Now that the hustle and bustle of Christmas is behind us, many of you are hoping to devote more time to getting settled in your new home. In the midst of decorating and cooking for Christmas, shopping for and shipping gifts, and traveling to be with or hosting family, the task of settling in is often put on the back burner.

January is a great time for organizing (have you noticed the advertised specials on storage and organizing containers?) and for taking care of the details of settling in that you may have been putting off.

Top 25 List!
To help you begin, here are our top 25 suggestions for getting you settled in:

1. Be prepared to be an initiator!

2. Get a new driver’s license.

3. Get new license plates for vehicles.

4. Shop for insurance policies (especially car).

5. If temporarily or permanently renting, shop for renter’s insurance. Some apartments now require this.

6. Use the phone book's yellow pages to look for local services. Coupons are often available in the back section.

7. Contact your local 'Welcome Wagon' or go online at www.welcomewagon.com for information and special offers.

8. Carry a local map in the car. Use a highlighter to mark your home's location and areas you want to visit.

9. Stop by your local Chamber of Commerce for maps and local information.

10. Get a library card. Check out a book on your new state or city. Most provide a movie and audio book section.

11. Subscribe to your local paper. A great resource for what’s happening, what to do, and for interesting local information such as when to plant what, how to make local dishes, and what’s on sale at the grocery store.

12. Check on places of interest within a day’s drive from your city. Great for weekend exploring and entertainment! 

13. Locate the hospital nearest your home.

14. A church is a good resource for classes and events through the women's ministry and for babysitters.

15. Register to vote.

16. Go to the concierge at a local hotel to find out what he or she recommends to do in the area.

17. Find out when garbage pickup is and what recycling procedures your new town offers.

18. Find a church home, if you haven’t already.

19. Introduce yourself to your mail carrier.

20. Check out banks. Service charges vary. Start checks with the same number your last bank ended with for continuity and merchant reassurance of your stability.

21. It will help you feel established to get “real” mail. Send for things like address labels and free offers to be delivered to your new address.

22. Ask your neighbors to refer you to good service people (plumbers, electricians, etc.)

23. Ask questions. People love to give their opinion and input.

24. Print out inexpensive “business cards” for identification and to help introduce you to the neighborhood:
THE SMITH FAMILY
BOB, JEAN, BILLY AND BETTY
ADDRESS
PHONE

25. Make a list of emergency numbers that include:
Ambulance, Police, Fire, your security alarm company,
Work Numbers, Pediatrician, Dentist, Other medical doctors
Phone company, Pharmacy, School, Electrician
Veterinarian, Plumber, Sitters

Get Ready - Get Settled - Go!
It's time to put the details of settling in on that front burner! We hope this suggestion list will help get you started. Happy New Year to you and good luck with settling in!

Excerpted from After the Boxes Are Unpacked by Susan Miller.