If you’re new to Bangalore, it could take you a while to get settled with the pace of life in this city. And since it’s a hotspot for the young crowd, you’re in good company. So, while you’re getting familiar with the places to go, food to eat and sights to see, there are some steps you can take to make your living situation a lot more comfortable and homely too. Whether you’re living in a rented flat or one of the ladies’ hostels in Bangalore, here are some things you can do in your first month itself to make life go a lot more smoothly.
Change the locks
If you’re moving to a place that had a previous owner, it’s probably a good idea to change the locks. The last renter of your flat or last resident of your hostel room probably returned their original key to the landlord or warden, but you can’t account for any duplicates they made for themselves or distributed to friends and relatives. It’s always a good idea to change the locks for your room or flat so that you can ensure your own safety and the security of your belongings. Especially when you’re new to the city, this one step can go a long way towards making you feel in control of your surroundings.
Take pictures
Take pictures of your hostel room or flat within the first few days of moving so you’re able to document the condition in which you’ve received it. If your landlord promised a new coat of paint before you move in but missed some spots, you’ll have proof that it wasn’t you who chipped the paint. And if any damage occurs to the flat while you live there, you’ll know exactly how to restore it. These pictures can come in handy when you’re moving out again and want to recover your safety deposit. You could also use the unpacking opportunity to make a photo inventory of your own belongings and furniture. This way you’ll know exactly how much you brought with you and how much you’ve accumulated while living in Bangalore.
Change your lightbulbs
You might be tempted to stick with the old lightbulbs that are provided with your hostel or flat, but trust us, replacing those old lights with your own LEDs can make a world of difference. Not only will it help you save on your electricity bill, but you’re definitely going to create a brighter ambiance with this simple step. If you want to go a step further in making your new space feel like home, you could bring the bulbs from your old bedroom for a more authentic feel.
Find out how to get deliveries
Your rent agreement will tell you your new address on paper, but will it tell you how you can get parcels delivered. If your building has a security guard, ask them what the system for deliveries are. Will they be dropped off at your door or do you have to collect them from a particular place. You could also ask around for the landmarks around your building that you can use to guide any vendors or delivery people who get lost on the way. If you’re living in a hostel, find out the rules for receiving packages beyond curfew or the mechanism for tracing your item if it’s sent to a different room. Figuring this out will make all your future Swiggy and Amazon orders a lot easier.
Talk to your neighbours
Since you’re new to the city, the first month is the best time to get to know your neighbours. At least, you could end up with a lot of handy tips on how to live like a local; at best, you could end up with some great lifelong friends. A great icebreaker for this would be to ask them for recommendations of local restaurants or food deliveries. You’ll get real feedback with which to judge your Zomato lists, and you might even find out about some street food hidden gems. It’s a great conversation starter and sure to make you feel less alone in your hostel in SG Palya. So go ahead and knock on some new doors.
And there you have it, folks. Getting these tasks out of the way in your first month in Bangalore will set the pace for you to have a comfortable and enjoyable time in the city. So, make sure you follow our suggestions and start your journey in Bangalore on a high note.
