You’ve got your affordable interstate removalists booked, your stuff packed, and exciting plans for your new city made. All that’s left now is the simple task of relocating. Easy, right?
Let’s be honest, it’s also a little daunting! But with these seven tips for a smooth transition to your new city, it’s 100% doable:
1. Accept That It Will Challenge Your Relationships
Maintaining long-distance connections with friends and family can be tricky. The complications are only amplified if you’re trying to have a long-distance relationship. However, these strains are only temporary. With the use of apps, patience, halfway-between visits, and a general effort on both sides, you can maintain your relationships during this transition. Some may drop away, and you need to be prepared for this, but the real ones will be there if you put in your share of the effort.
2. Settle In Before You Start Your New Job
Starting a new job can feel incredibly awkward and, sometimes, overwhelming. If you can, try not to match that challenge with a recent house move. If possible, move house a few weeks before your start. This will give you a chance to get settled, ensuring you’re ready for this exciting new chapter.
3. Get Stuck In Socially
Americans say hello to their neighbors five times a day on average, and it’s important that you follow suit with your new neighbors. As much as you love your current friends and family, a new social circle will do wonders for your mental health, helping you settle in during this time of upheaval.
4. Focus On Organization Upfront
If there was ever a time to get stuck into what seems like an over-the-top level of organization, it is during a relocation to a new city. Use calendar apps, labels, inventories, folders – go all out with those helpful resources. These helpful tools will make the transition much smoother and less stressful. And if you organize new space properly from day one, you’ll be setting yourself up for easy cleaning and a smooth home life.
5. Take Care Of Yourself
Research tells us people who move more frequently than others are more stressed than others too. Your relocation will be stressful, so you must ramp up that self-care if you don’t want to end up burnt out. Exercise, eat well, sleep well, and use any anxious energy to fuel this difficult transition.
6. Prepare For Unsettled Pets
Moving to a new city can make some dogs feel unsettled. Cats and other pets can also feel out-of-whack when they relocate with you. Stressed pets can behave badly and be emotionally challenging at a time when things already feel disjointed. To ensure the adjustment is no more disruptive than absolutely necessary:
- Utilise kennels and sitter services;
- Ensure the pets have familiar items with them throughout;
- Where possible, maintain your pet’s routine;
- Offer plenty of reassurance;
- Never punish a pet for stress-related behaviors;
- Focus on positive reinforcement for good behavior;
- Give them time and space to adapt.
7. Watch Out For Culture Shock
Around 85% of international students suffer from culture shock, and if your relocation is long-distance, you could suffer too. You might find yourself experiencing disorientation, sleep disturbances, depression, and isolation (to name just a few symptoms). There are many ways to adapt, but identifying if you’re suffering from culture shock during this move is important as it’s the first step to seeking the proper treatment.
Moving to a new city for a new job is hard, but with the tips above and plenty of self-kindness, you can enjoy a smooth transition. We wish you all the best on this exciting new life chapter!