Relocating to a New City: Your Ultimate Guide to Settling In

Relocating to a new city is an exciting time in a person's life. You've sold your old home and are ready for a new start, but what happens if you don't settle in? Unfortunately, this happens to many people; they think they will love their new location but can't find their feet. While this is a possibility, no matter where you decide to move, you can give yourself the best chance of settling by following this in-depth guide.

Play the Tourist Game at the Beginning

Just like you would if you were a tourist, you need to spend some time getting out and about in your new town/city. Going on daily walks will help you learn the layout of your neighborhood and where all the essentials are, like grocery stores and gas stations. Once you're more comfortable, you can start going to other areas that may not be within walking distance, like some towns where a mall might be located.

Say 'Yes' to Things You Ordinarily Wouldn't

Moving to a new city is daunting enough as it is. As such, accepting invites to events and activities that aren't typically your thing might be the last thing on your mind! However, branching out and trying new things is all part of embracing life in a new destination. That's not to say that you need to attend every outing you're asked to, but you could miss out on forming new connections by turning down opportunities to do some networking.

Put Yourself Out There

This point leads on from the last tip, as putting yourself into new and unfamiliar situations can work wonders for adjusting to life in a different city. Not to mention, it's also fantastic for your overall confidence and personal growth. Keep an eye out for clubs and classes you might be interested in getting involved in. You might want to stick to hobbies you already enjoy, but it's also an excellent way to open yourself up to new experiences. It could be as simple as joining a local gym, signing up for a yoga class, or trying out a book club.

Be Patient and Give Yourself Time

We often romanticize what it might be like to relocate somewhere totally new, but it's natural to feel disheartened if things don't fall into place right away. In these situations, you might need to work a little harder to persevere and maintain a positive, open mindset. Nowhere is perfect, and it's imperative to remember that no matter where you find yourself living, there will be some things you wish were different. That doesn't mean that you made the wrong move; it just means that you may take more time to get used to the city and find your way. 

Do Plenty of Research About Each Neighborhood

Before you make the move, you'll likely be spending quite a bit of time searching for the right apartment or house. Finding a place you love is half the battle, as you'll also want to live in an area that's right for you. If you already have a job lined up, you'll naturally want to make sure you secure somewhere within easy reach of your workplace. However, it's also important to look into which districts are best for expats and which area appeals to you the most. Some people thrive in busy neighborhoods with plenty of amenities, while others prefer somewhere more low-key.

Create Healthy Routines and Habits

When everything feels so foreign, you can give yourself some stability by establishing routines that make you feel more settled and grounded. It's normal to feel out of sorts during the first few weeks and months after a big move, but having some everyday habits can help you gain a sense of purpose and comfort. Starting your day with a walk, going for a jog after work, and going to a class on a specific day of the week are just some of the ways to create some regularity.

Put Your Energy Into Your Work

If you've moved for work or have found a job soon after arriving, focusing on your duties is a great way to keep yourself busy and distracted. It's easy to get caught up in the stress of moving, but concentrating on work while you're getting set up can stop your mind from going into overdrive. Moreover, depending on the specifics of your job, the workplace can be one of the best places to meet new people you might find yourself socializing with outside of the office.

Utilize Social Media Platforms

Nowadays, there are so many online groups bringing together locals and expats in pretty much any city or town. Facebook is especially useful for these online communities, and you'll find everything from information about scheduled meet-ups to helpful advice posted in these groups. Before you make the move, search for some of these communities and keep an eye out for upcoming events you might like to partake in.

Schedule Calls With Friends and Loved Ones

Feeling a little homesick from time to time is completely normal and expected when you're trying to settle into a new place. Rather than fight it, allow yourself to embrace all your emotions. Sometimes, a quick call to a loved one is all it takes to perk you up. That said, spending hours a day on the phone with your family and friends back home can end up setting you back if it prevents you from getting out and mingling with new people. With this in mind, it's best to strike a balance between nurturing your long-standing relationships and making an effort to form new connections.

Start Settling Into Your New Location With This Guide

It's not easy moving into a new city; between getting your house in order and trying to establish yourself in the local community, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. However, once you stick to the suggestions in this guide, trust that your moving process will go as smoothly as possible.