Tips for Moving to a New City
Have you ever thought about packing up and trying a new place to live, work and play. Now more then ever - with so many people working from home some have the opportunity to move to new cities. Here are some tips if you are thinking about making that jumps!
Say yes to everything.
You’ll probably want a few of the following life essentials in your new city: some friends, a BFF, a romantic partner, and a job. You won’t find these by sitting at home, ordering take-out, and watching Bravo. Get out there! Go to everything people invite you to. Remind yourself that you are on a mission to find these life essentials.
For your first six months, stay somewhere comfortable.
You are in a new city, so it’s all strange and unfamiliar. You don’t know where CVS or the grocery store is, or who your best pal will be. You don’t know the good neighborhoods from the okay neighborhoods. You don’t know the secret side streets to cut around traffic. You don’t know the cool bars, the cool restaurants, or where the best farmer’s market is. So instead of adding to the stress, I encourage you to stay somewhere comfortable for your first chunk of time while you get used to your surroundings.
“Comfortable” means something different to everyone. For me, it meant splurging on a temporary apartment in a pricey area where I feel really safe and free to explore my surroundings. For you, it might mean living with a friend or relative temporarily even though you know that long-term you want to be living alone.
Give yourself a year to acclimate.
Anytime you start thinking “OMG, this was a huge mistake!,” “I was so stupid for thinking this was a good idea!” or “I’m never going to like living here and I’m going to die alone!” — and, trust me, it will happen — remind yourself that things are still in transition, moving is hard, and you are giving yourself until you have a year under your belt before making any overarching judgements on the move.
Don’t forget about your friends and your network from your former city.
You have it easier — you left. I’ve always believed that the “mover” has it easier than the person left behind. You’re out exploring a new city, having new adventures, learning new things. Your old pals are in their same routine and probably missing you. Don’t forget about them. Make an effort to keep in touch and to go back and visit from time to time. Yes, it will be hard — you’re not sharing all of their day to day adventures and even a small time difference call be awkward — but soon enough things will fall into place.
Become an avid Facebook user
The minute you move to a new city you should join all the Facebook communities you can, whether it’s about apartments, local information, meetups or a niche interest. Facebook is thriving when it comes to event planning, and even though some believe it’s dying out, it is still one of the most widely used platforms among our generation, especially by those trying to meet new people.
This is one of the most vital sources to help you meet like-minded and interesting people. It also offers a wealth of knowledge about your current city, whether it’s about safety, jobs or visa struggles. Don’t be shy, get involved and get talking.
Work on your sense of self
It may sound corny but it’s true — you are the only person you have to spend the rest of your life with. You need to be kind to yourself and treat yourself like you would your best friend. Don’t self-berate, keep nourished, remain positive, and learn to understand yourself. Your needs, your desires, your likes, and dislikes. You will never feel settled anywhere or feel truly connected with anyone else if you don’t learn to love being you first.
Further reading: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/5-tips-for-moving-to-a-new-city-and-making-it-yours-211408