One of the most challenging things we can embark on in life is a move, especially to a whole new city. You have to say goodbye to what you know and basically start all over again. If you’re moving to a new city, you’ll be leaving your friends and family behind, as well as your home, and everything else you know.
While this can be a mentally and physically trying time for everyone, there are some things you can do to make the adjustment easier on you and your family. It’s a good idea to learn some tips before you embark on your move so you can put them into place once you do make the move.
We have six ways on how to adjust to a new home quickly and smoothly:
1. Prepare for New Experiences
In order to adjust to a new home, immersing yourself in unique experiences is inevitable. Moving to a new city, town, or neighbourhood, will come with its own set of new experiences. Keeping an open mind and knowing that your new home will be full of new sights and sounds will make the adjustment process easier.
Try not to get stressed about there being more people at the grocery store than you’re used to or there being more traffic on the roads. Accept everything as a new experience and be kind to yourself. Remind yourself that just like any other life change you’ve ever experienced, with time, you will get used to this too.
And who knows? You may just like it better than your old home!
2. Get Settled in the New Home
There is nothing more jarring than having your whole life wrapped up in boxes. One of the best things you can do to help you adjust to your new home is to get settled. Packing and unpacking is not a fun chore, but a necessary one.
Start by unpacking the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Simply having your favourite mug at the ready, your bed made with your blankets and sheets from your old home, and your favourite bubble bath, will do wonders in helping you adjust.
Once those rooms are done, you can move on to the living or family room, dining room, office, basement, and any other space you may have. Once you’re settled, you can start to live in and appreciate your new home. If you need assistance, there are settling in services that can help you ease into the transition of a new home.
3. Take Time to Be a Tourist
Even if you’re just moving different neighbourhoods within the same city or town, it will make the adjustment easier if you take some time to be a tourist. Before you get busy with work and other commitments, set some time aside to explore your new surroundings.
This means taking in local restaurant and bar spots, checking out nearby attractions, exploring nature by visiting local parks and trails, and getting a feel for which amenities are close by.
Once you become familiar with your surroundings, you’ll feel more like you belong, and that will go a long way in helping you adjust to your new home.
4. Create a New Routine
Humans love and crave routine. By setting up a routine for yourself in your new home, you will be able to make the adjustment much faster and easier.
Keep in mind that it may take several weeks and even months to create and adapt to a new routine. Try implementing things that worked well for you in your old home, but also try new things. For example, you may want to take a few minutes in the morning before life gets hectic to jot a few notes down in a gratitude journal.
Thinking of things that you’re grateful for everyday and taking the time to write them down will also help you see the positive in your new home and help you adjust faster.
5. Join Groups in Your New Area
Another tip for adjusting to your new home is to integrate yourself into the community. A great way to do this is by joining groups in your new area.
Search social media sites like Facebook for groups you may be interested in. If you have young kids, you can join a play date group. If you love reading books, maybe there’s a book club you can join, even if it is just virtual.
There are also some apps out there like Meetup that allow you to explore groups with varying topics in the area or even start your own.
By making new friends and having a new circle of people you can spend time with and connect to, you will find yourself adjusting to your new home at a much quicker pace.
6. Invite Family and Friends to Your New Home
If you have relocated cities, nothing can help you adjust better than inviting your family and friends over to check out your new home and surroundings. By doing this, you’re reminded that you’re not alone no matter how far away you’ve moved. It’s also a great chance to show off all those new local places you’ve explored!
Moving to a new city, and even a new neighbourhood, can be though. Hopefully, by implementing some of these tips, the adjustment will go nice and smoothly.
