Just when it finally seems like everything has fallen into place – you’ve got a great job, great friends, and you’re a known regular at your favorite local spots – life throws an unexpected curveball at you. Your job is asking you to relocate. Now, you’re faced with moving to a city where you won’t know the best spots, where you’ll be living and worse, where you don’t know anyone who lives there. How will you manage?
Whether it’s relocating for a job or starting a grand new adventure, moving to a new city can feel a bit nerve-wracking. To relieve some of the nerves and anxiety you may have about moving to a new city, see our easy tips to ensure you survive moving to a new city.
1. Research nearby spots
That fancy, shiny phone in your hand wasn’t just built for texting and taking selfies. Use apps like Yelp to find your new favorite spots to frequent after you move. Does your community have its own website or newsletter? Some neighborhoods, communities, and towns have their own monthly or weekly newsletter or newspaper that includes spotlights on local businesses, best places to hang out and information that can help you learn more about your new community. You’ve got the entire world at your fingertips – you just have to use it!
2. Attend events
Sometimes, the best way to find out what life is like in your new area is to experience it! Make it a point to attend events, festivals and more held locally after you move. Not sure how to find them? With apps like Nearify, you can find out fun things that are happening in your area. From large festivals to small farmers markets, all events provide a chance to join in on the fun in your new city. You might even make a new friend or discover a new favorite spot.
3. Make new friends
No matter where you live, you’re likely surrounded by lots of people no matter where you go. So, how do you get them to talk to you (and also actually want to hang out with you)? You won’t find the answer by sitting on your couch every night, buried in a half-gallon of your favorite ice cream binge-watching your new favorite show. How did people survive moving to a new city without knowing anyone before the era of technology? Generally, through other people.
Before you make the move, reach out to your current friends and family members and ask for friend referrals. There’s bound to be someone they know living in the city who is willing to have a cup of coffee with you and show you the ropes of the town. If you’re unlucky on that end, try joining a Meetup. Meetups are groups with common interests that are formed online that get together to hang out in your area. It may sound daunting, but it might be a good idea to connect with a group when in a new city – you never know who you’ll meet!
4. Join your community online
Find out what your neighbors and community are talking about. Join community and neighborhood social networking sites like Nextdoor to keep your ear to the ground in your neighborhood. Nextdoor is an excellent app to find out first about new things happening near you and get to know the neighbors who live just a little further away. There are even some neighborhood meetups and groups formed through the app.
5. Volunteer your time
Have a passion for keeping your community clean? Love your furry friends? There is an endless number of ways you can donate your time and efforts to helping your community – which is conveniently also a great way to meet new people. This is especially helpful because you’ll likely be meeting and socializing with people whose values line up with your own. Not only will you feel awesome and hopefully have some fun, you’ll be contributing directly to your new community, forming a bond with it better than ever before.
6. Become a “yes” person
When you start a new job in a new city, don’t miss key opportunities to join your coworkers for happy hour or attend a show with them outside of work. If you’re living in a new city where you don’t know anyone, your coworkers are likely going to be your only solace until you meet some new pals. This doesn’t mean you need to stick to them like glue, but don’t skip opportunities to get to know them.
7. Socialize at the dog park
Once you and your furry best friend survive the move to the new digs, it’s time to get settled and socialize. Even your furry friend might be in need of a pal in the new city. Check out a few local dog parks and let your best pal explore, too! Chances are, you and your dog could meet some pretty cool people there, too. By exploring local dog parks, you and your dog can get to know the area better and discover the spots you both really love. Outside of the dog park, you can probably find local events and cool spots for you and your best friend to frequent.
Moving to a new city by yourself isn’t the end of the world. It may take some time to acclimate to new surroundings and form new relationships, but by following these tips, you can survive moving and become a local native to your new city easier than you ever imagined.
Did you know that Capital Movers offers local and long-distance moving services? Whether you’re moving within the Central Texas area or to another part of the country, Capital Movers can help you get it done! Contact us today about our moving services!