As exciting as it may sound, the actual fact of moving to a new place where you may only know one or two people, if any, can be more than a little anxiety-inducing. It is one thing to spend a week or two in a new place when you are living like a tourist and doing what you want when you want, and something very different to be living there, possibly on your own.

Here, we’re looking at some tips to help you feel at ease when you’re moving to a new city. Ready to find out more? Let’s go!

Say yes to as much as possible

Whether it is a job, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a whole new circle of friends, or one very special friend, you are not going to find them sitting in your apartment watching reruns of Friends all day, are you? If you are invited out somewhere, say yes and go for it! You are here to start a new life, but you have to take some proactive steps to get that.

Network

Ask friends, family members, and co-workers in your current city if they know anyone in your new one that they can hook you up with, whether it is for a job, to show you around your new city, or even be a potential love interest! Join local Facebook community groups, reach out to people on Twitter and LinkedIn and find people who live in your town, and start talking to them even before you move. They might be able to give you the lowdown on the best areas to live, shop, the best vegan pizza chains, the best hairdressers, and so on.

Join organized groups

Joining something, whether it’s nonprofit volunteering or an art or language class, an organized group is a great way to meet new people, even if you do not usually consider yourself a joiner. Begin with a hobby and then look for a group. Better yet, find something you have never done before. Being a beginner is a great way to connect with other people who are just starting out; you will feel awkward, they will feel awkward, and before you know it, you will have a new friend.

Be patient

The transition to a whole new city, job, and friendship groups can be really quite challenging, even for the most confident of people. It can be tempting at the first sign of a bump in the road or the first pang of loneliness and homesickness to regret the move and think about going back to your hometown. Don’t! Aim to give yourself a least a year before making any major decisions about moving again. By that point, you will probably find that any regrets and worries have long disappeared and you are now thriving. 

Don’t forget the ones you left behind

You’re out and about exploring a new city, having new adventures, and learning new things. Your old friends are probably missing you as they go about their daily lives. Don’t overlook them. Make an effort to stay in touch and to return from time to time.

Are you a moving pro or a newbie? Does the thought of moving cause you to get anxious? Let’s talk in the comments below.

Until our next rendezvous…

XOXO

Trudy