How to Put Down Roots As A Nomad in A New City

Have you just recently moved to a city and you want to put down roots to feel at home, even if you’re only there temporarily? Here are some steps I take each time I move to a new home.

Feel free to download the Google Doc version of this so you can copy, edit, and print your own personal list.

Before Moving and Settling In

[ ] Secure housing. Don’t forget to check Facebook groups as well and ask friends for suggestions.

[ ] Find a new job or client.

[ ] Give a two-week’s notice to your employer.

[ ] Submit Form 8822, Address Change Request, with the IRS.

[ ] Contact your current insurance providers to discuss the best method of transferring your insurance policies to your new state.

[ ] Meet with a financial representative at your bank to discuss the best method of transferring your finances to your new state.

[ ] Change your address. It only takes a few minutes with a credit card.

[ ] Trash, sell, or donate excessive belongings. If you’ve always wanted to be a Minimalist now is the time to start.

Transportation

[ ] Register your car if you have one.

[ ] Transfer your driver’s license.

[ ] Get a local transportation card and load it with a week or month’s-worth of money.

[ ] Set your new work and home address in Google and in your map apps.

Feeling At Home

[ ] Put extra bags and boxes away in storage after unpacking. Clear all pathways and clean your new room.

[ ] Furnish your new place. Check out for local listings on Craigslist, BuyNothing, Goodwill, and Freecycle for free/cheap goods that you can reuse instead of buying new materials.

[ ] Make a little sanctuary nook in your bedroom with photos, candles (if allowed), letters, and souvenirs. Anything that’s precious to you, place it here carefully in a safe space.

[ ] Make a nice, comforting meal for yourself. Maybe you can even make enough to share with new housemates and friends.

Health

[ ] Join a Gym- Check Groupon for local deals and see if there are any special gym deals where you’re located (some gyms have the first month free…)

[ ] Switch health insurance if needed.

[ ] Schedule an appointment with a new Primary Care Practitioner. Also schedule an appointment with a dentist and eye doctor if needed.

[ ] Go to the grocery store and purchase healthy foods. Then put it away in your new fridge and pantry space.

Be Social

[ ] Host a Housewarming Party/Potluck.

[ ] Attend a local niche networking event in your professional industry.

[ ] Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. If you want to go the extra mile, bake something and offer it as a kind gesture.

[ ] Volunteer at a local non-profit, especially close to the holidays. Just Google ‘your city’ with ‘volunteer opportunities’ and see what comes up.

[ ] Email old friends with an update on your move and schedule times to catch up.

[ ] Find a place of personal spiritual practice. Try these out if you’re not sure or join an interfaith community.

Got any suggestions for steps to add? Please let me know in the comments.