Most people end up moving to a new place at least once in their lifetimes. It’s an exciting period wherein you get to see new neighbourhoods, try different establishments, and maybe even experience an entirely different culture. However, the rush of a different town or city often comes with bouts of homesickness. You may miss your family, friends and the old stores and coffee shops you used to frequent in your old place.
That said, don’t be disheartened. While it’s understandable to look back, it’s also important to look forward to what the future may have in store for you. If you’ve just moved to a different area, here are some tips you can use to settle nicely into your new home and community.
Walk Around the Neighbourhood
Once you arrive at your new home, schedule a time for you to walk around the area. Walking is an excellent way to familiarise yourself with the streets, buildings, and residents of the neighbourhood. It is also an excellent opportunity to look for the grocery store, plan your jogging route, and check the traffic conditions to determine the travel time to and from work. If you have dietary restrictions, digital tools like the Muslim Pro app can help you locate shops that cater to your preferences, like halal foods or vegan options. You can also check the Muslim Pro app Twitter page for more ideas on how to fully utilize the app.
If you have a car, cruising around is fine, but walking gives you a more intimate look into the nooks and crannies of your current community. It gives you the space to breathe in the air, check into interesting-looking shops with ease, and enjoy the overall scenery with no worries. You may also make new acquaintances with the locals, including your neighbours or your local deli vendor.
Balance the Newness with a Routine
After moving away, it’s expected that you’d wish to go on adventures and try out new, exciting things in your neighbourhood. However, be careful of getting carried away by the novelty of a new city or new country. It may not only cause you to spend too much time and money on trying out new things but it may also compromise your sense of stability in your new place. As such, develop a routine first in your new home then find ways to incorporate your little adventures.
Actively Reach Out to Other People
Settling into a new area can feel isolating at times, especially if you moved far away from your family and friends. Making new friends as an adult can feel daunting, but it’s a necessary step you have to take when you move to a different place.
There are several ways you can go about this. Start with the people close to you, such as your neighbours and shop owners close to your residence. You can also go online, search for events happening close to you, and attend to socialise with other attendees. If you are religious, you can also find a local church or join a community of fellow believers.
Once you manage to make a few acquaintances, here’s another important tip: Say yes to all invitations. Whether they’re inviting you to their child’s birthday party or a community volunteering event, agree to go. Not only are these opportunities for trying out something different, but they can also strengthen your relationship with your newfound friends.
Be Open to New Experiences
Make the most of your new place by giving new experiences a try. After all, that’s one of the biggest perks of moving. You don’t want to fall into the trap of relocating to a new home yet doing the same things you always did.
One of the most effective ways to go about this is to think like a tourist. While you might be tempted to immediately take on the role of the indifferent local, give yourself a pass and make the most of the new area. Some residents live their whole lives never seeing what their city has, which is a pity when these touristy places have so much to offer.
To accomplish this, make a bucket list of all the must-visit attractions and activities in the area. You can research online and take advantage of any available resident discounts. People who have lived longer in the area may also have a lot of tips on how to score the best deals, so make sure to consult with them as you go about ticking off your bucket list.
Enjoy Life Outside of the Box
Moving to a completely different neighbourhood is the definition of going out of your comfort zone. Surrounded by places and people you don’t know, it can feel difficult to feel at ease in your current place of residence. That said, experiencing life outside the box is not a common occurrence for everybody, so make the most of it. In doing so, you can appreciate the little things you may have overlooked before in life as you slowly turn your current residence into a home.
