After you relocate

Within the first 3 days:

Get phone books and maps of the region. Consider purchasing a Thomas Guide (Thomas Brothers Maps®) for each car. A Thomas Guide is a map which lists names, addresses, phone numbers and locations of public transportation, public works, airports and airlines, major commercial and public buildings, Chamber of Commerce, colleges and universities, golf courses, hospitals, hotels and motels, libraries, post offices, private and public schools, shopping centers, U.S. government offices, points of interest, parks, Zip Code areas and more. Large grocery or stationery stores usually carry Thomas Guides.

Clear the kitchen table, spread your street map and identify locations of services such as these nearest you:

• Police and fire stations
• Hospitals and medical clinics
• Gas stations
• Grocery, pharmacy, hardware and department stores
• Bank, dry cleaners, veterinarian

Within the first 10 days:

• Call the garbage company or Department of Sanitation. Find out when the garbage and recyclable material is picked up. Are special containers required for recycling plastic, paper, oil, etc?
• Contact the Chamber of Commerce. They can provide a wealth of information about your community. Your local chamber may have informational packets designed especially for newcomers.
• Call City Hall and find out where to register to vote.
• Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles to change the address on your driver's license.
• Identify and contact your new doctor and dentist. Contact your previous care providers and request your records be sent to them.
• Contact your new insurance agent. He or she can help you transfer your existing insurance policies.
• Realize that moving is one of the most stressful activities one can experience. Make extra efforts to be patient and tolerant during this difficult time.