Even though so many people decide to move every year, a huge number of them experience strong feelings of nostalgia and struggle to make their new city feel like home. No matter if you move for work, better schools or if you’re just looking for a change of scenery, you might be eager to hit the ground running, but that’s more complicated than it sounds. Luckily, you don’t have to feel like a stranger in your new city for long! Here are a few practical tips that will help you settle down and fall in love with your new home town.
Follow Social Media
Before you move, make sure to start following a few brands that will keep you informed of all the events and festivals in your new city. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and travel apps are a great source of information and will allow you to uncover many interesting spots from museums and attractions to restaurants and bars. So, do your homework and you’ll have a good schedule as soon as you move.
Explore Your Neighborhood
Make sure to leave the hard tasks to your professional movers and relax in your new neighborhood as they set up your home. Aussies are in luck here, because they have amazing local movers in Gold Coast at their disposal who will take good care of their stuff. While your movers handle your furniture and other belongings, you can take a walk through your neighborhood. Make sure to catch the names of some streets and you’ll be much less stressed when you have an appointment in an unfamiliar part of town.
Invite Your Friends and Family Over
If you often don’t feel like exploring your area, invite your family and friends over for a housewarming party. This will give you a reason to research the attractions, find the best restaurants and show them a good time. If you research your itinerary earlier, you’ll soon turn into a real expert when it comes to your surrounding community.
Find a Café You Like
Do you want to find a spot where you can be BFF with the bartender? Just visit your local coffee shop until people remember your face. If you feel weird just sitting there, bring a book or your laptop and catch up with reading. Order your fave drink and stay awhile and chill. Be chatty with the barista and greet other regulars. In no time, you’ll feel right at home in your local coffee bar.
Take Part in Work/School Events
If you’re introverted and can’t just chat up bartenders, make sure to make the best use of your work or school events. Just say yes to a few get-togethers and you’ll discover many new spots and meet new potential friends.
Try Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to show your face at your community and do a lot of good in the meantime. You’ll feel wonderful after a day of helping people or animals and meet plenty of like-minded people from your area.
Ask People for Recommendations
Most people are not only naturally friendly and welcoming but also feel real pride when it comes to their city. You might feel uncomfortable to act like a newbie, but natives will love to be your guides and let you know about all the best spots in the city. No matter where you move, you’ll stumble across many welcoming people willing to make their city your new home. So, as you stumble upon your neighbors, chat with your barista or cashier and eat lunch with your co-workers, make sure to ask for advice on their favorite stores, bars, restaurants and other spots in the city. While most will be happy to share their finds with you, some will even invite you out the next time they hit the town.
Adopt a Pet
Did you always dream about a pet but never had the chance to get one? Well, now is the perfect time to visit a shelter and adopt a little pup. Dogs will give you a reason to go out, explore the area, hit local parks and meet fellow pet-owners. Of course, make sure you can commit to your new family member, but if you’re truly ready for pet-ownership, you’ll love your new exploration buddy!
If you want to make your new town feel like home, you have to get up, turn off your TV and go out. If your neighbor invites you for dinner or your co-worker wants to hit happy hour, make sure to say yes. Being open-minded and ready to experiment and explore will make you fall in love with your new home and make you feel like a local in no time!
