If you’re on a new adventure moving to a new town it can be an exciting time for you, but it can also be a time of anxiety and worry. When you have so much to do and it all seems overwhelming, planning ahead and sticking with that plan will make the transition to your new town much smoother for you. 

After you have found your new place there are some things you will need to do to get up and running in your new city. If your move puts you in a rental living situation, here are a few tips to help you in your relocation.

Utilities

Before you move in you will need to have the utilities turned on. These could include gas, water, electricity, cable, internet, garbage pickup and possibly a few others things. The good thing about rental living is that some of these may be included with your rent. Your property manager will be able to let you know. 

Friends

You’ll probably be leaving your old friends behind and hope to meet some new social acquaintances. There are tons of places to meet new people once you begin to settle in, like: 

• Neighbors
• Church
• Social Media (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+)
• Work
• Gym 
• Clubs & Organizations
• Parents at your kid’s school

Consider trying to meet new people online, whether through social media or your new job before you get to your new town. That way you know at least a few people once you get there! 

Local Hot Spots

Of course, you will want to know where things are happening in your new city. A good place to start is to pick up a local paper or take a look at the city’s Chamber website online. The local newspaper will generally have a weekend section that will give a rundown of nightlife and cultural events happening in the area. New friends and acquaintances will be more than happy to let you know their favorite spots. You can even just get out and check out the town yourself and explore places you find interesting. Another perk of rental living is that your apartment complex often organizes events and theme nights too.

Pets

If you have pets you need to remember the move will be tough on them also. You will need to find a new vet and help them get accustomed to their new home. Don't hesitate to ask for referrals and check out clinics online. Make sure your rental living situation is able to accommodate your pets as well. Some rentals have strict rules about pets.

Doctor

Not only will your pets need a new doctor, you'll need one too. Again friends and co-workers can give you referrals. Maybe there are practices and hospitals in the same network as your old medical providers. 

Bank Accounts

The same will hold true for your bank as your doctor. Your old bank may be part of a national or regional chain that you can just continue to use. If not shop around and once again, ask friends and co-workers where they bank. 

Bills

You'll still have many of your old bills to pay. Make sure you inform your creditors of your new address. Consider writing checks ahead of time for the first few months after your move. In those months you will be dealing with enough stress. Make your new rental living situation easy on yourself by taking care of the bills from your old place ahead of time.

Vital information

You'll want to keep important information easily accessible both before and after your move. Keep on hand account numbers and addresses of all the people on your vital information list. Figure out a way to keep passwords safe and secure. Make sure you have your car insurance information, driver's license and other records in order. 

Rental living in a new city will be fun and exciting. You just want to make sure you have everything in order after your move to make it as stress free as it can be for you. Make your move and make it work! 

Download our Ultimate Moving Guide for the all the extra information you'll need to make your move the simplest it can be.