TeamMoving to a new city can seem scary, but look at it as an adventure. This is your chance to start fresh and experience new things. Whether you’re moving alone or with someone, there are some things that can make the transition easier for you. Here are 8 tips for when you’re moving to a different city:
1. Don’t bring a lot of things.
Packing light makes moving and settling in a lot easier. Bring only what you need and what you’ll actually use. You can sell the rest of the things for extra cash, and this includes the furniture from your old place. If you move into a furnished apartment, you’ll save both time and money. Tips for when you’re moving to a different city also include carrying something from your old place that will serve as a reminder. Pick a small memento that will remind you of your old home whenever you feel homesick.
2. Bring extra cash.
You are probably going to need more money than you think when you move to a different city. This is not just because you’re likely to have surprise expenses. You’ll also dedicate a lot more of your time and money to your social life and fun new activities. You’ll want to go shopping for new things too. Basically, you are going to need more money than you did back home regardless of where it is you’re moving from and moving to. In a new city, it’s tempting to spend money on new things, and you should let yourself afford this luxury if you can. So, think ahead and make an emergency fund that’s three to six months of savings. If you manage to do that, moving to a new city will be a lot easier.
3. Explore the city.
Commute times, job location, neighborhood… Researching these things is one of the most important tips for when you’re moving to a different city. Explore the city and find out where things are. You’re going to need grocery stores, banks, public transit stops, hospitals, pharmacies, gas stations, post offices… Locate the places that you’re likely to use. Find out whether there are some local apps that could help you move around the city.
4. Make friends.
You’re going to need new friends, especially if you’re moving alone. So, go out there and meet new people! Use social media to find new friends and ask your loved ones if they know anyone in your new city, but don’t stop there. Finding a hobby is a great way to meet new people. Maybe you could have the same hobbies that you did before, but don’t hesitate to try new ones too. Attend social functions and agree to all invitations you get! You can’t meet new friends if you stay at home all the time, so go out there!
5. Go to events.
One of the tips for when you’re moving to a different city is to try new things! You’ll get a chance to meet new friends simply by stepping out of your comfort zone. Go to events alone, be social, and you might be surprised by how friendly people can be to a new person in town. Look for events on social media and Meetup. Show up at different places, and you are going to meet a lot of different people that might become your new friends!
6. Give yourself time to acclimate.
You should give yourself about a year to adjust to your new home. Moving can be difficult, so you might at some point think that moving to a different city was a mistake. However, don’t jump to conclusions. It takes time to truly get settled in, so don’t panic soon after the move. When things seem scary, remind yourself that you’re still the new guy/girl in the town, and it will take about a year to acclimate.
7. Stay in touch with people back home.
Don’t lose touch with your loved ones just because you’ve moved away. Maintain old connections and don’t forget about them once you find new friends. Tell your loved ones about your new life and keep in touch with them. You can invite them to stay with you for a few days or visit them for a while every now and then.
8. Be friendly to strangers.
You’re going to have a lot of questions in a new city, so don’t be afraid to ask strangers for answers! You’d be surprised at how friendly people can be, especially when it comes to someone who’s new in town. Naturally, you should use your common sense and stay away from danger, but be open to making new friends. Join clubs, go to bars, and start conversations with people you don’t know. Some of them might turn out to be your new friends.
