Moving to a new town gives you the opportunity to meet fresh challenges and learn how to adapt to different surroundings. It’s not always easy, and these tips for settling in may give you some ideas.
- Explore Your New Town
Although you will have done some research about your new town, once your move is over, begin to explore. Check out the places you’ll need to frequent most, such as:
- Schools or colleges. Find the best routes from your home to school, check whether there are public transport options and what the traffic is like at peak times. Use a GPS, check out online maps and walk or drive the route.
- Exercise venues. You may enjoy going to the gym, walking or running. Find the gym nearest your home or work, discover walking and jogging trails at local parks and see if your town has a public swimming pool. Read online reviews about these places, and go to see for yourself where they are and what they’re like.
- Eating places. You may be a food connoisseur who likes fine dining, a person who likes diner-style meals or a coffee-house fan. Whatever your preference, see what’s on offer in your new town, check reviews and sample the fare. When you’re in the process of moving to a new town, you’ll be only too happy to go out for a few meals and not have to cook at home.
- Join Groups
One of the best way to meet people in your new town is to join groups. Schools, non-profit organizations and community groups are always only too happy to welcome volunteers and new members.
Choose groups that tie in with your personal interests and hobbies so you meet like-minded people. For example, if you’re an avid bird watcher, join the local club, or if you like to read, connect with reading groups and book clubs through the local library — and while you’re there take the opportunity to apply for a library card.
Find information about various groups by reading the local newspaper, checking notice boards in your shopping mall and searching on Facebook.
- Reach Out
When moving to a new town and finding friends, it’s best to be proactive rather than waiting for people to approach you. If you’re an outgoing type, this should be no problem, but if you’re an introvert you’ll probably have to make a conscious effort to interact with people you don’t know.
Chatting about a common situation is a good start. For instance, if you’re in the queue at your local supermarket, make a positive comment about the wide range of cheeses or ice creams in the dairy fridges. Talk to the till operators and thank them when you leave; if you’re friendly, they’ll be sure to remember you when you return. Make contact with your neighbours and ask their advice about places to go and things to do; people usually love to help others but may be shy to offer unsolicited advice.
- Give Yourself Time
It can take up to a year to really find your feet in a new community, and there may be times when you regret moving to a new town. Keep reaching out, and don’t let yourself settle into a rut of just home and work. There will be times when you’re alone at home, so be comfortable with that. Go out and have a cup of coffee at your favourite hangout; look for familiar faces and be brave — have a chat.
For more tips on moving to a new town and more, contact Tender Touch Moving today.
