• Home
  • How It Works
    • How It Works
    • Program Overview
    • Partner Resources
    • Veterans Advantage Discount
  • Real Estate
    • Real Estate
    • Overview
    • Why SIRVA
    • Our Process
    • Resources
    • Our Agent Network
    • Customer Reviews
  • Mortgage
  • Moving Services
    • Moving Services
    • Overview
    • Why SIRVA
    • Our Process
    • Moving Service Options
    • Resources
    • Moving Reviews
  • About Us
    • About Us
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
  • Get Started
Menu
Call Us Today! 800-579-2970
Sirva Home Benefits Logo
Call Us Today!
800-579-2970
  • Home
  • Resource Center
  • Special Offers
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Search
  • How It Works
    • Program Overview
    • Partner Resources
    • Veterans Advantage Discount
  • Real Estate
    • Overview
    • Why SIRVA
    • Our Process
    • Resources
    • Our Agent Network
    • Customer Reviews
  • Mortgage
    • Overview
    • Loan Options
    • Why SIRVA Mortgage
    • Our Loan Process
    • Mortgage Rates
    • Resources
    • Customer Reviews
  • Moving Services
    • Overview
    • Why SIRVA
    • Our Process
    • Moving Service Options
    • Resources
    • Moving Reviews
  • Get Started

Getting Set Up in Your New Community


 

Moving into a new home in a new community can certainly be an exciting, rejuvenating, wonderfully adventurous experience. Of course, feeling the wonder may have to wait a bit – after you’ve recuperated from all the frenetic activity of finding a new home, planning your move, gathering supplies, transferring personal records, packing, unpacking, obsessing over a myriad details, and whatnot. But when all that’s done and you’re finally in your new home … ah! That’s when it hits you: your new life is just beginning.

Now you must concentrate on making this new house of yours truly a home. You and your family must get to know it. That’s an easy enough matter, given that you surely still have some furniture to move around, a few décor items to situate, and lots of little things yet to unpack and find a spot for. There’s no reason other than personal preference to hurry through this, either; you’ve got plenty of time, once all your big possessions and living essentials are in place.

But your new house won’t really be your home until you get to know your new neighbors and your new community as well. The sooner you introduce yourself to those living around you, and the sooner you start exploring what your new community has to offer, the sooner you’ll feel that you really belong in your new home.

We’ve got some great tips to help you do all this, starting with …

Getting Through Your First Night

Most of your possessions will still be boxed up and unavailable when you arrive at your new home. To get through your first night, then, you’ll want to have a few items readily accessible to stay there in some kind of comfort. That requires forethought, of course. So before you head out for your new home, be sure to have with you …

  • A pre-packed box or two of “essentials”
By essentials, we mean things like a first-aid kit, toiletries, toilet paper, dish soap, bottled water, instant coffee, snacks, an all-purpose cutting knife, pet food, a flashlight, a change of clothing for each family member, towels, trash bags … and whatever else you think necessary for your first 24 to 48 hours of stay.

 

  • A plan for who’s going to sleep where

Maybe you just throw down blankets and pillows and sleep on the living room floor. Maybe you get your permanent beds assembled in the bedrooms and made up right away. Or maybe you go to a nearby hotel. Whatever you decide, decide before you arrive.

  • A plan for what you’re going to eat

Do you really feel like cooking after an exhausting Move Day? We expect not. Especially since most of your food, pots, pans, and cooking utensils will still be in boxes. Think, instead, about eating out at a nearby fast-food place or restaurant … or ordering pizza, Chinese, or other fare for home delivery. You can research restaurants and delivery options online before Move Day and program their numbers into your phone for quick access.

Getting Your Utilities Connected

You should arrange to have your new home’s utilities connected before you spend your first night there. That may seem simple enough to do. But, actually, it’s a bit complicated. For one thing, you must deal with different companies, each of which will have its own schedule. That means you’ll have to contact these companies well in advance of your move if you want everything connected when you arrive to take up residence.

  • Physical Utilities – Water, Gas, Electricity. Find out, first of all, if you have a choice of services. Depending on where your home is located, you may not. The Internet’s a good place to start. Your state should have a Board of Public Utilities website that lists utility providers in your location. Check the phone book and Yellow Pages too. And talk with your new neighbors. Typically, it takes providers a day or two to activate a physical utility service and make all the appropriate connections. So the sooner you notify them, the better. The longer you delay, the greater the chance the utility company will be overbooked and unable to accommodate your wishes.
  • TV, Phone, and Internet Services. Standard or Hi-Def TV? Satellite or Cable TV and Internet? A new calling plan? Most major providers “bundle” a variety of services, which often saves you money, lets you consolidate your utilities in one bill, and simplifies communication because you have only one company to deal with. Talk with friends and neighbors to determine which provider might best serve your needs. Perhaps you already know from experience, but expect, 1) that you’ll be required to be present when your TV, phone, and Internet services are installed and, 2) that the installation could take up to four hours or more. Be advised also that you may have to wait roughly a week before an installer you’ve contacted can actually come to your home.

The Internet is not only useful in researching utility services but also can be a great tool for arranging installation and managing your account. Most utility companies have their own websites that make it easy for you to do this.

Note: It’s important that your utilities be connected in the right order. For example, you’ll need to have electricity in the house before your TV and Internet can be installed. The problem is, electric utilities generally respond quicker to installation requests than TV, Internet, and phone service installers. So you might consider calling your TV, Internet, and phone service installers first – at least two or three weeks in advance of when you want their services activated. Then, call the electric company and have them activate your electric service a few days before the same is done for your TV and Internet services. You should contact your other physical utility companies a week in advance – more than a week is better – to let them know the date on which you want their services connected and activated.

Getting Settled in Your New Home

Now that you’ve gotten your utilities activated and survived your first night or two in your new home, you’re ready to begin that slow, steady, and – one would hope – pleasant process of settling in. There are a few things, though, that you shouldn’t put off.

  • Change your address. Just fill out a U.S. Postal Service Change of Address Order online or visit your nearest post office. This authorizes the post office to forward mail marked for your old address to your new address. Don’t forget also to notify your banks or other financial institutions and credit card companies of your address change. Then there’s the matter of your driver’s license. Remember to visit your local DMV and get it updated. Of course, you may be required to take another driving test before being issued a new license if you’ve moved to a new state.
  • Change your locks. Keep in mind that previous owners of your new home, realtors, and possibly a few other people had keys allowing them entry. Do you really trust that they no longer have keys? See a locksmith! Or buy new locks and install them yourself. Your family’s safety may well depend on it.
  • Finish Unpacking. We get it. You’re tired after all the drama and trauma of moving. But the longer you delay in unpacking your possessions and putting them away, the longer your house – and you! – will feel unsettled. You needn’t rush through it, though. Be systematic. Tackle one room at time, getting everything meant for that room unboxed, unwrapped, and placed where you want it before you move on to the next room.
  • Get to know your new neighbors. Even if you’re not by nature the most outgoing of people, you’ll find it beneficial to establish good relationships with your neighbors. And, once again, the sooner, the better. Be bold but not aggressive; pleasant but not effusive. Just introduce yourself as soon as you get a chance and let whatever relationship develops take its course. Maybe you don’t become BFFs. But you’ll find living in close proximity a whole lot more congenial if you at least make an effort to be friendly and get along.
  • Explore your new neighborhood. If you didn’t have an opportunity to do so before your move, get out and about the first week you arrive. Locate the nearest grocery stores, retailers, restaurants, parks, and other venues of interest to you and your family. Go for long walks, if you can. Otherwise, drive around and see what there is to see. Don’t always follow the beaten path, either. It’s often what’s hidden that best rewards your curiosity.

    Getting Familiar with Your New Community

As we indicated above, exploration is crucial in the first week or so of your arrival. But you should carry that spirit of exploration forward if you really want to get to know your new hometown.

Remember, there are all kinds of ways to explore. Some of the best ways? By foot. By car. And via the Internet or mobile apps on your smartphone.

Among the most preferred online sources of info about local activities and venues right now are Google Maps, Yelp, and Citysearch. They can clue you in to the best nearby movie theaters, eateries, nightclubs, and other popular gathering places – as well as all the best places to shop for all the things you generally shop for. It’s worth pointing out, though, that just because these services give a high rating to some place doesn’t mean you’ll find that place best for you. Take your time. Look around. And find the places that make you happy.

If you’re particularly Internet savvy, you might look into these exploration options as well:

Consider creating a Google Doc online. This is an excellent way to compile the advice you’ve gotten from acquaintances on where to go for this or that in your new community. Then, you can invite them and others to join in and add still more of their favorite places around town.

Also, think about crowd-sourcing responses to any queries you might make about local places and activities on Facebook or Twitter.

With either of these options, you’re not just getting random reviews of places and activities from the Internet at large. You’re communicating with real local people, exchanging information with them, and getting direct responses to your follow-up questions – on any topic you wish to pursue.

Not so Internet savvy? No problem!

You still can’t beat talking with people in person – on the street, in shops, at a local restaurant, or wherever. And, in that regard, you might want to consider (sooner rather than later) joining local clubs and organizations that reflect your interests and hobbies. This is a great way to meet new friends and get better established in your new hometown. Think too about involving yourself in some sort of community service. You’ll undoubtedly find that making yourself useful – in local government, in the school system, to the elderly and infirm, or to the homeless and those otherwise less fortunate than you – can go a long way toward making you feel more a part of the new community you call home.

 
 
Get help from the experts >>
 
  • Resource Center
  • Pre-Move Planning
  • Sell a Home
  • Buy a Home
  • Moving Plan
  • Move Day
    • Packing
    • Moving Travel
    • Unpacking
    • Getting Set Up in Your New Community
  • Moving & Relocation Blog
 
We used SIRVA to sell our home in Michigan and to purchase a new home in South Dakota.  Great people to work with and was able to get us a very reasonable rate on our new home. Thank you to all involved with SIRVA Relocation!!
- Jared
Our Partners
  • SIRVA Worldwide Relocation and Moving
  • North American Moving Services
  • Allied Movers
  • SmartBox Portable Storage and Moving

Sirva Home Benefits
6200 Oak Tree Blvd., Suite 300
Independence, OH 44131

TEL: 800-579-2970

Monday
8:00 am - 6 pm EST
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6 pm EST
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6 pm EST
Thursday
8:00 am - 6 pm EST
Friday
8:00 am - 6 pm EST
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Equal Housing Oppurtunity
Better Business Bureau
World Wide ERC
Mortgage Bankers Association
Sirva Home Benefits is a tradename used for marketing and is not licensed to conduct business in New York. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage loan applications for properties located in the State of New York can be facilitated through this site.
 
1 Sirva Home Benefits is a brand name of Sirva Worldwide used to offer a suite of products for homebuying purposes. Mortgage lender (Sirva Mortgage, Inc.2), Sirva entity making real estate referral (Sirva Relocation LLC3), and van lines providing moving services (Allied Van Lines, Inc. and North American Van Lines, Inc.4)  are affiliated entities. You are not required to use all programs in order to receive the benefits but the offer for the mortgage closing cost credit of up to $500 only applies when using a Sirva program identified lender, the cash back offer only applies when using a Sirva referred real estate broker, and any discounts on moving services are only applied when using an affiliated van line. Sirva's Affiliated Business Disclosure (including affiliations and information on estimated charge or range of charged) can be found here. Each program benefit is offered separately. Program benefits are only available through program participants but you are not required to use all programs to receive each separate benefit.
 
Sirva endeavors to refer real estate brokers and agents, household goods providers and other service providers that provide quality services and products. However, Sirva and its respective associates, agents, representatives and clients cannot make any representations or warranties as to the fitness and applicability of the referred brokers and agents, household goods providers and other service providers and their service for your particular situation and purpose. Sirva does not provide a warranty with respect to your particular engagement, relationship and experience with the party referred brokers and agents or their services. You must evaluate the brokers, agents household goods providers and other service providers and their services and make selections and decisions based upon your own best judgment, interest, priorities, and concerns. Sirva is not providing advice with respect to any selection or decision you may make.  
 
To provide you with better service, Sirva may collect certain anonymous information on how you use our website(s). To view our Privacy Policy, click here. To view our Cookie Policy, click here.  
 
2 This not an offer of credit. This is not an offer to enter into an interest rate lock-in agreement nor is this notice of loan approval. Mortgage approvals are rendered based on individual credit qualifications. Sirva Mortgage is engaged in the business of originating residential mortgage loans. We are licensed or authorized to conduct mortgage loan origination in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. Sirva Mortgage is not a depository institution and does not act or represent itself as a full-service bank. Reference to the term “mortgage banker” is a common, accepted industry term referring to companies engaged only in the business of making mortgage loans. Various state laws and regulations and our license type(s) in various states refer to us as a mortgage lender, mortgage banker or mortgage broker. For our Privacy Policy and Affiliated business relationships disclosures please visit https://mortgage.sirva.com/about/about-sirva-mortgage. Please see the complete required license disclosure below. Call 800-531-3837 for more information.

For those looking to refinance – even if your refinanced rate or APR is lower, by refinancing your existing loan, your total finance charges may be higher over the life of the refinanced loan.

Sirva Mortgage, Inc. NMLS ID #2240, for licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Main Office Address is 6000 Lombardo Center, Suite 500, Seven Hills, OH 44131; Telephone: 1-800-531-3837. We are licensed by/as (among others): Arizona Licensed Mortgage Banker, License #0901430; Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4130944; Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #6221; Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee; Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company, License #MC.0025314; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender, License #ML2240; Nevada Licensed Mortgage Banker, License #1043; Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker – NYS Banking Department; Oregon Consumer Finance Act license #ML-186; Rhode Island Licensed Lender; Texas Mortgage Banker Registration #2240; WA Consumer Loan Company License #CL-2240.

“CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550.

THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.”

Licensed Mortgage Loan Originators’ NMLS IDs are available upon request for licensing information, go to: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
 
3 Sirva Relocation LLC is a licensed real estate broker. Sirva Relocation LLC is making the referral as a licensed real estate broker and will refer you to a licensed real estate broker in the selected area that will provide you the real estate services.
 
Real Estate referrals are made by Sirva Relocation LLC an affiliated business of Sirva Worldwide and a licensed real estate broker. $500 cash back for every $100,000 only available when using a Sirva referred real estate agent, the purchase and/or sale price is above $75,000. Program reward amount is based upon at least 6% real estate commission and the participating broker receiving at least one half of commission. If the commission amount or the split is reduced the program reward will be reduced proportionately. To receive the award, customers must close their real estate transaction with a SIRVA-referred real estate agent. Due to state regulations, the award program is not allowed in AK, AL, IA, KS, LA, MO, MS, ND, OK, OR, TN.  Cash back available in NJ on purchases only. Additionally, if you choose to sell your home with a Sirva-referred broker in these states, the benefit will be provided in the form of a reduced real estate commission. If you are purchasing a home and use a SIRVA-referred broker in these states, and also choose to work with an approved lender for your financing, the approved lender will issue you a credit toward closing costs; in addition to any other closing cost credit provided by your loan program. You may use any lender you choose for your financing, but closing cost credits cannot be issued without utilizing an approved lender. None of these programs are valid for corporate-sponsored relocations or ineligible property types. You should always consult your tax advisor about the tax implications of receiving cash back.
 
Properties eligible for the Real Estate Cash Back Program must meet the following criteria: (a) located in the U.S.; (b) a completed primary, single-family residence, townhouse, two-family duplex, or condominium unit, in each case owned and occupied by Employee (or in the case of a two-family duplex, where the entire property is owned by Employee and one unit of which occupied by Employee).
 
Programs can be cancelled or modified at any time without notice. Please go to http://www.sirvahomebenefits.com or call 800-579-2970 to learn more and see how you can get your cash back benefits. You may also contact us at 6200 Oak Tree Blvd., Ste 300, Independence, OH 44131.
 
In the state of New Jersey a purchaser is obligated to pay any applicable taxes for receipt of the real estate cash back rebate and the purchaser should contact a tax professional concerning any possible tax implications of receiving the rebate. 
 
4 Sirva Moving Services – Moving discount applied to interstate moves. For moving benefit details go to http://www.sirvahomebenefits.com. Local and instate move discounts may vary. This offer applies to household moves between the 48 contiguous states. The interstate moving discount is based on rates in published tariff HGB 400-N (or reissues thereof) in effect on the date of the shipment loads. North American Van Lines MC #107012 U.S. DOT No.070851. Texas intrastate moves are hauled under the authority of North American Van Lines of Texas, LLC TxDMV No 0000009188; Texas DMV Phone No. 1-888-368-4689; Allied Van Lines, Inc. MC #15735 U.S. DOT No.076235. Texas intrastate moves are hauled under the authority of Allied Van Lines, Inc., TxDMV No 0000007143; Texas DMV Phone No. 1-888-368-4689. Programs can be cancelled or modified at any time without notice. Please visit http://sirvahomebenefits.com for additional terms and conditions, including the use of third party services.
 
5  Average customer savings calculation for all relocation benefits is based on a $250,000 home value when using a SIRVA referred agent to buy and/or sell a home. $3,400 total cash back and savings consist of a cash back reward of $2,500 for real estate program (buy & sell), plus $500 mortgage closing cost credit (credit provided only through program lender) and $400 savings on interstate move with our affiliate van line. A combined savings of $3,400. Certain state restrictions apply to the real estate cash back program. Call 866-631-2261 for details and disclosures. Terms and conditions apply. Cash back rewards are available separately on the buy and sell transactions. Offer not available to those with a full service, company paid relocation package.
 
6 If we don’t close on your loan with Sirva Mortgage the date stated in the purchase contract, due solely to Sirva Mortgage’s delay when given at least 21 days from lock to close, we will pay you $1,000. Delay penalty does not apply to refinances. 
 
7 Savings calculation based on an average our clients saving more than $45 per month & $23 a month on mortgage insurance on their mortgage payments multiplied by 12 months on a 30 year mortgage. Payment average compared to national average rates published by FHLMC, found at www.freddiemac.com/pmms from 1/1/2015-12/31/2015 with loan amount of $315,142. For a 30 year fixed rate the national average interest rate was 3.84% with a principal and interest payment of $1,475 compared to the SIRVA Mortgage average interest rate of 3.59% with a principal and interest payment of $1,431. Mortgage insurance savings as measured by United Guaranty for the period 1/1-12/31/2015.
 
8 Sirva Mortgage earned the highest average score from relocating employees among national competitors in the 26th Nationwide Relocating Employee Survey for 2020 by Trippel Survey & Research, LLC©.
 
Important terms and conditions apply to the closing cost credit. Closing cost credit will not exceed borrower’s closing costs, up to $500. Please go to http://www.sirvahomebenefits.com to learn more and see how you can receive a closing cost credit.  
 
Real Estate referrals are made by Sirva Relocation LLC an affiliated business of Sirva Mortgage, Inc. and a licensed real estate broker. Sirva Mortgage, Inc. may receive a financial or other benefit as a result of the affiliated relationship with Sirva Relocation LLC. Important disclosures apply to the use of affiliated companies. You are not required to use Sirva Mortgage to receive the cash back benefits. You are not required to use the cash back benefit to apply for or obtain a loan from Sirva Mortgage. Sirva’s Affiliated Business Disclosure including rates for the services you may select is found at https://www.sirvahomebenefits.com/affiliatedbusinessarrangements or call for a copy. Please visit http://sirvahomebenefits.com for additional terms and conditions, including the use of third party services.
 
On the special offers page Star Box, Penske and Apartments.com are independent companies not affiliated with Sirva or the Sirva Home Benefits program except for this referral. Sirva endeavors to refer service providers that provide quality services and products. However, the Sirva Home Benefits program cannot make any representations or warranties as to the fitness and applicability of the referred service providers and their service for your particular situation and purpose. Sirva does not provide a warranty with respect to your particular engagement, relationship and experience with any referred service provider or the services or the suppliers. You must evaluate the service providers and their services and make selections and decisions based upon your own best judgment, interest, priorities, and concerns. Sirva is not providing advice with respect to any selection or decision you may make 

© 2025 Sirva Home Benefits
  /   All Rights Reserved   /  

Privacy Policy
  /  
Cookie Policy
  /  
Terms of Use
  /  
AFBA
  /  
Site Map

Time to prepare for you next move!Get Started