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Moving to a new city can be incredibly exciting and completely overwhelming at the same time. You’re suddenly living in a strange house, surrounded by unfamiliar people, navigating a city you don’t know. It’s normal to feel out of place and a little lost. But just remember, this feeling won’t last forever! Eventually, this new place will feel just as much like home as the town you left behind. Keep reading to learn how you can get settled into your new home and enjoy a smooth transition after the big move.
Set Up Your New Home
First things first, get your new home set up so that you have a comfortable space to retreat to when you need some sense of familiarity. Start by giving the home a deep clean, hitting all of those nooks and crannies where dirt can hide. Then, unpack all of your stuff as soon as possible. Get rid of all the cardboard boxes and moving supplies, arrange your furniture in a familiar manner, and add anye finishing decorative touches that will make this new house feel like your own.
Now is also a good time to tackle a few home projects! Do some decluttering and organizing, fix squeaky doors, tighten loose cabinet hardware—anything that will make your home more livable. And don’t forget to set up your utilities! After verifying that your gas, electric, and water services are good to go, consider testing your water quality and installing a simple filtration system. Enjoying clean, great-tasting drinking water will make it easier to feel comfortable in your new home. Just remember to keep some spare filters on hand!
Meet Your Neighbors
Once you’ve tackled those final moving tasks and set up your new home, get out of the house and say hello to your neighbors. Meeting others who live in your neighborhood is a great step toward getting adjusted. Doorsteps recommends getting in the habit of introducing yourself to those around you as you go about your day, whether you’re working in the yard or taking a neighborhood stroll. You could even host a party at your new house and invite everyone who lives on your block.
Get Involved in the Community
Joining local activities and groups is another great way to meet people in your new town. Ask around at community centers about drop-in sports, get active on community forums to find out about events and hobby groups, or reach out to a friendly neighbor and ask for recommendations on things to do. Join a volunteer group, go to the gym, or attend charity events. If you’re a parent, consider joining a committee at your children’s school. There are countless ways to get involved and meet new people!
Explore Your New City
Beyond your immediate community, spend some time exploring the city around you. Pretend to be a tourist and check out the local sights, attractions, and top eateries. Wander Lush recommends exploring your city with a guidebook and camera in hand so you feel like you’re on vacation. You could even join a guided excursion around town! This is an excellent way to learn about the city’s history and find fun spots in town to explore further on your own.
Stay in Touch with Old Friends
You don’t have to leave your old life behind just because you moved somewhere new. Keeping in contact with your old friends can help you stay social and get through those first few months on your own in a new city. Fortunately, today’s technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with long-distance friends. For example, consider using video chat tools like FaceTime and Google Hangouts so you can see each other during your calls!
Everyone navigates an adjustment period after moving to a new city. While some people may feel comfortable in a new place as soon as they unpack their moving boxes, others can take months—and even years—to settle in completely. Whatever your transition looks like, just remember to keep an open mind and take it one step at a time.
Article Courtesy of
Shirley Martin
Tidylifetoday.com / shirley@tidylifetoday.com