Dos and Don’ts of Moving Back to Your Hometown

Preparing to move back to your hometown? Whether you left for only a few years or a few decades, moving back to the place where it all started can be a life changing experience. After all, your hometown is your past and (now) future all tied up into one. It’s chock-full of memories, old friends and close family. And of course, while much has stayed the same, much has also changed. Fortunately, we’re here to help with the transition. Here are the dos and don’ts of moving back to your hometown.

Dos and Don’ts of Moving Back to Your Hometown

Do hire a reputable moving company

Just because you’re moving back to your hometown doesn’t mean the relocation won’t be stressful. From purging belongings and packing boxes to lifting heavy furniture and loading the truck, moving is an all-around exhausting experience no matter where you’re going (even it’s a place with familiar faces!). Fortunately, Moving.com’s extensive network of reputable and reliable movers makes it easy to book the best moving company for the job. All relocation companies in our network are licensed and insured, so you can rest assured that your move will be in good hands.

Don’t hire your friend as a realtor just because you’re old friends

Chances are, your hometown is full of family members and old friends who now happen to be realtors. While it might be tempting to choose one of these acquaintances as your real estate agent, you should think twice before doing so. House hunting is a stressful and personal experience, and you’re going to need a qualified, reputable realtor to walk you through the home buying process. In many cases, it’s not a great idea to mix friendship with business. If you do decide to hire a friend, make sure they are truly cut out for the job.

Do prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster

Before moving back to your hometown, make sure that you’re mentally prepared for the experience. Many people who move back home expect things to be exactly how they were when they left them. This, I can assure you, will not be the case. It’s likely that old friends have moved away; old haunts such as your favorite childhood restaurants have closed down; and old roads you used to take have been altered. The homes in your neighborhood, once occupied by familiar faces, may now belong to complete strangers. All of these changes can bring about feelings of nostalgia and sadness when moving back to your hometown. Just be sure to remember that there are plenty of new memories to be made after you move.

Don’t forget to reconnect with family, old friends and acquaintances

Now’s the time to reach out and reconnect with family members, old friends and past acquaintances. Whether you’re looking for a new job or a new network, starting with who you already know is never a bad idea. Fortunately, thanks to social media, it’s easier than ever to connect with old friends. Simply reach out via Facebook, email, etc, and you can reconnect in seconds. For more advice on making friends in a “new” city, check here.

Do consider the cost of living

Make sure that moving back to your hometown makes sense financially. The cost of living in your hometown may have gone up or down dramatically since childhood. So before moving back, research everything from housing costs to restaurant prices to get a feel for the area’s general cost of living. After going through your own finances and setting a budget, make sure it makes financial sense to move back.

Don’t say no to volunteer or networking opportunities

When you move back to your hometown, it’s easy to fall back into the same old routine with the same old people. My advice is to get involved in your community and meet as many new people as possible. If you enjoy volunteering, check out nearby opportunities through www.volunteermatch.org. Join local clubs and social groups to find like-minded people in your hometown, cultivate interests and develop hobbies.

Do prepare yourself for lots of small talk

Gone are the days of being anonymous at the grocery store, the gas station and the Costco. Now that you’re back in your hometown, be prepared to run into everyone you used to know. Chances are also good that they’ll be interested in what you’re doing now and where you’re living. Trust us – there will be lots of small talk to be had. Fortunately, after living in your hometown for awhile this small talk may finally turn into real talk as you get reacquainted with old friends.

Don’t forget to set necessary boundaries with loved ones

From your in-laws to your parents, your loved ones may end up dropping by whenever they wish now that you’re back in your hometown. However, unless you’re prepared for this sort of open door policy, it’s probably necessary to set boundaries with your family members. Fortunately, there are plenty of polite ways to tell your family or in-laws to give you some space. For instance, you could mention that while you love seeing them and living close-by, you’d appreciate a text or a heads-up before they come over. Tip: if your in-laws frequently drop by unannounced, leave it to your husband or wife to handle this talk.

Do treat your hometown as a “new” place

Even though you’re moving back to your hometown, it’s still important to treat the city as a new place. Despite driving down the same old roads, you have to keep in mind that your hometown isn’t the same old place. You’ll need to make an effort to meet new people, explore your surroundings, try new restaurants and start building your own social network. Try downloading local mobile apps, familiarizing yourself with transportation options and joining neighborhood listservs as well. All of these things will help you acclimate to your new surroundings in no time.

Ready to move back home?

For additional help getting organized before the big move, try our comprehensive Move Planner. We provide you with a customizable moving checklist, personal tasks list, helpful recommendations, email reminders and plenty of coupons to get you organized before moving back to your hometown. Best of luck and happy moving!