Moving to Connecticut? A Few Tips on Moving with Your Family

2/3/12 - By Katie McKnight

Moving with kids is challenging from start to finish.  Surprisingly, 2 year olds are not that helpful with packing.  And while they are infinitely more helpful with unpacking (paper everywhere), sometimes they can be a little too helpful (broken china everywhere…). On the up side, moving with kids is never dull!  If you’re moving to Connecticut from out of state, or even from within the state, there are a lot of ways to make the transition easier for both you and your kids.

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Newcomers Clubs

Check with your new town’s website to see if there is a local Newcomer’s Club.  These groups are a great way to meet new friends, and they often offer playgroups and other organized events that provide the kids a great way to make friends as well.

Preschools

If you’ve got pre-school age kids, start looking at the schools – even if you’re looking for the year ahead.  Many schools offer social events for kids and parents – and often prospective parents are encouraged to attend.

Sports Groups

Join a soccer or ice hockey team.  Seriously.  There are running clubs, tennis teams, soccer teams – pick your sport and join up.  You’ll meet lots of other moms.  Check out a women’s soccer team, a women’s ice hockey league, and/or a coed softball league. Time to redefine the term “soccer mom”! Dads, there's lots of options for you too!

Neighborhood Cocktail Party

Whenever we move, I throw a cocktail party for the closest 6 neighbors.  It’s always appreciated by them, and it’s a great way to kick off life in your new home.

Playgrounds

When I first moved to CT from Boston, I hung out daily at the most popular playground in town.  8 years later, some of my best friends are moms I met there whilst we were both chasing our 2 year olds.  Some popular ones in Fairfield County include Cherry Lawn in Darien and Mead Park in New Canaan.  Greenwich's Bruce Park and Stamford's Twin Meadow Park are also very popular.

Friends of friends…

Send out an email to all your friends – you never know who might have a cousin, sister or friend living in your new town.

Realtor

Ask you realtor if he or she knows anyone with kids your age – you’d be surprised at how many people your realtor knows!

Welcome to CT! It's a great place to raise a family!

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