Moving? Here’s how to easily meet people in your new neighbourhood.

Moving into a new neighbourhood can feel intimidating. First, a home move means everything is new: you’ll have to figure out where you’ll be banking, shopping, even grabbing your morning coffee. Second, moving homes can also mean new schools, new activities and new friends for your kids and that can introduce a whole other level of anxiety. Getting to know a few neighbours can help get you comfortable after your home move. Here are some easy ways to meet people in your new neighbourhood.

• Do some work outside your new home

• Let the kids play outside

• Join an activity 

• Put up a little free library

• Find your new local coffee shop

• Volunteer 

1. Do some work outside your new home.

Use any reason to spending time outside your new home. For instance, depending on the season of your home move, your front lawn may need mowing or raking, bushes may need trimming, flowers may need planting, or your front walk may need shovelling. Those will all get you outside to meet your neighbours. Use a friendly wave as a great conversation-starter and things will flow naturally from there.

2. Let the kids play outside.

Kids are a great way to meet other people; they naturally attract other kids, and their parents are often closely in tow. So, grab the sidewalk chalk, the skipping rope or the bubbles and let the kids make new friends while you and their parents bond. In fact, parents can be a wealth of information about sports teams, neighbourhood resources, schools, tutors, babysitters and much more. By all means, bring your pooch outside too. Just watch what a people-magnet your four-legged friend can be! 

 

3. Put up a little free library 

In other words, give neighbours an excuse to slow down in front of your house.

Putting up a little free library will not only give you a chance to meet people, but it will also be a great source of free books for you!

4. Join an activity

 A quick google search will show nearby community centres, local libraries and parks in your new neighbourhood. After moving, join a book club, learn a new skill, even register your kids for something. Bonding over common interests is a great foundation for a friendship.

5. Volunteer. 

Bond with new neighbours over a cause you’re passionate about. Enter the area you’ve moved to and your interest at volunteermatch.org and make a difference while making new friends.

6. Find your local coffee shop.  

Pop into the same local coffee shop around the same time every day and you’ll start to see regulars.

Chances are these people live in your new neighbourhood. Strike up a conversation over a good cup of java and who knows where it will lead!

In summary, moving to a new neighbourhood can be difficult—especially when the entire family needs to re-find their social footing. But by putting a couple of the ideas above into action, you can meet your new neighbours easily. Plus, to take one more stress off your plate, be sure to engage a reputable moving company like AMJ Campbell, so you know your movers will show up when promised, to get you to your new home smoothly.

Here are some other articles you may find useful to help you settle into your neighbourhood.