Question: What should one do when moving to a new neighborhood?

For many moving families, saying goodbye to the communities where they live can be difficult. You know where the supermarket, the library, and the parks are, and you and your children have friendships with neighbors and classmates. Acclimating yourself and your family into a new community can be challenging, but you will soon become accustomed to everything the town has to offer, making yourself at home in your new neighborhood.

Before you make the move into your new home, do your research. Call the local Chamber of Commerce to find out more about resources for those families that are new to the community. Many towns and cities now have Web sites containing everything from information about the school district, to shopping, restaurants and other areas of interest.

Once you make the move, there are many ways to meet others, especially if you have a hobby. If you like to work out, join a gym. You will get to know people with the same passion for fitness and develop healthy habits at the same time. Taking part in cooking, painting or other classes can also help you meet people who share common interests.

Places of worship can also provide a sense of community. Get involved with charitable endeavors or go to events sponsored by your church, temple or synagogue. Working together within your religious community can be rewarding on many different levels.

Children can bring you together with people faster than you can say "just moved!" If they are attending school, you will be spending plenty of time at PTA meetings and other school functions, which can help you get to know other parents. If your children are smaller, you can join programs designed for infants up to pre-school age.

When you move into your new neighborhood, be sure to be proactive and take advantage of everything it has to offer. You'll be part of the community before you know it.

Question : Why do people decide to own a home?

There are many reasons people decide to buy the homes they do. Sometimes it is an expansive property on a quiet street that draws them. Other times it is the prime location in a busy city that seals the deal. But no matter how much people love a home, they are always eager to add their own special touches that will make it their own.

Here are three very simple things you can do to personalize your space.

1. Display the things you love. Your home should tell a story about you and your life. You want visitors to be able to look around and learn something about you. One of the best ways to do that is to display meaningful collections. For instance, if you collect antique post cards, hang a fabric memo board on a wall. Then you can arrange your favorites there for others to enjoy. Better yet, keep a box of others nearby so you can change the display for the seasons, the holidays or even your mood. This is a great way to share something you enjoy.
2. Surround yourself with meaningful photographs. Nothing personalizes a space like displaying photos of those you care about. Arranging framed photos on walls or grouping them on a table top are two great ways to make a space feel like home. Another tip is to unify photo displays in one area using the same style and color frames. For instance, in a bookshelf display, use all silver frames, some with cream-colored mattes, to show off your favorite snapshots. For other ideas on how to arrange photos and other pieces of art, look through design magazines and catalogs. Use the work of those professional designers as your inspiration.
3. Painting a room can make a dramatic impact. When you choose the colors around you, the house is bound to feel more like home. But if you don't have the time or resources to paint the entire room, make a statement by painting one key wall in a bold color that sets the tone for the rest of the room.

Question : What should you do first after moving to a new home?

The moving truck has pulled away. Now the question is, "What to do first?"

Here are some tips that can help you make the most of the first few hours in your new home.

• Make a few quick phone calls to special friends and family and let them know that you and your possessions have arrived safely in your new home. These people are thinking about you and want to make sure that you are okay.
• Next, if you are not alone, organize the troops. Give an assignment to each person in your household to make the most of your time and manpower. Possible tasks include cleaning or vacuuming each room before the boxes are unloaded, preparing for the first meal in the house or starting the unpacking process.
• Locate your moving survival kit, a box you should create with the items you expect to need that night, such as bed sheets, towels, toothbrushes, etc. Let other family members know where this box is in case they need something.
• Assemble and make the beds. This is a chore that can be daunting and annoying if it is left to complete at the end of the day.

It is often comforting to fully unpack and set up one room in the house before any of the others. This room can then serve as a retreat from the rest of the moving process. It can also be fun to have the whole family working together to accomplish a single project. Start by positioning rugs and large pieces of furniture. Add accessories and other design elements last.