40 Best Moving Hacks

Moving is anything but easy. It can leave you puzzled with questions like – should I sort through accumulated household items first, or cut time off from work to pack?

The great thing is, you’re not alone — 21 percent more people are moving in 2021 than they did in 2020 (1).

But not to worry, we’ve put together 35 best moving hacks to ease your moving, stay organized, plus save time and money. 

Let’s jump in.

Moving Hacks for Your Kitchen

The kitchen requires meticulous planning when moving — a game plan. With small items that you may forget, not to mention breakable plates, packing your kitchen could be an extreme sport.  

However, you can streamline this process by 

  • Sorting out your kitchen items,
  • Ensuring you keep the essentials in place, and 
  • Disposing of old pantry items.

Use these hacks to make moving your kitchen easier.

1. Pack Your Dinner Plates with Styrofoam

When packing your plates, lay each of them vertically, and place disposable styrofoam plates between them and at the corners of the box. 

Styrofoam is made out of styrene, which expands under pressure to form a foam board. This foam board acts as a cushion that keeps your plates from breaking, and lying the plates down vertically makes it hard for them to slip sideways.

Nevertheless, clean clothes can work well, albeit not very effectively, when you don’t have disposable styrofoam plates.

2. Stock Pots and Kettles with Spices

First, seal all open condiment containers with masking tape. Then, fill big pots that don’t nestle with each other with spices and various pantry items. Pack the pot in a box, then layer your spices and pantry items with clean hand towels between them.

This not only saves you space but keeps you from looking for spice essentials when you’re unpacking.

3. Pad Your Wine Glasses and Stemwares in Clean Socks or Bubble Wraps

Before tucking them away in a box, put your wine glasses and stemwares in clean socks, neat clothes, or bubble wrap.

4. Secure Knives and Other Silverwares 

Sheath kitchen knives in pot holders or packing papers to ensure no one gets accidental cuts.

Place blades in alternate directions on a kitchen towel or neat shirt, and wrap them in packing paper. But for potholders, put in blades first to secure them.

Wrap the spoons and forks in clean tissue bundles, and place them on a silverware tray before wrapping them with plastic film.

5. Leave Cupboard and Drawer Doors Open

You are likely to forget a utensil with all the bustles and hustle that comes with moving. 

Leave your cupboard and drawer doors open to alleviate any fears of forgetting anything, and check them one last time before leaving.

6. Pack a Not-Frequently Used Box

After sorting out your pantry, start by packing a box for items you don’t use daily such as:

  • Cookbooks
  • Cookie pans
  • Mixing bowls
  • Dishcloths, dishtowels, and oven mitts.
  • Special utensils
  • Food storage containers
  • Kitchen wall paintings

When you’re done, label it with a colored tape, so it stands out.

7. Prep and Pack Kitchen Appliances

Prep small and large kitchen appliances before you pack them in boxes. You should do this at least 24 hours before your move. Start by 

  • Wiping grease or food debris off your appliances
  • Defrosting the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Unscrewing loose or removable parts.
  • Securing loose cords with packing tape
  • Wrapping each item in packing paper before fitting them into a box.

Small appliances like toasters, coffee makers, immersion blenders may not have their boxes around anymore. 

You can solve this by using boxes closest to it in size and filling up gaps with packing paper. 

Moving Hacks for Your Bedroom

Now it’s time to move your bedroom. Since almost everything fits in the bedroom, it can be crowded and challenging to pack. 

Sort and organize your items as you pack. Get different boxes for non-essential and essential items, and label them with colored tape to know where you put each item.

Use these hacks below to make moving your bedroom items easier. 

8. Throw a Neat Garbage Bag Over Hanging Clothes

Slip hanging clothes in your closet into neat garbage bags to keep dust away and save you box space and time when unpacking. 

Also, tie the top and bottom together, so the clothes don’t slip to the ground and get dirty.

Purge unwanted clothes or personal items you haven’t looked at in forever. If you haven’t used it for one year, discard them or donate it to charity.

Pack a bag of accessible clothes and accessories you’ll need in a week of moving to your new house. 

9. Roll Clothes, Not Fold Them

Rather than fold your clothes, roll them into straight balls to save drawer space. Then, wrap them neatly in plastic film to keep them in place. 

10. Keep Jewelry in Egg boxes

It’s easy to lose a pendant or earring hook when you store your jewelry in one box. To avoid this, sort and keep them in different spaces in an egg box.

11. Ready an Essentials Box

Throw in essentials you use daily like a few home clothes, deodorants, and toiletries into one box, small suitcase, or backpack for easy carrying.

12. Pad Powder Cosmetics With Cotton Balls

Cover powder cosmetics with cotton pads or balls to stop them from breaking on impact.

13. Pack and Label Items

Pack and label small and fragile items before you work on the major parts of your room. Wrap items like glass ornaments and lamps in bubble wrap to keep them safe and provide extra cushion. 

Pack several boxes of fragile room items together and stuff them up with tissue paper beneath and in every corner. Keep smaller things like knots and bolts in sealable bags, and label them. 

14. Stuff Your Shoes to Maximize Space

Stuff basic items like hairbrushes or hand cream into shoes for more box space.

15. Keep Shoes Organized with Wine Dividers

You can use wine dividers to create shoe cubicles in boxes to keep them organized.

16. Roll Up Posters and Rugs

Roll posters and rugs and tie them on each end with a sturdy rope to secure them. After, put it in a larger plastic bag, roll it, secure it with twist ties, and then seal it with packing tape.

17. Prep Your Mattress for Packing

The mattress might be challenging to pack for one person, so get a friend to help you. 

Wrap your mattress in thick plastic wrap and tie it with a sturdy rope to secure it on the top of your car if you’re moving by yourself.

Moving Hacks for Your Bathroom

Do not make the mistake of cramming everything you’ve got in your bathroom together on the move day.

You might have some belongings in there that you don’t use anymore, are expired, or standing on their last leg – discard them.

Purge, sort, and organize bathroom items with these great hacks for moving your bathroom.

18. Sort Your Bathroom Items

Group your bathroom items by categories that let you know essential and non-essential supplies to pack, discard or donate to charity.

19. Dispose of Unused Medicine

Clear your cluttered medicine cabinet. Safely dispose of medicine that

  • Are expired
  • Are ineffective
  • Looks weird or smells differently
  • Have unreadable labels, or 
  • You’ve completed their dosage or don’t plan to complete it at all.

When disposing of the medicine, take it to a local household waste facility (2) or contact the FDA (3).

20. Trash Used Objects

If you’ve got used or old shaving accessories, trash them. Old cosmetics like dry mascara, dried-out or cakey foundations, and congealed nail polishes should have no place in your new home.

21. Seal the Lids of Hair Products and Body Lotions

Use saran wraps to seal the lids of opened liquid products like shampoos and body creams. This will keep it from spilling and making a mess as you move.

22. Pack Bathroom Items in Small Boxes and Label Them

Once you have a realistic idea of bathroom items, you can’t do without, pack them into small boxes and label them.

Objects like hair dryers, curling irons, or electric shaving razors should go in their box. And, toiletries like shower gels and body lotions should go into another.

Line the inside of the boxes with garbage bags to provide extra security for smaller items and won’t have you scrambling to access them.

23. Wrap and Tape an X on Your Mirrors

Take extra care when moving your mirror. Use the following tips to secure your mirror while moving.

Tape an ‘X’ on the mirror glass with packing tape.

Guard the edges against damage with corner protectors. 

If you have a mirror with odd-shaped or curved edges, get a bit creative with bubble wraps by fixing them onto the edges to do the trick.

Measure and cut the right-size cardboard sheet for your mirror, and affix it onto the glass with clear tape.

For extra protection, place a same-size piece of styrofoam on the cardboard paper before wrapping it in bubble-wrap or moving blankets.

Another great hack is to place your mirror into a custom-made box or wooden crate for a snug fit when moving. This will protect the mirror glass from accidental bumps while moving. 

Remember to mark the box as fragile, so your movers know and take extra care when moving the item.

24. Pack Unused Towels In Heavy Boxes

Place unused towels on the top of heavy boxes before sealing them. They’ll fit the extra space without adding excess weight.

25. Keep Essentials Handy and Reachable

Ensure you leave out handy essentials like deodorants in a clear bag where you can always see them. And keep a first aid kit handy in case of a minor home accident during the move.

Moving Hacks for Your Living Room

The living room is large enough to give you cold feet when moving. To tackle this, come prepared with a pack of tools for disassembling furniture and putting other items such as rugs and electronics in place.

Use these brilliant hacks to stay organized and make moving your living room a breeze.

26. Store Light Bulbs in Boxes

Though this might be the last thing you do on the move day, switch off light bulbs to cool off some hours before you pack them.

Unscrew light bulbs from their lamp holders, and keep them safely in ornament boxes or bubble wraps.

27. Snap a Picture of Your TV Wiring

Avoid mixing up colored wires when you want to assemble your TV in your new place. Take a picture of where all the wires go on your phone. 

This makes it easy to remember where the white, blue, or red wire-heads will go.

28. Pack Your Electronics in a Box, and Mark it Fragile

When packing your electronics in a box, the heaviest and largest goes in first, followed by the lighter ones. Wrap TV or computer screens with a blanket or towel and bubble wrap. Bundle TV cords and console wires with twist ties or packing tape before you label them.

Before packing them, line the boxes with anti-static material like soft clothing or styrofoam pieces for extra security against impact.

29. Bubble-Wrap Fragile Objects to Secure Them

Most fragile objects are kept in the living room. Take the utmost care when moving these objects from your living room,

Framed Pictures and Mirrors: As we said earlier, mirrors and objects with glass must be wrapped with layers of protective materials like bubble wraps and styrofoam before placing them in a box.

Secure the edges of large pictures and mirror frames with pipe insulations before wrapping them with bubble wraps.

Decorative Items: Bubble-wrap valuable decorative items and place them in a box lined with crumpled paper. 

30. Disassemble Your Furniture

Large furniture can’t fit or pass through small doors. You must take them apart and secure them as separate components. Then, reassemble them when you get into your new home. 

Before you begin, get the following tools and items ready to disassemble your furniture.

  • Packing tape
  • Bubble wrap
  • Sealable bags
  • Plastic stretch wrap, and 
  • Furniture blankets.

Then proceed with these next steps:

Loosen the screws of the legs of the sofa or table by turning them counterclockwise.

Remove the armrests of your sofa to ensure the furniture can pass through all doorways.

Place label stickers accordingly on each fastener before you seal them. For instance, if you unscrew ten bolts from your center table, label it as “1 of 10” or “2 of 10” so you know where each bolt goes when you’re reassembling the item. 

Store all fasteners (knots and bolts) in separate, clear plastic bags. Duct-tape them to the back of your furniture to make sure you never lose them.

Wrap the disassembled furniture parts in bubble wraps and furniture blankets. Read instruction manuals to learn how to disassemble your furniture safely.

31. Disassemble Your Lamps

Separate your lamps into carryable parts. Place the base in a box filled with crumpled paper to keep them safe.

When moving the lampshades, use larger sturdy boxes lined with paper or bubble-wrap to pack them. Seal the boxes shut with tape, and label them as fragile.

32. Close up Nail Holes

Use bar soap to fill up holes you previously unscrewed nails from. This practice will protect those openings.

33. Keep Artworks in Envelopes and Label Them

Got artworks?

Put them in a priority mail envelope and label them. If you need the artwork to arrive before the rest of your stuff, put the envelope inside a fitted box before transporting it.

If the artwork has a glass surface, pad the box with bubble wrap and styrofoam material, then slide the artwork envelope between them for an extra cushion.

Moving Hacks for Your Home Office

It’s easy to mix up sensitive files and documents when moving your home office. 

Along with preparing and packing, you should send out notices to clients letting them know you’ve moved and a new home address to reach you.

We’ve laid out some tips to get you started on moving your home office.

34. Sort Office Essentials First

Depending on what you do, your office essentials could be anything from important paperwork, sensitive files to camera stands.

Whatever the case, sort these items out separately. 

Ensure you detach headphone accessories, camera cords (if you use them), and chargers in different sealable bags before placing them in a box.

If you’ve got a library, sort the books by different categories like

  • Size
  • Genre or Author
  • Hardback and Paperback

You can also sell or donate books you won’t need anymore.

35. Pack Your Books Spine Down

Ensure to pack your books in a sturdy book box. Book boxes are thicker than corrugated boxes, measures 17”x 12 ⅜ x 12 ⅜’’ (W x L x H ), and holds up to 65 lbs of books.

Here’s a straightforward way to pack your books.

  • Line the insides of each book box with packing paper.
  • Place the sorted books inside; spine down, pages facing upward.
  • Lift it periodically to know when it becomes too heavy to carry.
  • Pad the top and sides of the books with bubble wrap or packing paper.
  • Seal each box with packing tape and label it appropriately with a colored marker.

Always pack books of like sizes together. If you must layer them, place the heaviest or bulky books beneath, and the smaller ones on top.

36. Dismantle Office Furniture Before Move Day

You must dismantle your office furniture before move day, Sort and mark pieces that go together, and keep them in one spot.

37. Take Apart Your Desktop and Printer

If you kept the original packaging of your desktop and printer, now is the time to put it to use.

Start with taking a photo of your computer’s wiring. Then, meticulously disconnect all wires, and mark them with colored tape. Remove the toner and ink cartridges from the printer to avoid spilling.

Uncouple feeders or paper holders from your printer before wrapping the monitor and other hardware in moving blankets.

Ensure to pack the computer upright in a well-padded box so it remains safe during transport.

38. Seal Confidential Documents

Seal all confidential documents in sealable Ziploc bags or file folders. This will keep them intact and protect them from dust and moisture. Plus, you’ll have on-the-go access to them.

39. Take a Picture of Each Box

It’s necessary to take a picture of the content of each box before sealing it. This ensures that you know what goes in which box, saving you the hassle of opening everything at once in your new home.

40. Allocate Numbers to Help with Inventory

Keep an inventory of the content of your box by allocating numbers to different boxes. For every number, write down what’s in the box. This is a crucial step when moving sensitive content from your home office.

Bonus Tips Before You Get Moving

It’s move day, and you’re feeling pretty exhausted. No matter the time of the year, moving is stressful enough to scare you back to bed.

But before you go, we’ve got two bonus hacks that will ease the last of the moving process.’

  • Fasten the door handle (of each room) with a rubber band to prevent the door from latching each time you need to move a box.
  • Minimize the chaos by using color codes for each room’s box. Put each sticker by the side (not on top), so you know where each box goes in your new home.

Happy moving!

Townhouse vs. Condo: Everything you need to know

The American dream to most Americans means a successful career, a happy family, and homeownership.

Data shows that homeownership in the US is at 65.8 percent,(1) about 38.5 percent of people under 35 years own their homes. Meanwhile, 33 percent of millennials are currently saving to buy their homes.

Townhouses and condos are two of the most popular options. But deciding on the one that suits your lifestyle and budget is a big decision.

This townhouse vs. condo comparison helps you uncover what’s right for you.

Townhouse vs. Condo: Similarities and Differences

What Is a Townhouse?

A typical person probably sees a house as a free-standing single-family residence with front and back entrances and a garage. 

Townhouses are typical houses, but they often share at least a wall with another unit and sit side-by-side in a row, stretching over a considerable land expanse.

They are traditionally one to three stories tall, have front and back yards, and usually build them along the street.

What Is a Condo?

A condominium is a privately owned residence within a complex of other similar units.

When people buy a condo, they own their units and share joint ownership of the building and its common areas with the other owner-tenants. 

Condos usually sit in high-rising buildings, and the residents share an elevator, gym, garages, hallways, and other common areas.

The condo owners take care of their condo’s interiors, while the Homeowners Association manages and cares for the common areas and the entire property.

Townhouse and Condo Similarities

Townhouses and condos share some striking similarities. Here, we’ll explore some of them.

  • Townhouses and condos both offer communal living to residents.
  • Most townhouses and condos have HOAs, and their rules could be stifling.
  • Both are popular among millennials and inexperienced home seekers, and such have high demands.
  • Condos and townhouses have high resale values.
  • When compared to single-family houses, condos and townhouses have limited maintenance responsibilities.
  • Some condos and townhouses have common areas like gym, tennis court, swimming pool e.t.c

Condo vs. Townhouse Differences

Townhouses and condos differ in many areas. Let’s check them out.

  • Townhouse owners own both the interior and exterior of their homes and the land around them. In contrast, condo owners own only their units while collectively owning the property with the rest of the condo owners.
  • Condo owners are only responsible for their homes’ interiors, while townhouse owners are responsible for both the interior and exterior of their homes.
  • The HOAs are more active in condos than in townhouses.
  • Condos pay significantly higher HOA fees than townhouse owners.
  • Townhouses pay more in insurance than condo owners.
  • Condos offer better levels of security to their residents than townhouses.
  • Generally, townhouses offer better privacy to their residents than condos, and they also enjoy more freedom.
  • Condos are usually in high-rising buildings, while townhouses sit in rows and are generally between one to three stories high.
  • Condo residents share a garage, while some townhouses have their own parking spaces.
  • Townhouses have separate entrance areas or patio and open spaces, whereas condos share entrances and exits.
  • Condos are usually less expensive than townhouses to purchase.
  • Townhouse owners can customize their homes within their HOA guidelines. Condo owners can not, except for their units’ interior.
  • Condos offer more community lifestyle and socializing opportunities than townhouses.

Advantages

What advantages do townhouses and condos offer their owners? Here, we’ll find out.

Townhouse Advantages

Here are the advantages of a townhouse:

  • Townhouses offer more freedom and privacy to residents.
  • Residents pay lesser HOA fees.
  • Townhouse owners can customize their homes. 
  • Some townhouses come with their own spaces kids can play in or walk the dog.
  • Residents don’t share entrance areas.
  • Some townhouses have separate parking spaces.

Condo Advantages

Here are the advantages of a condo:

  • Condos are likely to have more friendly neighbors, and the residents experience more community.
  • Condos are relatively more secured.
  • Residents share maintenance costs.
  • Condos are usually in bustling neighborhoods.
  • Condo owners pay lesser insurance fees and property taxes.
  • They are usually less expensive to purchase.
  • The residents have fewer maintenance responsibilities to worry about.
  • Most condos have front desk offices and personnel.
  • Condos feature many amenities that make residents enjoy fulfilling living.

Disadvantages

Condos and townhouses come with some disadvantages. Wondering what they are? Continue reading.

Townhouse Disadvantages

Here are the disadvantages of a townhouse:

  • Townhouse owners bear the maintenance cost alone.
  • They pay higher insurance fees and property tax.
  • The windows and doors lead onto the street, making them feel less protected.
  • Townhouses are relatively more expensive to purchase.
  • The residents have more maintenance responsibilities.
  • Townhouses feature a lesser number of amenities.

Condo Disadvantages

Here are the disadvantages of condos:

  • The residents enjoy limited freedom and privacy.
  • Condos’ HOA fees are significantly higher.
  • Residents share most of the housing facilities.

Townhouse vs. Condo: Side-by-Side Comparison

Responsibilities

Buying a condo or townhouse comes with responsibilities for the owner. But how do these responsibilities differ? 

Townhouse Owners’ Responsibilities: Townhouse owners are responsible for the interiors and exteriors of their homes, including the lands around them. They have significant control and responsibilities over their properties compared to condo owners.

Many townhouses have a Homeowners Associations (HOA) responsible for managing the common areas, amenities, snow plowing, trash removal, and more.

Condo Owners’ Responsibilities: Condo owners are only responsible for the interior of the home. The HOA manages the exteriors and common areas.

Verdict

Townhouses are perfect for families that want to enjoy the feel of a single-family house at a lower cost and much fewer maintenance responsibilities.

The condo is perfect for families that want to own their real estate but are not ready for any maintenance responsibilities.

Homeowners Association (HOA)

Homeowners Association (HOA) is an organization that makes and enforces rules for a real estate property and its residents. These rules are usually known as Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). 

Homeowners elect an HOA board to preside over the association and act on behalf of their members. But how do townhouse and condo HOAs differ?

Townhouse HOA: Townhouse HOA helps in maintaining the neighborhood and protecting the property values. Here are the other things a typical townhouse HOA handles:

  • Snowplowing
  • Trash removal
  • Neighborhood road and sidewalk maintenances
  • Landscaping and caring for the communal laws
  • Mediates on property-related disputes
  • Management of HOA fees
  • Maintenance and appearances of home (including the type of paints, decor, and quality of repair materials to use)
  • Legislations and enforcement of living conditions and restrictions as contained in the townhouse governing documents.

Some townhouses provide some shared amenities and common areas like swimming pools, children’s playgrounds, gyms, and others. The HOA also manages these facilities if they are available.

Condo HOA: Condo HOA handles more responsibilities than townhouse HOAs. Of course, this is because they manage their entire property while the condo owners are only responsible for their units.

Here are the other responsibilities they handle in addition to the ones listed above:

  • Maintaining the property exteriors and handling roof repairs
  • Taking care of the insurance and property taxes
  • Managing the common areas and amenities in the property and setting rules for them

Verdict 

HOAs are more active in condos. 

They manage every aspect of the property. The condo owners are only responsible for obeying them — no matter how absurd those rules sound and also maintaining their units’ interiors.

The HOA is as good as the people who run them. A well-managed HOA can make living in a condo pretty easier and enjoyable, while the wrong ones could make life in a condo hellish.

Condo and townhouse owners pay monthly HOA fees that enable the HOA boards to carry out their mandates. These fees vary depending on what the HOA covers and the amenities they provide.

A typical condos’ HOA fees are significantly higher than those paid by townhouse owners.

Maintenance Cost

Townhouses and condos require a monthly maintenance budget. But how do they compare in terms of maintenance cost? Here’s what we found.

Townhouse Maintenance Cost: Having someone else take care of the maintenance is a huge plus, but townhouse owners take care of their maintenance, of course, per their requirements and needs. 

From electricity issues, plumbing, and other house care and maintenance issues, townhouse owners carry them out according to their requirements and bear the cost without sharing them with the other homeowners in the townhouse community.

For instance, if house A requires lawn care, the homeowner will have to call the lawn care service and bears the cost alone. However, the HOA maintains the common areas with the HOA fees.

Also, townhouse owners are solely responsible for paying taxes on their homes and the land around them. The homeowner’s insurance also covers both the interior and exterior parts of the building.

Condo Maintenance Cost: Unlike townhouses, a condo’s insurance covers only the interior since that’s the only part of the property they own.

However, they might contribute monthly fees through their HOA to cover insurance for other parts of the property.

A condo’s maintenance cost is minimal since the owners have to look only after their condo interiors and not the open spaces and shared amenities, taken care of through their monthly HOA fees.

Property taxes are dependent on the property’s square footage, how much land the owner owns, the number of rooms, and the neighborhood. Condo owners’ taxes typically cover their units’ interior, which takes lesser square footage than a townhouse residence.

Verdict 

The maintenance cost of a condo is lesser than what it takes to maintain a townhouse. And here are the reasons:

  • Condo owners are responsible for their interiors alone.
  • The HOA takes care of the exteriors and the common areas, and the condo owners split the maintenance costs between themselves.
  • Like condos, townhouse owners also pay HOA fees to maintain the common areas, though these fees are typically lower than those of condos because of their smaller common areas.
  • Townhouse owners are individually responsible for their home’s interiors and exteriors and bear the total maintenance costs.
  • Insurance and property taxes on townhouses are also significantly higher.

Resale Value

Resale value is the amount developers or valuers expect a property to sell for in the future. How do condos and townhouse residences compare in terms of resale value?

Let’s dive into that.

Townhouse Resale Value: Many things come into play to determine the resale value of a property at any point in time. Some of these include:

  • Closeness to a quality local school
  • Safe and quiet neighborhood
  • Closeness to social amenities like shopping malls, parks, health facilities e.t.c
  • Three or more bedrooms — that’s family-friendly
  • Considerable storage space
  • Closeness to the downtown
  • Play areas for children

Townhouses have high resale values. A typical townhouse ticks most of the items above.

Condo Resale Value: A condo also has a high resale value. It also ticks most of the above items.

Verdict 

Condos and townhouses have higher resale values because they are usually the first port of call for inexperienced home shoppers or first-time home shoppers.

Townhouses offer freedom, independence, and separate front and back yards, so many people are willing to pay for this.

On the other hand, the condo’s low purchase and maintenance costs compared to other housing options also make it attractive to home shoppers.

Statista’s data shows that the median price for a townhouse or condo in the state of Florida in 2020 was $215,000,(2) up from $192,000 in 2019 and $106,620 in 2012. These numbers translate to a 12 percent appreciation rate after a year and 102 percent after eight years.

The staggering appreciation rates show condos and townhouses have high resale value in Florida, and of course, this also rings true for other parts of the United States and the globe.

Amenities

Condo and townhouses both offer good housing amenities. But which of them offers more? Let’s take a look.

Condo Amenities: A typical condo offers residents impressive suites of amenities. Some of these facilities might include:

  • Gym
  • Party room
  • Rooftop barbeque area
  • Open terraces
  • Meeting room
  • Yoga room
  • Swimming pool
  • Garage
  • Tennis court
  • Security 

However, the residents share these amenities and collectively maintain them.

Townhouse Amenities: Some townhouses offer house amenities that are similar to those of condos and apartment complexes. And just like in condos, the residents share the amenities.

Townhouse owners pay HOA fees that cover amenities and maintenance costs.

Verdict 

Though both condos and townhouses provide a good number of amenities, a typical townhouse cannot rival a condo’s amenities collections.

Security

Security is one of the best selling points when it comes to real estate. What level of protection do condos and townhouses offer their residents? Let’s find out.

Townhouse Security: Unless you’d be buying your security system, which could be expensive, townhouses don’t provide security services to their residents.

Again, the doors and windows leading onto the street make them look pretty unsecured.

Condo Security: Condos offer a better level of security to the residents. The units are close together, and the HOA provides additional security services and gadgets.

Most condos have CCTV installations, alarm, and access control systems.

Verdict

Condos are typically more secure than townhouses.

The windows and doors don’t open to a busy street, and the condo HOA provides additional security service and gadgets to the residents. 

Townhouse owners can up their security by installing security systems, which could be pretty much, but there is nothing they can do about their windows and doors leading onto the street unless fencing the entire property.

Privacy

Both a condo and townhouse can’t compare to a single-family house when it comes to privacy. But which of them offers better privacy to the residents?

Townhouse Privacy: The townhouse feels like you’re living in your own house, except that you share walls.

They often come with an entrance space or a patio and a backyard, possibly, a private garage, giving owners some level of privacy from neighbors.

Since most townhouses sit next to a street, some owners might not feel protected from outsiders’ prying eyes.

Condo Privacy: It’s unlikely you’ll leave and enter your home without bumping into someone.

Aside while inside their units, condo owners share virtually everything with their neighbors. Some of these include:

  • The staircase or elevator
  • Parking spaces
  • The common areas like gym, clubhouse, terrace e.t.c

The property probably compensates for less privacy by protecting from unnecessary public attention.

Verdict

The choice here boils down to who you want the privacy from. Townhouses offer better privacy from neighbors than a condo, while condos provide much more protection from public glare and scrutiny than a townhouse.

Residents’ Freedom

How much freedom do condo and townhouse owners enjoy? Here, we’ll find out.

Condo Residents’ Freedom: Condo owners interact more with the HOA than the other real estate options. 

The HOA makes rules that guide virtually every activity in the building and the common areas. The residents have to obey them, of course, limiting their freedom to make individual decisions. 

They only have complete control over things that happen inside their units and have little say on outside matters, like on the rules for using the common areas or keeping pets. 

Some HOA has rules for the number of kids per unit, light bulb color to use, and some go as far as forbidding flying the American flags. (3) Some HOA rules and restrictions could be stifling, overreaching, and utterly absurd. 

However, the right HOA can make living in a condo feel like a luxury.

Townhouse Residents’ Freedom: Townhouse residents enjoy some level of freedom, but they are not entirely let off. 

The HOA regulates the materials residents use in renovating their homes, the decorations they put up, and even their choice of color paints. They have a say in everything they do outside their walls.

Of course, these stifling restrictions could deny residents the freedom to express themselves the way they want.

Verdict

Townhouse owners enjoy more freedom than condo residents. 

HOAs have overbearing influence in a condo, unlike in townhouses, and some of their rules are unusual, weird and some sound stupid.

An HOA board fined a woman $25 a day for walking the dog through the lobby. In another case in Fort Myers, FL, an occupant was fined $100 a day for using a shopping cart instead of a walker.

Community Lifestyle

Condo and townhouses offer residents opportunities for pro-social friendship and intense interpersonal relationships. But which among them offers residents a more community lifestyle?

Let’s find out.

Condo Community Lifestyle: A condo takes community living steps further. It provides residents benefits of a tight-knit community and opportunities for more socializing.

Condos have more people living more closely together — meaning more friendly neighbors. The residents have access to common areas and a communally shared swimming pool, gym, lounge, and more, making it easier for them to cross paths and interact more often.

Some HOAs hold events to foster community among residents.

Townhouse Community Lifestyle: A townhouse has separate entrance areas and offers almost the same feel as a single-family house. It’s less likely for townhouse residents to bump into each other nearly all the time, like in condos, and share quick moments. 

So it offers residents a lesser community feel.

Again, since townhouses have fewer common areas, residents have lesser opportunities for socialization and interactions.

Verdict

Condo offers more community feel to residents. It has more people living together and sharing common areas, and it’s natural for people living in condos to cross paths daily.

Final Verdict: Townhouse vs. Condo

Now that you know the difference between a townhouse and a condo, which of them is right for you?

Although both housing types have advantages and disadvantages, they share striking similarities in many areas. Regardless of which one you buy or rent, pay attention to the fine prints.

Understand the conditions and covenants of the property’s HOA. Consider your lifestyle choices and resale interests, among other factors discussed in this article.

CHECKLIST: the 327-Step First Apartment Checklist

Welcome to our 2021 Ultimate First Apartment Checklist. We spent 40+ hours to bring you the most comprehensive first apartment checklist on the Internet.
To make things easier, we’ve broken down the guide into 9 sections. The sections break down what you’ll need before moving in, and then what you’ll need for each space in your new apartment:

  • Bedroom
  • Living room
  • Kitchen
  • Dining area
  • Bathroom
  • Medicine Cabinet
  • Cleaning and Laundry
  • Additional Necessities

Let’s start checking off this checklist.

First Apartment Checklist 1: What You Should Buy Before You Move

No one achieves a perfect apartment in a day. But you should start with the must-haves that you’ll need for your first apartment move.

Bedroom

Your bedroom should provide an instant feel of relaxation from day one. Here is everything you should buy before moving.

  1. Mattress
  2. Pillows
  3. Bedsheets
  4. Curtains
  5. Curtain rods and other accessories
  6. Cloth hangers
  7. Window blinds and shades
  8. Reading table 
  9. Reading chair

Kitchen

The kitchen is probably the second most crucial part of your apartment. It’s the area in your apartment you’ll probably need to buy things the most for before moving.

  1. Table and chair
  2. Plates
  3. Cups 
  4. Mugs 
  5. Water glass
  6. Cutlery set
  7. Trash can
  8. Dishtowel
  9. Kitchen cleaning supplies
  10. Food storage containers
  11. Pots set
  12. Coffee maker
  13. Sandwich maker 

Bathroom

Your bathroom is probably the first room you’re going to put to use after moving in — perhaps to shower away the move-in stress. So, buy everything you’ll need to make it functional from day one.

  1. Toiletries
  2. Shower curtain and accessories (liners and hooks)
  3. Bathrobe
  4. Bath towel
  5. Bath mat
  6. Soap holder
  7. Hand towel
  8. Personal grooming effects

Living Room

Your living room is likely to be the least used room in your apartment within the first few weeks you move in, so it might not be needing too many items. 

Here are the essentials you’ll need to buy for your living room before moving.

  1. Curtains and drapes
  2. Curtain rods
  3. Wall frames
  4. Ambient lighting

Other Move-In Essentials

Here are the other things you’ll need to get ready for your first apartment.

  1. First aid kit
  2. Cleaning supplies
  3. Light bulbs
  4. Torch and batteries
  5. Duct tape
  6. Screwdrivers
  7. Hammer

First Apartment Checklist 2: What You Should Buy For Your Bedroom

After moving in and settling down, it’s time to start transforming your bedroom into a sanctuary. The place where you begin and end your day deserves all the attention you can give it.

Bedroom Furniture

Here is the bedroom furniture you’ll need to buy.

  1. Bed frame
  2. Dresser
  3. Nightstand
  4. One seater couch
  5. Small coffee table or ottoman
  6. Chest drawer
  7. Hanging chair
  8. Underbed box or shelf 

Bedding Essentials

Here are bedding essentials you want to buy before or after moving into your new apartment.

  1. Two king-sized duvet covers
  2. Mattress topper
  3. Pillowcases
  4. Colorful throw pillows
  5. BBedsheets
  6. Blankets
  7. Comforters 
  8. Blankets

Bedroom Decoration Essentials

Your bedroom should feel new and inviting. Here are the bedroom decorations you may want to buy.

  1. Wall frames and paintings
  2. Artificial flowers
  3. Decorative wall shelves
  4. Bedside lamp
  5. Ambient lightings
  6. Wallpapers
  7. Center rug
  8. Alarm clock
  9. Flower vase
  10. Candleholder and candles
  11. Storage boxes
  12. Bookshelves
  13. Floor lamp
  14. Trash can

Home Office Essentials

Use this checklist to set up a functional home office at a corner of your bedroom.

  1. Mini office desk
  2. Office chair
  3. Reading lamp
  4. Desktop or laptop
  5. Electrical cables
  6. Portable chargers
  7. Surge protectors 
  8. Printer 
  9. Printer stand 
  10. File cabinet 
  11. Reusable water bottle
  12. Rug
  13. File organizer or binder
  14. Scotch tape
  15. Stationery 
  16. Wall shelf
  17. Binder clips
  18. Thump stack
  19. Stapler
  20. Glue
  21. Printing paper
  22. Notepads
  23. Pen and pencil holder
  24. Mobile phone holder
  25. Envelopes and stamps
  26. Office trash can

Other Bedroom Essentials

Here are other bedroom essentials you might want to consider for your bedroom.

  1. Closet organizers
  2. Extension cords
  3. Television
  4. Video player
  5. Sound system or wireless Bluetooth speaker

First Apartment Checklist 3: What You Should Buy For Your Living Room

The living room is where you welcome guests and loved ones. It’s your first attempt to impress them, so make it welcoming. Design the space to reflect your personality and tell visitors stories of who you’re inside.

Living Room Furniture

Here are the living room furniture pieces to buy and check off your first apartment checklist.

  1. Sofa set
  2. Coffee and side tables
  3. Media or TV stand
  4. Bookshelves
  5. Side tables
  6. Accent chairs

Living Room Entertainment Essentials

Entertainment systems can impact how much you enjoy spending time at home. These are the essential.

  1. Television 
  2. Video player sets
  3. Sound system
  4. Video game

Living Room Decoration Essentials

Improve your living room allure by investing in the right decorative accessories. There is a class in simplicity. So, keep your living minimalistic and avoid cluttering the spaces.

Here are the decoration essentials to buy for your living room.

  1. Wallpaper (helps makes the living room space inspiring)
  2. Flowers
  3. Wall shelf
  4. Center rug
  5. Floor lamp
  6. An artistic chandelier or overhead lighting

Entry Area Essentials

These essentials help prevent tracking dirt, snow and rain into the apartment. If you have an entry area, then consider investing in them, and in the other essentials.

  1. Coat hanger
  2. Welcome mat
  3. Umbrella holder
  4. Boot and shoe storage
  5. Live or artificial flower plant (helps add character and charm to the entry area)
  6. Doorbell

First Apartment Checklist 4: What You Should Buy For Your Kitchen

You already set up a functional kitchen when you moved in. 

Your focus after moving in should be to improve the current collections and invest in the right kitchen gadgets and other essentials. 

Avoid spending on things you don’t need at the moment. Use this after-move checklist to buy everything you need for your kitchen.

Kitchenware Essentials

Buy more of this kitchenware to improve what you already have. You could buy the ware in matching sets or buy them in pieces to match them as you like.

  1. Dinner plates
  2. Salad plates
  3. Serving utensils
  4. Mugs
  5. Cereal bowls
  6. Serving platters
  7. Large stock pots
  8. Saucepans
  9. Deep frying pans
  10. Muffin pan
  11. Skillets 
  12. Baking dish

Other Kitchen Essentials

This kitchen starter kit will make your kitchen more functional. Tick them on your first apartment checklist as you gradually add them to your kitchen collections.

  1. Kitchen cleaning supplies
  2. Baking sheet
  3. Cookie sheet
  4. Kitchen knives
  5. Cutting board
  6. Measuring spoons
  7. Mixing bowl
  8. Colander
  9. Foil 
  10. Window blinds
  11. Plate organizer
  12. Cup organizer
  13. Spoon and fork organizer
  14. Knife organizer
  15. Serving spoon organizer
  16. Bottle opener
  17. Kitchen scissors
  18. Corkscrew
  19. Ice cube tray
  20. Funnel
  21. Measuring cups
  22. Potholders 
  23. Dish drying rack
  24. Spatula
  25. Cabinet paper (for lining shelves)
  26. Dish soap scrubber
  27. Plastic bags (for storing foods)

Kitchen Appliances

Kitchen appliances make cooking seamless. Investing in a suitable gadget can cut down on the time you spend cooking — freeing up valuable time for other pressing needs.

  1. Washing soap dispenser
  2. Water filter
  3. Electric blender
  4. Instant pot
  5. Microwave
  6. Oven
  7. Mixer
  8. Coffee pot or kettle
  9. Dishwasher
  10. Water purifier
  11. Hand-held blender
  12. Juicer
  13. Electric chimney
  14. Pressure cooker
  15. Ice cream maker
  16. Knife sharpeners
  17. Air fryer
  18.  Electric grill
  19. Meat grinder
  20. Meat thermometer
  21. Whisks
  22. Vegetable peeler
  23. Grater
  24. Can opener

First Apartment Checklist 5: What You Should Buy For Your Dining Area

Whether in your kitchen or anywhere else, you’d need a place you can dine in peace. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your dining area, so make it cozy, clutter-free and full of styles.

Use this checklist to design a dining area that reflects your personality.

Dining Furniture

Investing in a quality dining table can enhance your dining enchantment. Here is the dining furniture to buy after moving in.

  1. Dining table
  2. Dining chair set
  3. China cabinet or a sideboard
  4. Wine bar storage

Dining Decoration

In different studies, Rutgers University and Harvard University found that having flowers at home increases compassion and happiness, reduces depressions and anxiety, and energizes people. 

So, use them and other dining decorations to make the dining area more alluring and energizing. 

  1. An area rug
  2. Photos, frames, and paintings
  3. Flowers
  4. Wall shelf
  5. Drapes, curtains, and blinds
  6. Curtain rods and accessories
  7. Ambient overhead Lighting  
  8. Candle stand and candles or battery-operated candles for fire-safe options
  9. Tablescape

23. Other Dining Essentials

Here are the other essentials to buy for your dining area.

  1. Wine mixers
  2. Trash can
  3. Hand towel
  4. Wine glasses
  5. Wine collections

First Apartment Checklist 6: What You Should Buy For Your Bathroom

Your bathroom is also the ultimate judgment zone. Guests and people are going to judge you based on how they perceive your bathroom. 

Use this checklist to keep things in order.

Shower and Bathroom Essentials

You already have most of your shower essentials sorted out before moving in, but you could add to the collection to make it more functional.

  1. Soap dispenser
  2. Toothbrush holder and paste dispenser
  3. Toilet lid cover, anti-slip mat and shower curtain set
  4. Flowers
  5. Toilet tissue holder
  6.  Personal grooming products
  7. Medicine cabinet

Bathroom Cleaning Essentials

The activities that go on in the bathroom make it vulnerable to an overwhelming army of germs. Don’t move in unprepared. Use these bathroom cleaning essentials to keep your bathroom healthy.

  1. Disinfectants
  2. Hand gloves
  3. Toilet brush
  4. Toilet bowl cleaner
  5. Grout brush
  6. Tiles cleaner
  7. Plunger 
  8. Detergent
  9. Glass cleaner
  10. Floor scrub brush
  11. Disinfectant spray or wipes (to kill germs on doorknobs, flusher, sink and shower handles)

Bathroom Gadgets

Here are bathroom gadgets you might want to consider for your bathroom. Of course, they are optional.

  1. Aqua notepad
  2. Toilet bowl light (illuminate your toilet bowl at night)
  3. Towel warmer
  4. Waterproof Bluetooth speaker 
  5. Bidet toilet seat
  6. Portable space heater
  7. Chemotherapy shower
  8. Waterproof shower TV (you can listen to the news while taking a shower)

First Apartment Checklist 7: What You Should Buy For Your Medicine Cabinet

It’s always helpful to have essential medical supplies. A well-stocked medicine cabinet helps you prepare for a swath of inevitable aches, injuries, and symptoms.

However, call your physician before administering medication.

Fever and Pain Relievers

Here are pain relievers you should buy for home use.

  1. Paracetamol
  2. Ibuprofen
  3. Acetaminophen 

Skin and Wound Care

Use these supplies to treat minor skin wounds and skin-care treatments.

  1. Petroleum jelly (for minor burns, dry skin and eczema)
  2. Lotion
  3. Hydrocortisone 1percent (for insect bite, sting and rashes)
  4. Antibiotic ointment (bacitracin and Neosporin)
  5. Sunscreen
  6. Antifungals
  7. Calamine lotion (for minor skin irritation)
  8. Disinfectant (Dettols and alcohol wipes)
  9. Hydrogen peroxide
  10. Soap (for disinfecting cuts)

Allergy Relief

Add these allergy relievers to the medicine cabinet.

  1. Antihistamine (runny and itchy nose, irritated eyes or skin, sneezing) 
  2. Saline nasal spray (for the blocked, stuffy, itchy or dry nose)
  3. Allergy eye drop

Cold Care

These essentials will help you fight cold and cough.

  1. Cough syrup
  2. Menthol rub
  3. Honey (for cough)

Supplements

iHerb and Bodyunburdened.com recommend these nine essential supplements (1). Check them off your first apartment checklist as you add them to your medicine cabinet.

  1. Zinc (promote immunity)
  2. Vitamin C
  3. Activated charcoal (for food poisoning and bloating)
  4. Magnesium (ease headache, muscle cramping and promotes a restful night sleep)
  5. Elderberry (for flu, cold and immune-boosting)
  6. Echinacea (for colds and immune-boosting)
  7. Ginger (for nausea, stomach ache, heartburn and indigestion)
  8. Vitamin D (improves low mood)
  9. Oil of oregano (antibacterial)

Tools and Supplies

Here are the must-have tools for your medicine cabinet.

  1. Digital thermometer
  2. Bandages of different sizes
  3. Gauze and medical tape
  4. Tweezers
  5. Masks 

Other Essential Drugs

Here are some of the eMedicine health recommended essential over-the-counter medications (2) you should have in your medicine cabinet. 

  1. Aspirin (for arthritis and first-line treatment for heart attack and stroke)
  2.  Loperamide (for diarrhea)
  3. Melatonin (for insomnia)
  4. Benzocaine (sore throat)

First Apartment Checklist 8: What You Should Buy For Cleaning and Laundry

Unless you intend to rely on a laundry service or laundromat for all your cleaning and washing needs, you’d need cleaning supplies to remove stains and wash clothes.

Laundry Essentials

Here are all the laundry and cleaning essentials you should buy for your apartment.

  1. Liquid detergent
  2. Powder detergent
  3. Baking soda (this is a natural fabric softener)
  4. Borax
  5. Chlorine bleach
  6. Color-safe bleach
  7. Washing soda
  8. White vinegar (softens water)
  9. Stain removers
  10. Fabric softener
  11. Coldwater starch

Laundry Gadget Essentials

Here are essential laundry gadgets to make laundry more effortless, efficient and joyful.

  1. Washing machine
  2. Portable cloth washer (if you travel a lot)
  3. Ironing board or ironing mat
  4. Dryer rack
  5. Iron
  6. Steamers
  7. Laundry bags
  8. Waste basket (for used clothes) 

Home Cleaning Essentials

Use this checklist to get your home cleaning supplies and gadgets.

  1. Scrub brush
  2. Rubber glove
  3. Vacuum cleaner
  4. Dry-cleaning sponge
  5. Disinfectant
  6. Broom
  7. Mild abrasive
  8. Dust mop
  9. Mop bucket
  10. Trash bags
  11. Duster
  12. Glass and window cleaner
  13. Liquid soap
  14. Supply caddy
  15. Disinfecting wipes or spray
  16. Microfiber cloths

First Apartment Checklist 9: Additional Necessities

Here are the additional necessities you should buy after moving into your first apartment.

Home Toolkits

Here are the essentials you should buy for your home toolkit. Cross them off your first apartment checklist as you add them to your collections.

  1. Screwdriver set
  2. Measuring tape
  3. Toolbox
  4. Pliers set
  5. Utility knife
  6. Putty knife
  7. Hand saw
  8. Adjustable wrench

Utility Essentials

You want to check these utility essentials off your first apartment checklist as quickly as possible.

  1. Water and sewer
  2. Electricity
  3. Gas
  4. Waste pickup and recycling
  5. Internet
  6. Satellite and cable TV
  7. Telephone

Research utility providers and ring them up. If you are renting your home, you could ask the homeowner or real estate company for a list of the providers that service your area. 

Ensure to understand all the utilities your rent cover before signing the lease agreement.

Safety Essentials

Your home probably has smoke detectors and other safety devices, but if it doesn’t, consider installing them as soon as you move in. 

Use this safety toolkit to prepare your home for fire and other emergencies.

  1. Fire extinguisher 
  2. Smoke detector
  3. Carbon monoxide detector
  4. Gas leak detector
  5. Emergency escape kit

Miscellaneous

Here are the other essentials you should not forget to buy after moving in.

  1. Shoe rack
  2. Air fresheners for every room
  3. Sewing kit
  4. Command hooks
  5. Space heaters 
  6. Raincoat, boot and umbrella
  7. Light bulbs
  8. Electric socket extension
  9. Candles
  10. Doormat
  11. Coat rack
  12. Stapler
  13. Fans
  14. Key hook

Wrapping It Up

Moving into your new apartment doesn’t have to be challenging. This first apartment checklist ensures you enjoy the process and embrace the new beginning.

It covers everything you’ll need to buy for your new apartment. 

Of course, you don’t have to buy them all at once. You could begin your new life with the items in the First Apartment Checklist 1 and then buy the others gradually when you move in.

Remember to cross off your checklist as you add items to your home.

Download the Printable Checklist Here.

CHECKLIST: 37 Things You Must Do Before Your Next Move

A moving checklist can be the difference between a pleasant, organized, and error-free move and a chaotic one. Without a checklist, it’s nearly impossible to track all the critical activities and pack all the important things for your move.

Your moving checklist becomes all the more important if you plan on storing away some of your belongings in a warehouse or if you’re moving to a new city. When packing things in your moving boxes, you don’t want to lock away items you’d rather keep handy.

We created a six-week ultimate moving checklist to make things as painless as possible. You’d be sure to have everything completely done ahead of time.

Read on to get the full benefit of the weekly checklists.

6 Weeks Before Relocation

Start planning your next relocation six weeks ahead of time. This ensures you avoid the inevitable moving-day stress.

Use this week to set the ball rolling and make a choice on the right movers.

1. Take inventory of all items

Take inventory of all your stuff room-by-room, including garage and basement areas, and save the list in a Word Document or Google Doc. 

Under each room, garage and basement, categorize the list’s items into three: 

  • Items to move
  • The ones you’d give out
  • The items you’d dispose 

Print a copy of the list, you’d use it as your packing checklist.

2. Create a provisional moving budget

How much will it cost to move to your new place? Of course, you’d need to find out. Not budgeting enough money for relocation could be risky, so you’d need to sort this out ahead of time.

Using the activities on this ultimate checklist, estimate how much it’d cost you to move and create a provisional moving budget. 

Use the budget to plan your spendings.

3. Request an in-home estimation from moving companies

Research a list of good movers within your area and schedule an in-home estimate. 

You could build a list by searching on Google, asking relatives and friends for referrals, or using a website like Moving.org (1) to find American Moving and Storage Association certified professional movers.

Run an in-depth background check to ensure they’re reliable and offer quality services. Narrow down the list to three to four companies and invite them for estimation. 

4. Select a mover

Hire the moving company with the best estimate.

Ensure to ask the estimators about service and insurance terms, prohibited items, and extra fees. Avoid paying a deposit until after delivery. Put everything in a contract and sign.

Don’t forget to verify their Department of Transport Number (2).

Of course, you have the option to move everything yourself, but this is not recommendable. Professional movers provide insurance on your belongings and use the right equipment to transport them.

You’ve got nothing to lose using one.

5. Choose a school for your kids

Relocating also means a new school for your kids, and it’s essential you sort this out as early as possible before getting overwhelmed with relocation-related tasks. 

Research all the good schools in the area you are moving to and pencil down the ones that meet your needs. If you need help identifying these schools, you could use Great Schools (3) or Niche (4) for the research.

When you’ve made your choice, then schedule a call with the school.

6. Collect school records and transcripts

Since your kids would be changing school soon, you’d need their school records and transcripts. Make a formal request to their current school asking for these records.

Of course, use the opportunity to inform them about the intended move.

When you receive the records and transcripts, tick on your moving checklist to mark the activity as completed.

You could forward the records to the new school to start processing the admission or wait till you finally move.

7. Notify your homeowners or renters

Your lease contract would probably require you to notify your homeowner or renter at least 30 days before moving.

But notify the landlord six weeks before the relocation date. Doing this ahead of time will ensure you address repairs, refunds, inspections, and other issues early.

Your written notice should contain:

  • Your move-out date
  • The would-be new address
  • A brief statement about the excellent condition of the rented property
  • A request to refund the security deposit

8. Research your new environment

You should start learning about your new environment in the sixth week.

Research for the nearest places to get supplies, nearest police station, and other points of interest in the area. 

Also, learn about the rules and regulations governing the area.

5 Weeks Before Move

You’ve spent the last week getting organized. Now, start collecting packing boxes and labeling them. The goal is to declutter your home and set the stage for packing.

9. Downsize your stuff

Downsize your stuff to reduce the number of items you’d take to your new home and make packing more seamless. 

Here, you’re not deciding on the items to toss away or donate. You already did that last week while taking inventory. 

Go from room to room and use the packing checklist you created to sort all the items you don’t need and dispose of them.

Follow best practices while disposing of hazardous items or get professionals to do that.

10. Inform families, neighbors, and friends

Make a list of all the people you care about and inform them about your intended move. Check against their names to ensure you call or email everyone on the list.

You could ask the ones close-by to help you move.

If you’re relocating to a place that won’t allow you to continue with your current employment, then formally notify your current employers of your imminent move.

Do this five weeks earlier to enable them to take care of the paperwork without a hassle.

11. Collect free packing boxes

You’ll need many boxes to pack up your items. So use this week to gather as many of them as possible, more than you’d even need to be on the safe side.

Opting to buy them could significantly add to your moving expenses, so we recommend you go for free moving boxes.

Here are some places you could get them.

  • Ask your families and social circles for unused packing boxes.
  • Go to recycling centers and ask them for some.
  • Grocery stores, home improvement, and liquor stores are places you could also check.
  • Freecycle.org (5) has over nine million members and 5,000 groups. Visit their website to find a group near you and check if any member has some packing boxes to spare.
  • You could find large cardboard boxes in auto supply stores.

Ensure also to collect trash bags, couch covers, permanent markers, and packing tapes.

12. Label your boxes

Label the boxes according to the items they’ll contain and the room the things are from. 

You could label the box that contains all the picture frames in the sitting room as Sitting Room: Picture Frame. If there is more than one box, you could add a number suffix or use alphabets to differentiate them, for example, Sitting Room: Picture Frames A.

When you completely label the boxes, mark this task on your moving checklist.

13. Start packing non-essentials room by room

Start packing all the items you’ll not need for the next five weeks into the appropriate boxes and tape them. Carry out this task room by room using your packing checklist to ensure you don’t miss out on any.

Tick any item you packed.

Clear a space in your apartment and store the taped boxes there. 

14.  Address minor home repairs

Take an inventory of all the things requiring quick repairs in the apartment and ensure to fix them. You could take care of the major repairs three-two days before the move, or you could pay the homeowner to repair them when you move.

Addressing repairs will help you get your security deposit refund.

4 Weeks Before Move

Continue to pack the non-essential items in each room and ensure to get them done this week. While packing, also take care of other minor relocation-related tasks. Always ensure to tick any task you completed on your moving checklist.

Paste a copy of the moving checklist on the wall for easy access.

15. Request for your health records

Don’t move to your new place without collecting your health records and those belonging to your family. 

Getting these records could take some time, so you’ve to start the process four weeks ahead.

The HIPAA law allows providers 30 days to complete a record request. It also grants them a single 30-day extension, but the health provider must explain the cause of the delay.

You could arrange with your health providers to transfer the records to your new physicians — medical doctor, dentist e.t.c.

16. Research for a physician, dentist, and vet

Research new health providers in your new area and a Vet for your pets. 

Search online, read reviews, ask friends and your current health providers for referrals and shortlist possible candidates.

17. Schedule a call with new your physician, dentist, and Vet 

Schedule a call with your shortlisted new health service providers. You could share your health experience with them if you feel free to do that.

But importantly, try to learn more about them, their charges, and their mode of service. Book an appointment with them and set it one to three weeks after your move. 

If you’re hiring any of them before the in-office visit, you could arrange for your current health providers to transfer your health records to them.

18. Get a pet sitter

The coming weeks will transform your home into a sea of unorganized boxes and properties. Don’t allow your pets to get drowned in the chaos.

Of course, they’d get in your way when packing, and this could result in damages to some of your properties. So you’d need someone that would take the pets away, feeding, playing, and caring for them.

You could hire a pet sitter in your neighborhood (6) for three to four weeks.

19. Pack your garage and basement

A lot of non-essential items reside in your garage, basement, and storage areas, so pack them up four weeks before the move. 

Divide them into areas and use the packing checklist to make the packing seamless.

Wrap sharp items and tape them securely. Pack tools in their original containers, disassemble bicycles, pack lawn furniture, mowers and tools.

Get professionals to disassemble satellite dishes and other connections or items requiring expert knowledge. 

3 Weeks Before Move

Continue to pack your garage, basement, and storage and also take care of other minor relocation-related tasks. The goal is to clear the garage, set up new utilities, and update all relevant information.

Like always, ensure to tick any task you completed on your moving checklist.

20. Create a list of all utilities 

You’d need electricity, internet, gas and more in your new place. Your current area could give you an idea of all the utilities you’ll be needing.

Create a list of all these utilities and save it on a Word Document or Google Doc.

Also, call your current utility providers and inform them of your intention to discontinue using their services in three weeks.

21. Research utility providers in your new area

Research utility providers serving your new area and schedule a call with them. Don’t forget to ask them about available discounts or possible ways you could lower your bills.

Use your utility checklist to ensure you called or email every name on your list — schedule installation appointments with them ahead of time.

22. Change your postal address

Change your postal address online via the United States Postal Service website (7). Running this task online will save you the stress of driving down to a local postal office.

You could also request the postal service to hold your mails (8) and packages till you relocate.

Here are other government agencies to contact when changing your address:

  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
  • Social Security Administration (SSA)
  • Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) — if you’re a veteran
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) — if you’re a non-US citizen

You could also file a change of address with the state’s motor vehicle agencies and the election office.

23. Update your bank information

Update your banking records with your new address. You could visit them or send them a mail requesting information on how to update the records online.

Also, update your information with other financial institutions, and don’t forget to order new bank checks.

24. Update records on clubs and organizations you belonged to

Notify the clubs and organizations you belong to of your imminent move and ensure to update your records with them.

25. Wash dirty clothes

It won’t make sense to move in with dirty clothes. 

So, wash the dirty clothes or get them to the laundry. If you’re opting for the latter, ensure to document the clothes you are sending to the dry cleaner and, if possible, get a photo of them on your mobile device.

Doing this ensures you don’t lose or forget any of your clothing or have them mixed up with some else’.

26. Prepare a two-week meal

When you start packing your kitchen next week, you might not have everything you need to prepare a decent meal, and dining out for the next two weeks could inflate your expenses.

But you could avoid all these by preparing a two-week meal for the family. Enlist the help of families, friends, and neighbors to get this done as soon as possible.

Properly store and refrigerate the foods to ensure they don’t sour or lose their tastiness. Get disposable plates, cups, and spoons that’ll last the family for two weeks and keep them aside until you need them.

And that’s going to be soon.

27. Host a modest farewell dinner

You’ll be leaving a lot of people soon, people that mean so much to you and people that care about you. So take out some time this week to share some moments with them.

Host a modest dinner in your place to say goodbye to them. It might be the last time you’ll see some of them.

So make it worthwhile.

2 Weeks Before Move

The big day is almost upon you, and this week, you’ll be getting a bit more sweaty than the previous ones. The goal is to pack and clear all non-sleeping rooms.

28. Pack the guest room

Start the second week with the packing of the guest room. Pack the fragile items first and ensure to tape them securely. Pack the bedsheets, closet and remove all decorations.

Bring down the curtains and pack them neatly into the appropriate boxes. Use the tape to hold the curtain rails together. Pack other curtain accessories into a separate box.

Pack the bedding and pillows in separate boxes and protect the mattress with a mattress cover. After clearing the fragile items into the appropriate boxes, start packing the heavier stuff until you clear the room.

Move to the bathroom and pack everything gradually and with care.

Use your packing checklist to ensure you pack the guest room meticulously. Tick this task on your moving checklist when you’re satisfied with your effort.

29. Pack the home office and documents

First, back up all your electronic files on the cloud and external disc or USB flash drive. Carefully gather all your documents, including medical and educational records, and pack them into the appropriate boxes.

Move to the library and start packing. Use sturdy boxes to pack the books and pay attention to the spines so they’ll not get damaged. Tape the boxes securely.

Unplug your computer and other hardware and pack them carefully. Ensure to follow the manufacturer’s advice when packing them. Pack other fragile items in your home office and tape them securely.

Organize the packed boxes in secured spaces and begin packing the heavier items.

30. Pack the living room and the dining

Some people prefer to pack their electronics very close to the big day so as not to miss their favorite shows. Leaving your TV and home entertainment sets unpacked could put them at risk when packing other items in the living room, especially the heavy ones.

And opting to leave everything unpacked till the moving day is not optional. So, pack your living room and the dining ahead of time.

Unplug all the electronics and carefully pack them in cardboard boxes. 

Remove wall frames, family photos and pack them into the appropriate boxes. If the living room has bookshelves to pack the books.

Pack other fragile items first before moving to the furniture, dining tables, and other heavy items. Use couch covers to protect the cushions.

31. Pack the kitchen

The kitchen is the most delicate place to pack. Packing it requires extreme care and a structured approach if you want to avoid breaking your kitchenware. 

Pack the kitchen cabinet-by-cabinet and remove fragile items first. 

  • Wrap each plate with newspapers and load them on their sides into tightly-sized boxes, and tape the boxes.
  • Do the same for mugs, but use crumpled newspapers or unused clothes to stuff the boxes to pad empty spaces and reinforce them.
  • Disconnect and disassemble kitchen appliances and wrap them with newspaper before packing them into the appropriate boxes.

Carefully pack other items into designated boxes or containers and tape them securely.

32. Service the car

Service the car and get it ready for the journey. 

If you’re moving cross-country and don’t fancy driving, prepare and send the car to a delivery company to move it to your new address. 

If your moving company also moves cars, then negotiate it as part of the contract.

1 Week Before Move

In about seven days, you’d be moving, and the excitement would begin. The goal is to complete every task on your moving checklist and ensure a stress-free move.

33. Call to confirm with movers

Call the moving company one week before departure to confirm your appointment with them. Call them 24 hours before the move to verify if they’re getting ready for the big day.

34. Pack the medications

Pack the medications with care to avoid mixing them up.

Cut newspapers and glue three sides to form a small pouch. Label the pouches according to the name of the family member it belongs to, the prescription, and prescribed dosage. For example, Emma: Headaches 2×1. The dosage of 2×1 means two capsules daily. 

You could use milligram, for example, 250 mg x 1 for syrup drugs.

After labeling all the drugs, pack the pouches into an appropriately labeled box and tape the box securely.

35. Pack the bedrooms

Pack the bedrooms one after another. Follow the same routine you used when packing the guest room to pack each of the bedrooms.

36. Gift unneeded items and clean up the apartment

If you’ve been using your packing checklist, only the unneeded items will remain at this point. There’s no wisdom in moving to your new place with them, so gift the items to people that’ll appreciate them.

You could also auction some online on Craigslist (9).

Dispose of all the waste, clean up your apartment and get it ready for the next tenant. Take a photograph of the empty rooms as proof the apartment is in good move-out condition.

Don’t forget to backup the pictures to the cloud.

37. Take inventory of all packed items

Take inventory of all the packed boxes and record their label names. 

You could prepare the document with Google Doc or Word Document and save it on the cloud to make it available online anytime.

That’s it.

This ultimate moving checklist is everything you’d need to ensure a painless move. Use it to get everything done before your relocation.

Check the items as you complete the tasks sequentially.

RANKED: 27 Best Ways to Make Friends in Your New City

Wondering how to make friends in a new city? You’re not alone. Depending on your personality, interacting with people in a new city can be exciting or intimidating. About one in ten adults moved to a new city for reasons related to the pandemic in November 2020. (1) 

With this much migration, you can expect an overhaul in people’s social lives, with up to 70 percent of young adults feeling lonely. (2)

But not to worry, we’ll show you the best ways to overcome this hurdle and make friends easily in your new city. Even before you get there.

Let’s get started.

Ask Friends to Introduce You to Their Friends

1. Ask Old Friends to Introduce You to Their Friends

Image credit: Helena Lopes via Unsplash

Take advantage of old social groups. Since these groups include friends and friends-of-friends, you can have a vast, albeit untapped, network to fall back to. If your friends don’t live in the new city, they might have friends or family that they can introduce you to in the city — so ask your friends to make an introduction if they know someone in your new city.

Facebook and Twitter are other places to ask for recommendations. Let your friends know you’re planning to move soon, and have them whip up recommendations for you in your new city. It might surprise you to find they’re close by. Using your friends’ network of friends is how to meet new people in a new city by using your old connections.

2. Join Local Meetup Groups in Your New City

Meetup.com is one way to find people with similar interests in your location. It’s also a good place to start initiating relationships by joining meetup groups in your new city even before leaving town.

The app matches you with other people based on shared interests, making it even easier to acquaint yourself with a new pal. So whether you’ve just arrived or planning to move to the city, Meetup.com can help you find friends faster.

3. Use Local Convenience Stores

Image Credit: Alwyn Ladell

When you get to a new city, resist the urge to buy the bulk of your stuff online. Instead, take a stroll to the local convenience stores or patronize local businesses to stock up on groceries.

Shopping at local stores is how to make friends in a new city without having to schedule a special time for meeting people. You’d buy things anyway, so why not turn that into a social experience?

In addition to buying things, you’ll also get an insider view of how people in your new community operate. You’d also stand a better chance at landing yourself a shopping buddy.

If it’s daunting to stroll into a local store casually, write a greeting and meeting script to help you initiate a conversation. Also, if you love to read, someone at the local bookstore may have handy information on book clubs you can join. 

Perhaps, you have a dog or a cat? Then a pet store is excellent for inquiring about the closest vet hospital or the best parks to walk your dog.

4. Do Community Work 

Image Credit: Anna Earl via Unsplash

You might not know this, but volunteering improves your health, according to a study published on Science Daily (3). The act of volunteering in itself lowers anxiety, depression, and strengthens your body.

By sharing your time and giving back to society, you meet others who share your values. Get started by seeking a worthy cause and identifying volunteer opportunities in your areas of interest.

4. Hit the Gym

Image Credit: Paul Kagame

Hitting the gym is a win-win situation. You get to stay fit and find a new workout buddy doing something you enjoy. What’s more, your new workout partner can be a great friend outside of the gym as well.

Getting a gym membership how to make friends in a new city, especially if you want extra motivation to stay healthy and fit after changing cities.

5. Try a Dance Class

Image Credit: Diane Cerullo via Unsplash

If you enjoy moving your body to rhythms, then try joining a dance class. Dance classes offer you an avenue to forge new connections outside of your comfort zone – your room. Get into the groove, pick your favorite genre, and consider dancing in social settings.

Anything from Jazz, Salsa, or Zumba can work. In addition to meeting people with similar passion, dancing is an excellent exercise.

6. Exercise Outdoors

Image Credit: Nick Rickert

Exercising outdoors is one way to make a friend and break a sweat. 

People who spend two to three hours in nature have a 20 percent chance of living a fulfilling life and a 60 percent chance of overall good health. (4)

If you don’t meet someone by yourself, then join a sports club to connect with people in that community.

7. Hang out with Your Pet in a Park

Image Credit: Martin Behrendt

Got a dog or cat? Then walk it or hang out with it at your favorite park. Pets serve as an instant ice breaker with someone who owns one too.

Apart from using the park to make yourself available to potential friends, you can use services like Pawdate (5) to find and connect with pet lovers like you.

9. Join a Faith Group or Cultural Society

Image Credit: Margarida CSilva

One of the easiest ways to connect with people in your new city is through a shared love for faith and culture. 

Are you religious or spiritual? Being a regular at your place of worship can land you some new and supporting friends in your neighborhood.

While religion may not appeal to everyone, you can join cultural societies representing what you believe in instead.

10. Meet up With People of Similar Interests

A fantastic thing about moving to a new city is the ability to start afresh. If you didn’t know people with similar interests or have real friends out of work in your previous city, you can be deliberate about it now.

Are you a Manga or Anime enthusiast? Perhaps, a gamer or an artist? Kick-off your stay in a new city by getting acquainted with people of similar interests. You’ll find most of them online, in forums, and in groups.

Pay close attention to upcoming events and gatherings, and attend them. 

If your new city doesn’t have such hangouts, reach out to people in your groups online. You don’t need to be outgoing to organize one. Discuss with the group and let the extroverts among you volunteer.

It’ll surprise you to see people who are willing to make the trip to your new city.

11. Visit the Beach 

Image Credit: Vidar Nordli-Mathisen

Did you come across a beach or lake while taking a tour in your new city? Take out those shades and beachwear – we’re going to the beach!

You can relax and bask in the sun, or join a volleyball game on the sand with fun people.

Taking water-based classes like snorkeling can also open up avenues to get acquainted with new people too.

12. Try the Pubs or Bars

Image Credit: Hangula lucas

Go for a drink. Maybe two. You are sure to meet all sorts of people at the bar or pub.  

Get invested in pub games and events like karaoke and trivia to strike up conversations with new people.

Or, if you moved to a city with local breweries, ask if they offer brew tours to join in the fun and meet a few drinking buddies.

13. Visit a Museum or National Park

Image Credit: Tore Skogheim

A Museum is a beautiful public place to meet like minds if you’re an art aficionado. Whether private or national, many cities have a variety of museums exhibiting their different collections.

If wildlife is your cup of tea, then opt for spending your day in the national park. There, you can take wildlife classes or go on walking tours with lots of people with similar interests.

14. Join a Professional Networking Group

Other than a change of environment, your business can be another reason to migrate to a new city. If that’s the case, then consider meeting people professionally.

That way, you kill two birds with one stone — build a network of referrals for your business, and make new friends.

Plus, being active at such groups or organizations gives you incredible member benefits such as discounts on services and many promotional opportunities.

You may also join a professional networking group as a career-oriented person if you don’t own a business. These groups can motivate or gear you on with friends who share the same drive.

Contact your city’s Chamber of Commerce for more information on how to join. 

15. Look out for Local Festivals or Carnivals

Image Credit: Ugur Arpaci

Attending your city’s local carnival or festival is a sure-fire way of meeting new friends. Because local festivals have a communal vibe to them, you’re likely to have fun centered around group activities like games, demonstrations, and competitions. Use that opportunity to get to know people and make friends in your city.

16. Attend Block Parties and Mini Social Gatherings

It’s possible to forget to take a breather with all the bustles of new life in your new city. Say hello to your neighbors and deliberately initiate a conversation. They’re likely to invite you to a block party around the corner or a mini-event you probably won’t know about if you were cooped up. Such events can suffice as an avenue to strike up great conversations with people.

17. Buy Food at the Farmer’s Market

Image Credit: Gabriella Clare Marino

Swap store-bought groceries for farm-to-table by buying your foodstuffs at the farmer’s market. This is how to make friends in a new city if you’d want to connect with the locals.

Additionally, you can save money. Many farmers offer great deals on local products and farm produce, at least monthly.

Buying organic and local produce can also help you with healthy living. Shopping at the farmers’ market is an avenue to meet potential friends who share your interest in food and shopping with locals.

18. Use Friendship and Dating Apps

The internet is a hotbed of opportunities for connecting with people in your new city. One of such opportunities is making new friends through apps.

While dating apps and sites help tremendously with finding love online, friendship apps help you land a new pal in your location or across the globe. 

Some of such apps include:

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing (6) offers you a temporary place to stay in a new city. By taking advantage of a network of notable locals and fellow travelers on the app, you might find a few people willing to offer you their couch to crash for a night or two. 

Friender

Friender

Friender (8) dedicates its rich hub of people with various interests to solely finding you a new friend.

Whether you’re on the lookout for a strictly platonic friend or cool friends to hit the bar with – one swipe is all it takes.

Peanut

Peanut

Are you a mom who migrated to a new city with your kid? You can connect with other moms in your new city with the Peanut app (9). It’s built solely for mothers.

Chat, get advice, and make friends with women throughout all stages of motherhood. 

EatWith

EatWith

From dinner parties to food tours, if you love food and travel, this app is for you. EatWith (10) offers you new experiences with food by letting you meet hand-selected locals that serve as your host.

This app lets you remain a foodie forever by giving you a platform to meet fabulous friends you can explore your new city’s cuisine with.

Using dating and friendship apps is how to make friends in a new city in your 20s or as a young person. Most people who use these apps probably just moved to the city and are open to new beginnings.

19. Explore Social Activies You’ve Never Tried

Coming out of your comfort zone is one way to land an unexpected friendship. When you plunge yourself into activities you don’t usually do and show up, there’s a high chance of meeting someone who’ll show you the ropes eventually.

For example, if you’re an introvert and public speaking is a chore to you, then join a local Toastmasters club. 

When you’re in the company of people who share your fears, you might become more confident to break the ice and work on conversing with others.

Take that chance and run with it. You’ve got this.

20. Join Language Exchange Groups

Image Credit: Omar Lopez 

Using a language-learning app that lets you interact with locals can be a game-changer if your new city speaks a different language from you.  You can also join language exchange meetups through social media to quicken the learning process.

Using language learning to initiate social connections is how to make friends in a new city without having to think about topics to talk about. Everything you say is valid because it’s an opportunity to learn the language and also connect with the person. Thus, no ice to break.

If you’re learning French for instance, in addition to the basic greetings, learn questions and statements like:

  • What’s this or that called in French?
  • How do you say (make a statement in English) in French?
  • Please speak more slowly
  • Please repeat, and a few more

These questions help you to prolong conversations. 

If you’re lucky to find people or someone who’s interested in learning your language, you can propose a learning date in a public space. Learning each other’s language will give you more opportunity to learn about yourselves.

21. Bring Your Social Activity to Your New City

If you’re used to doing something in your previous city, but can’t seem to find it, then be proactive and start it at your new place. Start a language or art club, or a public speaking club, anything else that brings people together.

Feel free to invite your coworkers or neighbors, and urge them to each bring a friend. Examples of such things you can start and have others join are book clubs, a cookout, or even a bowling league.

Whatever it is, there’s someone out there who loves it too. You’ll just have to search.

22. Work in Shared Space

Image Credit: Alex Kotliarskyi

It’s not rare to find people working from home these days. However, if you want a change of environment or pace, work in a shared space with people like you.

You can meet new people at these spaces you can hang out with after work each day. Most co-working spaces provide not only a place to work but a hub of professionals that you can rely on.

23. Talk to Coworkers

Image Credit: Amy Hirschi

Your work may also be a reason for moving to a new city. You can win some friends by just being amiable in your first week of work. That way, you’re telling your co-workers that you’re approachable and want to make friends.

You may feel a little awkward at first. But you can start by asking coworkers who respond the most to your warm gestures out for lunch. This can give you an insight into some of their values and show you if you’ll enjoy their company outside of work.

It’s alright if they don’t quite fit what you have in mind. Making the effort to connect with these people is all that matters.

24. Take Night Classes

If you’re taking a new course or attending college in your new city, then night class activities can serve as an icebreaker for you. You can make friends effortlessly with classmates by chatting about assignments or personal lives on your way home.

Local community colleges are a great place to check for courses that interest you. You may also hone your skills or learn a new one in these classes if you’re still searching for a job.

Nevertheless, if the local colleges around you don’t offer skills you want to improve on, such as painting, yoga, or archery; find classes where they make it happen, and enroll.

25. Go for a Thrill-Seeking Activity

Always wanted to be a daredevil? Now is a great time to go on some thrill-seeking adventure. Many countries like Scotland, Netherlands, New Zealand, and South Africa can offer you adventures to last a lifetime. And who knows? You can meet an adventure partner to share your experience with while at it.

Here are some thrill-seeking activities you can try.

Cliff Camping

Image Credit: Joshua Earle

If you have a head and stomach for heights, then you’ll love cliff camping. This thrill-seeking activity lasts all night. 

You’ll sleep on a suspended portaledge facing a cliffside. Because this is an extreme sport, camping companies often pair people without a group together on a ledge. Put your best foot forward, and use the opportunity to make a friend or two. 

Deep Diving With Sharks

Image Credit: Gerald Schömbs

Not everyone can boast of seeing the great white shark up close. But if you go on this adventure, you’d stand a chance.

Somewhere in Capetown, South Africa, people lock themselves in a cage and plunge several feet into the sea.

You’re likely to meet a few people who might be new to this activity as well. Take advantage of the excitement and make friends with your cage members. 

If you have a water-resistant camera, remember to take selfies!

Extreme Hiking

Image Credit: Nathan Dumlao

The only way to go is up in extreme hiking. You may be lucky to have a hiking trail in your new city. In this extreme sport, all you have is your tenacity and the support of other hikers.

Push your limits as you make friends and acquaintances navigating your way through dense woods and mountains without clear trails.

Go on a Rollercoaster Ride

Image Credit: Peter-Paul Moschik

Pleasure loves company. If you’ve been anywhere close to a rollercoaster, you’ll know how heart racing it is to go on a steep drop – not everyone’s cut out for the adrenaline rush.

However, if you’re ready for an insane, plummeting ride to the bottom, then join amusement park groups on Meetup. There, you’ll get acquainted with roller coaster enthusiasts and partake in their next group outing to the park.

26. Be Friendly to Strangers

You can make friends in the strangest places. Be open, and allow yourself some vulnerability that resonates with others around you. Simple things like connecting with neighbors or the couple down the street put you one step ahead in making friends.

Also, when you start to feel cooped up at home, take your book or computer to a coffee house. While you may always keep your nose stuck down in whatever you’re doing, endeavor always to look up briefly. Talk to the stranger next to you – you might never know who they are.

27. Tour Your City to Find Social Hubs

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Tour-the-city.jpg
Image Credit: Joshua Earle via Unsplash

Touring your new city can be helpful for finding multiple social hubs. Take out time to visit places you heard or read about for yourself. You might make new friends when asking for directions, especially if you let people know you’re new and open to making friends.

But that’s not the only reason to tour your city. Learning the city’s active and social hubs can help you know where to hang out more and meet more people who’d be willing to connect with you. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, bars, gyms, local cafés, and sports centers are awesome for finding friendly people.

You’ll also discover the local convenience stores, police stations, banks, and other places that get you settled in nicely.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations on moving to a new city. Leaving your comfort zone and building new social circles is the best way to make friends both online and offline.  

While you’re here, use any of the 27 ideas above to initiate a connection. You can commit to trying one idea every week until you find your tribe in your new city. Moving to a new city is a bold step. Now, move forward and make friends.