special release evenings, tastings, and concerts at your local vineyard or taproom. You can mingle in a relaxing environment and grab a couple of bottles to stock your new kitchen.

Patronize me, please! Do you love art? Museums? Baseball? Consider becoming a patron at a local museum or buy season tickets to a sports team. You’ll be supporting local institutions and meeting like minded people. Museums have programs including lectures, films, gallery talks, and member only events. A great chance to share your love of Monet! Buying season tickets to a favorite sport will give you a season’s worth of plans, and your seat mates will be able to offer up tips on the best players and the cheapest beer and hotdogs.

Put yourself out there — outside that is! Is running, hiking or sunrise yoga your thing? Look online for groups in your area to join. Local stores can help you make connections while you shop for a new yoga mat or that perfect jogging hat. Many parks have programs (often free) and guided hikes. You’ll get your exercise, meet new people, and discover nature in your own back yard.

Volunteer! Do you love dogs, cats, hamsters, parrots, rabbits, horses, and more? Animal shelters often need volunteers of all sorts. From cleaning up, to fundraising, to helping with adoptions, to fostering, the needs are great. Smaller communities often have historical societies or houses that could use a hand on weekends or perhaps you are a wizard of the web and can lend your talents to their social media. Hospitals, political organizations, schools, the performing arts and social organizations have a wide variety of volunteer needs. Soon, you’ll be helping to not only fill your planner, but you’ll be filling your heart and your friends list in no time!

GET SOCIAL

Did you move for a new job? Perhaps your Human Resources representative can provide some contact information about groups who specialize in your field of work. It may serve two purposes: it will give you a chance to network andmeet people with similar interests. You might also find that some companies have a mentoring program and/or a new colleague may be willing to show you around town and introduce you to others.

Looking for a job? Moving to a new area provides new opportunities to network. Look online for meetup groups, update your Linkedin and any applicable social media platforms to indicate your new city and highlight your skill set. Check out temporary opportunities, part-time and seasonal employment while you look for your new position.

Throw a party! Invite your new neighbors for a drop by meet and greet. Maybe you don’t want strangers in your house, does your community have a pool or a club house? Perhaps there is a homeowners meeting or social event coming up.

Get schooled. If you have a child in school (or are in school yourself), coordinate study groups in your home (church groups too), invite your children’s classmates over for supervised playdates, or volunteer for your school or church.

Do you have a secret talent? Maybe you are a pet sitter, great with gardens, or are handy with a hammer. Check local regulations first and offer your services to your neighbors. This will open the conversation and perhaps help your fill your wallet.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE

Make your favorite comfort foods. Maybe you are from an area known for chili and you are suddenly in chowder territory. Make yourself a pot (and perhaps invite a new friend to share). The holidays also offer up a great chance to make your traditional treats and introduce them to others.

Continue your hobbies. Before the move, do some internet searching and find out where you can practice Thai chi, skeet shoot, or horseback ride near your new digs. Or, maybe actual digging is what you dig! Those amateur archaeologist skills could prove a handy way to volunteer and help introduce you to those who came before.

Did you enjoy decorating? You have a blank canvas and the perfect opportunity to create your new nest. Check out the local antiques and boutiques and combine regional items with those you brought along with you.

Are you a reader? Join a book club or maybe even start one in your neighborhood at home. You could use this opportunity to trade some books or try out local authors.

Invite friends and family to visit! Spending time with loved ones can go a long way in helping you feel confident in your new environment and it lends the opportunity to be a tourist and play tour guide in your new city. Invite new friends or co-workers to join in and explore together!

While moving as an adult and making new friends does have challenges, it can also open you up to experiences and friendships you may never have imagined!

*Martijn Hendriks, Kai Ludwigs, and Ruut Veenhoven, “Why are Locals Happier than Internal Migrants? The Role of Daily Life,” Social Indicators Research 125 (2016): 481–508. 

We Move Charlotte - TNT Moving Systems!

Give Us A Call When You're Ready To .... Move, Relocate, Go!

Recycling our boxes is encouraged.

1st Walk Around the New Neighborhood - TNT Can Get You There.

Ready to Enjoy your First "Fancy" Dinner Party in your New Home? Call TNT Moving Systems

TNT is Here to Help You at Every Stage of Your Life.

Let Us Relocate Your Business