When you buy a new
home, you’re also taking ownership of your place on a street and in a
community. Kevin Mountjoy, national sales manager at ooba, South Africa’s
biggest bond originator, says that there are lots of practical and social
things that you can do to help you move into your new neighbourhood.
1. Get to know your
neighbours. Introduce yourself to the people in the houses or apartments on
either side of yours, as well as opposite, if there is one. Let them know when
you’ll be moving in, and give them your contact details and take theirs, if
they’re happy to provide them.
2. Introduce yourself to
the local residents’ association or body corporate, and sign up for any
newsletters or email groups.
3. Get your utilities
sorted out. Sign up with the relevant providers to have the water, electricity,
gas, phone and internet put into your name. For municipal bills, you will need
to go to your nearest customer service centre with a valid ID, details of next
of kin, your banking details, payment for the required deposit, your offer to
purchase or deeds document, your meter numbers and the latest readings, your
contact details and the completed Application for the Supply of Water and
Electricity form. Also find out whether your area has a recycling pick-up or
identify the nearest dump that you can take your recyclable waste to.
4. Go into your bank and
switch branches so that any deliveries come to the most convenient location for
you. Remember to take note of your new branch code for future electronic
transfers. And register your new address with anyone who sends you bills,
so that you don’t lose out on vital information that should be coming your way.
5. Look at the websites
for the Rotary Club, The Lions Club or the Round Table Club for branches in or
near your area. By getting involved in charities like these, you can actively
participate in improving the lives of people living in your community.
6. Sign up with an armed
response company that has a high presence in your neighbourhood. Usually, the
more people that go with a particular provider, the more cars they will
allocate to the area, and the quicker their response time will be. Assess the
security levels of other houses on the street, and attempt to match them. And
find out from the local police station if there are any particular types of criminal
activities you should be vigilant for.
7. Find out about the
local healthcare providers like doctors, dentists and vets, as well as the
nearest emergency room.
8. Work out your
quickest routes to your work and your children’s schools – but remember to test
these in rush hour so that you avoid surprise bottlenecks. Also, find out about
the public transport offered in your area – there is growing, quality public
transport infrastructure in South Africa, and you might find that you are
pleasantly surprised by the convenience.
9. Contact your
insurance company to make sure that your policy is aligned with the type of
security that you have in your new home, and with the area that you are now
living in. Ensure that you are covered for your move and during any planned
renovations.
10. Do some research into
courses and classes offered in your area. Yoga or pottery, for example, are
great ways to make new friends for you and your kids.
“Moving into a new
house is so much simpler and less stressful if you have a sense of belonging
there,” says Mountjoy. “By doing some of the things we’ve suggested here –
especially if you do them before you move in – you will find that there is less
admin and more joy in settling in to your new home.”
From "ooba" newsletter 30/09/2013
