If you’re reading this, you’ve probably looked at a lot of New Haven apartments and perhaps even found one to call home. Or maybe you’ve already moved here. How do you get settled in at your new place? After the movers have left and you’ve ordered takeout, check off these tasks.
Update your mailing address
Make sure your mail follows you to your new apartment in New Haven. Fill out this form from the post office. It’s best to do it before you move. But if you’re already here or prefer to save a fee, do it in person. The main New Haven post office is on Brewery Street. That’s right across the parking lot from IKEA New Haven, where you’re likely to end up soon after moving anyway. For a post office you can walk to downtown, go to Yale Station at 206 Elm St. The post office is on the lower level of an Old Campus building called Lanman-Wright Hall. However, postal services there are not only used by Yalies. This branch is convenient for downtowners who live in apartments near Yale as well. From the Audubon New Haven apartments, it’s a roughly 10-minute walk.
Next, update your billing address for your credit card, phone, and any subscription services you use. Then check your saved shipping addresses for online shopping. That way, all the stuff you order for your new apartment will go to the right place. Finally, read this checklist of more people and businesses to notify when you move.
Driving? Register your car in Connecticut
One of the great things about living in downtown New Haven is that you don’t need a car. But if you already have one, there are a few things you need to do after moving. Coming to Connecticut from out of state? This page outlines the car registration process. There are forms to mail, an inspection, and a visit to the DMV. The closest branch is in Hamden, about three miles from downtown New Haven and the Audubon New Haven. Make this compulsory trip fun by visiting the nearby fish market or cheese shop afterwards.
Already live in Connecticut or moving from other New Haven apartments? Skip the trip and use this change-of-address form.
Finally: contact your car insurance carrier and change your address there.
There is a reward for all these steps, however. Connecticut license plates get you into state parks for free. Bonus for New Haveners only: show your registration and also park for free at Lighthouse Point, a city park with a beach and carousel. It’s six miles from the Audubon apartments.
Election Day will be here before you know it. Be ready.
Register online to vote in Connecticut. Remember, even if you already live in New Haven, you need to update your address with your new apartment. Then you’ll have the correct polling place on Election Day. (Note: if you filled out a DMV in-state change-of-address form, you may have already done this step.) You’ll get a confirmation by mail and learn your polling place in a few weeks. If you misplace this info, you can look up where to vote online.
There’s a whole city outside of New Haven apartments—learn about it!
Connect to the local news. The New Haven Independent is the go-to outlet for everything happening in New Haven, right down to the neighborhood. The New Haven Register is another option. Take a minute to follow these sources on Twitter or Facebook. Then, sign up for the Daily Nutmeg. This weekday email includes a helpful roundup of local events every Monday. The rest of the week, it profiles places and things you might not otherwise know existed.
Take advantage of local perks
Walk to the New Haven Free Public Library and get a library card. From the Audubon New Haven apartments, it’s a nine-minute walk. Or sign up online. Your library card gets you more than books. Use it for free streaming movies or even museum passes and theater tickets. While you’re at the library, visit the new collaborative work space and tinker lab, complete with an entrepreneur in residence. Even if you already live in a luxury apartment with a co-working space, you should see it.
Then, look to the New Haven Department of Parks, Recreation & Trees (that’s Parks & Recreation in other places) for more resident-only deals. New Haveners get a discounted rate for classes, canoe rentals, and skating time at the newly-opened Walker Ice Rink.
Of course, the biggest perk of all of downtown New Haven apartments is getting to walk to shops, dining, bars, live music, museums, theater, and everything else. If you’re overwhelmed by all the choices, Info New Haven, a visitors’ center downtown, can help. Or just stroll around and take it all in. Maybe after you’ve unpacked.
