Moving to a new city can be rewarding, however it can be challenging settling in after your move. To help make your move the best it can be, here are some tips to help you adapt to your new city in the most seamless way possible.
Explore
Getting to know your new environment allows you to get familiar with where you live. The sooner it stops being foreign and strange, the faster it will feel like a place you belong.
Start by exploring your immediate neighborhood and move outwards from there, finding nature paths, shopping centers, parks, and more.
Create a home
Making your new place feel like home is a great way to adapt and feel settled. Decorate the space exactly the way you want – hang photos on the wall, place furniture where you think it looks good, and create a home out of your space.
Make new friends
Making new friends is one of the most beneficial ways to acclimate to a new city. We understand that making friends is easier said than done yet, in order to thrive, it’s crucial to put yourself out there and meet people.
Here are a few ways to make connections without feeling forced:
- Bond with colleagues at work
- Use neighborhood Facebook groups
- Be a good neighbor
- Throw a housewarming party
- Attend local events
- Join a gym/yoga studio
- Join a book club
Don’t forget old friends
Just because there’s distance between you and your old friends doesn’t mean you have to move on and forget about them. Instead, keep in touch by emailing, talking on the phone, video chatting, or simply texting. A little goes a long way in terms of feeling connected to people you love.
Even better, invite your friends to come visit after you’ve gotten settled into your new house. They can really help you make it feel like home!
Find new adventures
It can be tempting to stay in the comfort of your own four walls, yet getting out and finding things to do will make you happier and more fulfilled in the long run. Stay open to new experiences, say yes more than you say no, and do things you never thought you would do – whether that’s signing up for an art or dance class, taking piano lessons, or learning to knit.
Using every day to learn something new or refine your skills will create a well-rounded, full life in your new city.
Focus on work
Focusing on your work provides a stable, predictable routine and a sense of security. You’ll also get the chance to spend time with colleagues, and you could make meaningful connections that will help you better adjust.
Get a dog
If you move to a new city with your family, you have the advantage of being surrounded by people adapting at the same time as you are. However, if you moved alone, you might be in need of a companion to help you through it.
Getting a dog won’t only introduce you to a friend for life, when you go out for walks or trips to the dog park, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and befriend other dog owners in the area.
Do what brings you joy
The upheaval of moving can lead you to forget the small activities that bring you joy, yet make the effort to keep them up. Doing what makes you happy provides a little bit of home in a strange place, and it can make you feel comforted. Not to mention, it can pass the time in a positive way.
Give yourself time
Be patient with yourself after moving to a brand new place. Adjusting to a new city takes time, and it most definitely won’t happen overnight. How long it takes will vary from person to person, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t feel settled right away. It will happen in time!
There’s no right or wrong amount of time it takes to get settled in your new city. Start by trying a couple of these tips, you’ll be taking the first steps to feeling at home.