Moving to a new city alone has always been scary and exciting to me – I’ve lived in 7+ different places since college, thanks to work and odd lease timings. Some moves were cross country, and some were just a few towns over, but each time I moved, it took time to adjust. What I enjoy most though is all of the many new experiences to come and becoming so much more independent that I ever thought I’d be. Here are some things I’ve learned and try to remind myself of each time I move (which is hopefully not for a while!).
1. Do a good amount of research before you move – but not too much
There is so much information out there on moving to a new city, but I’ve found that just searching for reddit threads has been the most helpful. Something like “moving to Boston as a 25 year old reddit” will bring up a good variety of posts. Or make your own! On the other hand, it is very easy to read too much about a new place – especially concerning crime and safety. It is still important to learn about, but reading about a few people’s experiences is not as helpful as reading broader statistics. It’s all relative and what you’re comfortable with.
I also like to ask friends or friends of friends if they know someone who has lived in a certain area. It’s nice to get more than one data point from people you know in real life before moving somewhere. It adds another layer of confidence.
2. Create a budget and think 1-2 years ahead
Costs really add up when moving – even if it is a short distance. Make a list of moving costs, including the smaller items that can add up. Compare movers through reviews (which again I like to use Reddit) or with friends who have used movers in the past. When it comes to decorating, think about if you’re for sure going to live there for 2+ years before investing in high quality items. For me, I knew each place was temporary so I didn’t invest too much and I’m so glad I didn’t get that heavy, expensive dresser.
Facebook Marketplace or Buy Nothing groups come in handy here too! Look within your area on Facebook Marketplace and join your right neighborhood Buy Nothing group. When moving out as well, the Buy Nothing group can come in handy to get rid of items someone else will love. It’s also going directly to someone instead of being sorted at Goodwill and may not even hit the shelves.
3. Find your local spots
One of the best parts about moving somewhere new is establishing your go-to places, along with the journey it takes to find them. I love exploring Reddit (again!), Google Maps, and other social media to see what’s around me. Finding some local food influencers has been really helpful to see where people like to go through their eyes.
Another great way is to just walk around to get to know your surroundings and wander inside random stores or restaurants. Living in NYC, I make an effort to go to new places often, but during quick breaks for work, it’s nice to know what local coffee or food options are nearby when I’m in a pinch. Walking aimlessly is one of my favorite Sunday activities.
4. Make new friends and maintain old ones
Making new friends in a new place will always be so scary. I remember not wanting to go to an event alone for the first time. In the moment, I wanted to be in bed watching Netflix or reading in a comfortable space. I knew my social battery wasn’t drained, but I was anticipating the inevitable awkward moments. I’m so glad I put myself out there though. One big tip I have is using current connections to see if they know someone else in the area who they can connect you with. My second tip is to just go and not have too much personal stake in it (which is much easier than it seems). I’ve been to pick up sporting events alone, concerts, coffee shops, dinners, and more! And they’ve all been fun,
Lastly, I try to stay connected as best I can with old friends with facetime or texting to help the transition with homesickness help a little more. It can put a strain on friendships to go all virtual, but if you’re good friends it shouldn’t make too much of a difference. I try to never take it personally if a friend can’t talk, as I know there will be times I will be too busy or drained to catch up too.
5. Continue your hobbies or try new ones
Another way I’ve met new people is through current hobbies that I have. For example, I saw people playing pickleball in the park and asked them how I could join – they just said show up and find us on Slack. From then on, I bought a paddle, used some old tennis skills, and had so much fun learning something new but familiar. I’ve also met Instagram mutuals in the past, and even though we didn’t stay super close, it was still a new experience to have and learn from (be sure to be safe and use common knowledge!).
Don’t have any current hobbies you love? Try something new that excites you or even something that you don’t know too much about! Look into the volunteering opportunities in your area, try a class like pottery, a running/walking club, book club or food styling class (something I’ve done once and loved). I always think that moving somewhere new alone makes me more motivated to try new things with no one I know around.
Moving can seem like this big, giant chore, but once you’ve settled there is so much to explore. I’ve found that no matter where I visit or live, there are always three things that are true: it’s unavoidable to get lost a few times, good coffee is everywhere, and the time will fly by with all of these new experiences and people to meet.
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