Integrating within a new community
You’ve made the big move, done the unpacking, enrolled your children at the local school, had your pet delivered – so you are now ready to start becoming acquainted with your new community and to see what it has to offer! There are many ways to do this:
Familiarise yourself with garbage collection details:
This is so obvious, but can easily be overlooked when first starting out. If you have plenty of rubbish etc. after unpacking, it’s important to know which day things need to be put out. Especially recycled items, which are usually collected fortnightly. The council may have supplied you with a ‘welcome pack’, part of which contains your garbage collection details. If not, give them a ring and they’ll have the information you need.
Greet your neighbours:
This also seems obvious, but it’s always good to start off with a friendly wave or greeting – even on moving-in day. Remember, besides being someone you can call on when you need help, your neighbours can add to your safety – and be part of your enjoyment in your new home.
Change your address:
Update all your important documents, including car insurance, electoral roll, banking details, newspaper deliveries, etc. Even the act of making contact with the people responsible for these changes is a good start to making yourself known to these individuals.
Find the nearest essentials:
This includes doctor, hospital, police station, council, vet.
Become familiar with the transport:
Obtain a parking permit if you need one; find out the school bus timetables; check out the local public transport – buses/ trains/ trams.
Find your local amenities:
Supermarkets, bakeries, specialty shops, community centres, public toilets, etc.
Source the local cafes and restaurants:
This is part of the fun of a new community! There are so many local cafes, and so many diverse restaurants around – explore them ….
Find out which events are happening around you:
A great source of information about events in the area are your local coffee shops – they usually display flyers/posters about ‘what’s on’. You’ll find the staff are a great resource for local events, and are usually happy to pass on the information.
Local markets:
There are usually regular farmers’ markets – or craft markets – in most communities. This is one of the best ways to communicate with the local community at ‘ground level’. What stall holder does not want to talk about their wares?! And it is always so easy to strike up a conversation with people standing at a stall. This is a very exciting way to integrate with the local community, as you get a chance to mingle with people from all around the area.
Art & craft galleries:
Most communities have art and craft galleries, which is a great way to showcase the local talents. Who knows, if you have a particular craft you specialise in, this could be a perfect way to make yourself known.
Look for the local parks:
A great place of enjoyment for families and for meeting people. If you own a dog, the dog parks are especially good for meeting other dog owners walking their pets, or letting them off for a run.
Check the local newspaper for events in the area:
This is also a good place to source ‘items for sale’ when starting afresh. The good old internet is always a great source of information, and events/activities are usually updated. Look for an ‘events calendar’ for the area for a diverse range of activities.
Tourist information centres:
Now here’s a great source of information for events, not just for the local area but in outlying areas as well. And who better than Information Centre staff to steer you in the right direction! And there are always plenty of brochures to take home with you …
School newsletters:
Schools are a great way to be involved in a new community – there are so many events to be a part of, and there always seems to be requests for voluntary help: canteen/ parent help in classrooms/ help at sporting events, etc. As well as just attending the events.
Get out of your comfort zone:
It’s always easier to explore a new community if you have a partner, or a friend or relative to go along with you. And if you have children, you can pick and choose who you feel comfortable to strike up a conversation with, when dropping children off at school or picking them up. However, if you are by yourself and are naturally shy, it is a lot harder to join in with community activities, and you really have to get out of your comfort zone to do this.
Interest groups:
If you are naturally shy, and find it difficult to sit in a coffee shop by yourself and strike up a conversation, the best way to meet people is through interest groups, and you are guaranteed to find something that appeals to you. There are usually so many: walking groups, choirs, musical groups, plant groups, outdoor activities, there are always sports groups, and craft groups – to name just a few.
Give yourself time to acclimatise:
Moving to a new place is exciting, so make sure you explore and network, but do remember that community integration and building new relationships take time. However, once you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and made the effort, you’ll never know who you’re going to meet!
But, first things first – if you have decided to make the move but have not yet made the initial plans to begin the move, let Brisbane Moving & Storage help you. We were established to provide a cost effective removal and relocation option for residential, business and Government customers. Brisbane Moving & Storage are holders of packing licences, and we will safely pack all your goods and belongings, if you choose to not do the packing yourself, whether it’s your home or office.
To contact us, call us on 1300 769 467, or fill out your details on our Home Page for a free quote. You can also email us at:
admin@brisbanemoving.com for a free quote. Our clients are always our first priority and we strive to develop effective client relationships based on that principle.
