Last Updated on September 6, 2023 by Emma White
It is natural for individuals to feel connected to the place they’ve grown up in and call home. Uprooting your entire life to settle in an unfamiliar setting is not easy, especially for those who thrive on familiarity. However, sometimes, change becomes inevitable if it offers you a better chance at life, whether through a good education, a life partner, or a new job.
Relocating can also be a great opportunity for career growth and advancement in today’s job market trends. This is why over 9.8% of Americans move annually in search of better career opportunities and a high quality of life—as reported by Shyft. In fact, the number of people who moved to different cities in 2020 increased by 94,000 compared to the last year.
Additionally, moving allows you to explore new and unfamiliar surroundings. It’s especially true if you’re planning to move to Oakland, a city known for its diversity, vibrant lifestyle, and abundant opportunities. Besides, Oakland is a center of intellectual resources and technical innovations, making it a great place from an educational perspective. And that seems reason enough to move to Oakland.
In this article, we will share tips to adjust after moving, so read on.
But Let’s Talk About the Move First
When you’re relocating, you’ve got a lot on your plate, and tackling all the logistics alone can be taxing. And it’s even more challenging if the move requires you to travel to another city. You might also need a few chiropractor and massage therapist visits if you do it on your own.
However, professional movers can make your job easier. So, if you’re moving to Oakland, owing to reasonable living costs or high-quality education, we recommend searching online with keywords such as Oakland moving company near me and hiring local movers who know the city well.
Hiring a mover might be a bit of a stretch for your budget, but it’ll be worth it in the long run.
Now let’s see how you can adjust after moving to a new city.
Create a Cozy Living Space
Creating a warm and cozy living space should be the first step after you move to make yourself feel at home. Adding a personal touch to your new abode will evoke a sense of comfort and stability. Once you’ve finally settled into your new living arrangements, unpack everything, stow away your cases, and organize yourself to ensure a sense of arrival and make your place feel like you truly live there.
You can also make your house feel more welcoming by trying to be more creative with the decor. For example, you can adorn your house with fairy lights or candles. You can hang up your favorite photo on a wall or arrange your furniture in a similar way to your previous home and add a more personalized touch. Similarly, incorporating textures and patterns through cushions, blankets, and rugs is also a great idea to make your space feel more inviting.
Keep a Routine Check
The best way to overcome homesickness after moving to a new city is to establish a routine and plan your days ahead. Creating a schedule for everyday tasks gives a sense of control, and knowing everything is organized reduces your anxiety. Keeping a routine is also essential to achieve a sense of purpose, stay busy, and keep feelings of loneliness at bay. In fact, specifying a time for every activity will enable you to participate in your favorite activities, explore the city, and connect with locals.
Having a proper routine can also enhance your productivity. By optimizing your time and mindfully specifying it for every task, you can achieve your goals quickly and more efficiently. For example, you can start your mornings with meditation, yoga, and exercise to start your day feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Similarly, you can use a planner or a digital calendar to stay on top of your important tasks. Make sure you specify enough time for self-care in your routine.
However, we suggest you keep your schedule flexible enough to handle any unexpected professional or personal task that might come your way.
Acquaint Yourself with the Local Culture
Sure, stepping out of your comfort zone and leaving your loved ones behind is hard, but familiarizing yourself with the new city and learning about its norms and traditions can make the move easier. We also recommend you acquaint yourself with your new city’s transportation laws to make your everyday commute to work hassle-free.
Additionally, you’ll better adjust to your environment if you’re familiar with the culture, the historical landmarks, and the specialties of your new city. You may need to extensively research and learn the local customs to connect with the locals.
If you want to have a better understanding of the new city, we suggest you visit historical places, try local cuisine, and read local newspapers. Besides, participating in cultural events and joining society clubs are also great ideas to closely understand the culture and build meaningful relationships.
Get Along with Your Neighbors
You want to adjust quickly and feel less lonely in your new environment, right? Well, the best way to do so is to become part of a community by getting along with the people who live nearby. You can strike up a conversation with a simple “Hey, how’re you doing?” and then introduce yourself. If you hit it off, you can offer them to go for a walk together to get to know them well. You can even invite them over for coffee or a meal.
Getting to know your neighbors will allow you to adjust quickly to a new place where you might feel like an outsider.
Don’t Rush: Go easy on yourself
Packing your entire life and moving to a different place is hard, so it’s natural to feel a little homesick sometimes. Therefore, instead of hustling to meet your personal deadlines, we recommend you loosen up and let yourself settle into your new life at a comfortable pace.
Wrapping Up
Moving to a different city sounds intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding the best movers, establishing a routine, and familiarizing yourself with the local trends can make your move easier. Remember to go easy on yourself and don’t rush things to make your experience worthwhile.
