Moving to a new city is exciting but can be difficult, especially those first few weeks or even months. Everything is new, and you’re not quite sure where you fit in yet. It can be a challenging time where you second guess if this was the right move for you. If this sounds like you, you might be relieved to find out that these feelings are perfectly normal and are far more common than you might think. Our friends at safeboundmoving.com outlined all of the potential problems you may face when moving to a new city. Keep reading to learn more!
Lack of Friends
This might be the obvious one, right? Well, just because it’s obvious doesn’t mean the solution is obvious. It can take some time before you start making friends and having acquaintances in the new city. Start at the place you’ll be the most: your job. Befriend a couple of coworkers that you get along well with. See what kind of social events happen in the city that they’re into. Tag along with them. It may be a bit awkward at first, but you’ll forget all about that when you’re laughing with a group of newfound friends on Saturday night.
Also, don’t be afraid to venture out on your own. Go to some events that interest you, and you’re sure to find some like-minded people there. Put on a friendly face, introduce yourself, be sure to say you’re new to the area, and make connections! Sure, it’s easier said than done, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many people are willing to help a newcomer to their city.
Finding Your Way Around
This one is fairly easy to overcome, it will just take some time. The more you drive around, the sooner you’ll get a lay of the land. Go on drives with no particular destination and explore the city! Technology makes our lives incredibly easy these days, so keep your Maps app open on your phone as you drive around and glance at it every so often to see where you are in relation to your home and your job.
Feeling at Home
This is a big one! This one also takes some time. It can take quite a while before your new home really feels like home. The keys to making a new home feel like home are both inside the new house and outside.
Inside the house, decorate! Make that new home feel similar to your old home or decorate it completely differently! Do whatever you want. If the local moving company offers to help you unpack and set up your new house, consider the offer. The key is to make it yours, in all of your own unique weirdness and quaintness. Also, make a home-cooked meal! A home-cooked meal that you both love cooking and eating is always a surefire way to make your new home really feel like home.
Outside the house, meet your neighbors. The majority of the time, they’ll be happy to welcome a new person to the neighborhood. All you have to do is put on a friendly smile and be polite. You guys might hit it off immediately, and suddenly you have a new friend who lives right next to you. If you live in the suburbs, go down the block and introduce yourself to everyone on the street. They’ll appreciate the introduction. Soon enough, everyone will know you, and you will have some reliable friends to turn to if needed.
Become a Regular
Patronizing local businesses in the region is one of the simplest methods to begin feeling more at ease in your new surroundings. Introduce yourself to the proprietor of a coffee shop, drugstore, or restaurant in your neighborhood. It will be easier to traverse the city and wander around with confidence if you become familiar with the neighborhood and local people.
Business Owners, baristas, and cashiers all live in the city, too! So once you befriend them, it’ll be fairly easy to get plugged into the rhythm of the city. They’ll be more than happy to tell you all about the city in which they do their business.
Utilize Facebook
When you move to that new city, make a post about it! You might be surprised to find out that you have a friend who is good friends with someone else in the new city. Suddenly, you have a new friend and someone willing to show you around. Use those networks you already know to build new connections!
Moving to a new city can be scary, and there’s a lot of work you’ll need to do before you get comfortable. But that doesn’t mean it’s difficult and that certainly doesn’t mean moving is a bad idea. Open yourself up to the world and new experiences! You’ll be glad you did!