What to do when you're relocating!

Relocating is a fun, exciting, and sometimes scary time that many of us have or will go through at least once in our lives. It is filled with many emotions that can't all be wrapped into one. Whether you're moving back to your old neighborhood, or going on a new adventure abroad, it is important to be prepared and ready for what life might throw at you.

So this week I am giving you some of my personal tips on how to relocate smoothly, and what you should look for if you're thinking of moving somewhere new.


I can recall the day my husband and I decided to move to Atlanta. It was the 90's and we felt it was the best thing for us to do at the time. We knew only a few people in the area, but knew it was where we wanted to be. We decided that I would go first to prepare our home and find work. It was such a scary but exciting time. Not only was it my husband and I, but I had three young children to think of during this move. It was critical that I got accommodate with the area, found the right schools for my kids, and found a good job! I found work fairly quickly and began preparing from then on.

1. Learn The Area

I fell in love with Atlanta the moment I stepped foot on the land. It was bustling with bright eyed young families ready to see a change. And with my love for big cities, I knew this was the place for me. My husband and I had visited only a few times before we decided to move, and like stated before I came first to prepare the area. I was lucky enough to rent out a condo from my husband's great aunt and uncle, and I quickly learned the area. I drove around I-285 and checked out all the malls and shopping areas to get more acquainted with the area. I made a point to get comfortable and learn directions. (Back then all we had was Mapquest) So, I made every effort to get good and comfortable with metro Atlanta.

2. Research School Districts

My husband and I were diligent in finding the perfect public school system for our kids. I knew that we wouldn't be able to afford private schooling, but I wanted my kids to have the best. In Atlanta there are some great school districts in the city and the suburbs. I did my research on all of the areas to see what school was the right fit for my kids. At that time it was elementary and middle schools that were what I was looking for. I looked for high test scores, challenging courses, and fun extra curricular activities for my children.

3. Have Support 

When moving to a new place it is very important to have support of family, friends or the local community.  When my family and I moved to Atlanta we were blessed to have my brother-in-law and his family. It was great to have their guiding light and expertise in the area. If you don't have the luxury of family near it's important to make efforts to go out and find friends. This might be joining a running group, meetup group, or simply asking a co-worker out for drinks. Either way you will need the extra support. It is never fun feeling alone in a new city. New friendships will help you especially during times of home sickness, or just having a rough day.

4. Find the right doctor, gym, bank, and park asap

Relocating your life means relocating all of your health and financial needs. In doing this you'll need to google where the best physician, gym, and grocery stores are located. I always like to find these out fairly quickly into my move. I am the YELP and google review QUEEN, and I suggest you become one too! Reviews on the internet are vital for a relocater, they help you navigate your way through life in a new city. Use it to your advantage when seeking out your next doctor or restaurant!

With all this information I'm confident you'll be well on your way to begin your new life in a new town! I hope nothing but the best for you as you start your next journey. If you are looking to relocate to the Atlanta area, please feel free to contact me at patrice.sumpter@bhhsgeorgia.com I would love to help you find your perfect home!

Until next time!

-Patrice