Moving to a new city and new environment is exciting until the moving truck leaves, and you are left with dozens of boxes to unpack and no idea how to make friends! Finding your community, navigating unfamiliar city streets, and getting comfortable in a new city is particularly tricky as an adult, but it is possible.
At Eden’s Moving Services, we are here to help you with the physical and mental load of relocating to an urban area, whether you are packing up and Moving to Florida to enjoy the sunshine and networking opportunities. Here is the definitive guide to finding your groove while making friends and memories in a new city:
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone: Making Friends in a New City
Nothing will make an adult break out into a cold sweat like the idea of making new friends! There are thousands of new people to meet daily; you just need to step out of your comfort zone and initiate a conversation. Follow these helpful tips to make connections with new people:
Find Work Friends with Similar Interests
The ideal first place to make new friends is at work! Being the “new guy” is never easy, so here are some invaluable tips to help you build fun, unique connections with your coworkers:
Sit Down and Say “Hi” in the Lunchroom
People are more relaxed, chatty, and overall, happier during lunch. This is the ideal atmosphere to strike up conversations about the weather or ask your fellow seasoned coworkers about the ins and outs of your workplace.
Organize an Interest Group
If your company does not focus on team building or workplace activities, use this as an opportunity to connect with people by forming a club or group. For example, if you love playing cards, start a poker group. Is there a giant football, baseball, or basketball following? Organize a Sunday night football party or basketball team.
Make Social Connections During Off-Work Hours
Once you start getting to know your coworkers through casual office chit-chat, make your move and cement your friendship outside of work. Organize meet-ups at hot local coffee shops or ask your associate to enjoy a night of drinks and bowling.
Join a Fun Book Club
Book clubs have become synonymous with making new friends, and for good reason. Your neighborhood library or bookstore is a great place to find local book clubs. Find the right fit instead of joining any book club in the neighborhood. The last thing you want to do is join a club that reads steamy romance novels when you love mysteries or historical fiction!
Volunteer or Join a Religious Organization
Most people want to make more than just new friends; they want to find a new community with the same goals and values. Volunteering or joining a faith-based organization can help you meet like-minded individuals. Join a volunteer group you are passionate about, whether it be rescuing animals, beautifying neighborhood streets, or helping older adults with their basic needs.
Research Online Meet-Up Groups
Many significant cities have online meet-up groups, allowing adults who feel lonely in a new city to connect with new friends. Several groups focus on participating in team sports, while others encourage members to meet up at coffee shops or sample the local cuisine together. For example, if you are Moving to Texas, particularly Austin, which was recently named one of the top cities to start new friendships, get ready to make connections in the city’s many bars, nightclubs, wine bars, and gyms!
A Fresh Start and A Brand-New Routine: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Your New Normal in a New City
You live in a new neighborhood, surrounded by new sights and new people. On top of this, you are navigating a new job. This combination can leave anyone feeling messy, lonely, and off their game. Finding your new normal is paramount, which is why our team has complied this simple list to help you build a new routine in your new location:
Practice Self-Care with a New Morning Routine
The morning can be chaotic and overwhelming, especially if you have kids. A proper morning routine is the perfect way to ensure every person in your household starts their day off on the right foot. There are several benefits to having a rock-solid morning routine, including increased productivity, less stress, improved relationships, and an overall better mood!
Set the Alarm for the Same Time Every Morning
Doctors and therapists have been touting the importance of waking up at the same time every morning, including the weekend and during the holidays, for years. This helps regulate your internal clock and ensures you remain awake and energetic until lunch. After you wake up, open the windows or listen to upbeat music to help you get excited for the day ahead.
Exercise or Meditate
Connect with your mind, body, and soul, even for a few minutes every morning. Take a brisk walk as a family before school or work. Make an effort to find physical or mental activities you can explore and enjoy as a family. Meditate or create a list of reasons you are grateful for your family and new home.
Prepare a Family Breakfast
Breakfast is supposed to be the most important meal of the day, but not just because bacon and eggs give you a boost of morning energy. Spending quality time with the significant people in your life will help you start the day centered, energized, and ready to conquer your new hometown, whether you’re Moving to South Carolina or Moving to Idaho.
Find Your New “Favorites”
Think back to when you found your favorite restaurant, stepped into the best coffee shop in the city, or the memories you made at the unassuming places, from the local grocery store to the corner market where you bought a quick snack every morning. Finding your new regular spots, from restaurants to grocery stores or a gym, is the first step to making you feel less lonely and more like a true citizen of your current city! Don’t be surprised when you meet some new friends along the way.
Open Google Maps and Start Exploring
Play tourist and explore your new hometown. Start small by walking around your neighborhood and familiarizing yourself with the local park or sample the local cuisine and new restaurants just down the block. When you feel comfortable in your new home and new neighborhood, expand your search:
- Check out some local tourist spots.
- Discover what makes the city unique at art museums and bookstores.
- Most importantly, remember to chat with the locals to understand what it means to be a resident in your new town.
Start New Traditions
You are a stranger in a new place, and the worst part is that you cannot grab coffee at your favorite diner before Thanksgiving dinner or visit your parents on Christmas Morning. At Eden’s Moving Services, we do more than offer expert Moving and Storage Services; we also provide excellent advice! We recommend starting new traditions in your new hometown:
- Eat at your new favorite restaurant on Christmas Eve.
- Make it a customary practice to grab ice cream from the same shop every Sunday afternoon.
- Go to an amusement park or take your kids to visit a zoo on the last day before summer vacation ends.
Balancing Work, Family Members, and Your Mental Health After a Long-Distance Move
Regarding stress, moving to a new city is at the top of the most panic-inducing experiences. You’ve gone to great lengths to protect your physical health, so why aren’t you focusing more on your and your family’s mental health? If Hiring Professional Movers is on your radar, you must start preparing today to pack boxes, find a new house or apartment, and connect with people who will support your mental health journey.
Concentrate on People and Activities that Spark Joy
Adjusting to living in a different city can be challenging. Creating memories in your new home and focusing on fun must be at the top of your “to-do” list. They are as important as researching school districts and finding the perfect parking spot at work. Set time aside for”fun” between doctor’s appointments and unpacking boxes. If you are Moving to Arizona, take advantage of the many outdoor activities. If you are Moving to Georgia, check out the historic landmarks throughout the state.
Research Therapists in Your Area
If you are struggling with fitting into your new environment and are worried about the stress of a new place, new people, and new social connections, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Here are some ways to find a quality mental health provider in your area:
- Ask your doctor for a referral.
- Ask your insurance company about therapists in your network.
- Consult an online database.
Enjoy the Food, Culture, and Neighborhoods: 5 Great Urban Hobbies
Are you spending your weekends watching television or eating at the same restaurant or roadside cafe? Take this as a sign you need a new hobby. The best part of Planning a Long-Distance Move to an urban area is the opportunity to explore new hobbies and passions.
Become an Amateur Thespian by Joining a Local Theater Group
Discover your inner Brad Pitt or Julia Roberts, or at least help design and construct the sets of a local theater group. In addition to pulling you well outside your comfort zone, theater groups are a great way to get involved in your local community, explore your creative side, and make some great friends with similar interests.
Join a Local Gym
Who says exercising can’t be a hobby?! There is a direct correlation between your good mental and good physical health, so if you or a family member are struggling with severe anxiety or depression after Moving to North Carolina or Moving to Tennessee, the best remedy is often getting outside and getting active.
Join or organize a neighborhood running group. Enjoy a brisk after-dinner walk with your kids and spouse. Train for a 5K marathon or take an exercise class at your local YMCA. Focusing on your physical well-being will help you in numerous ways, from improving sleeping habits to helping you focus at work.
Take an Art Class
Art classes are often available through local community centers or universities. If you feel uncomfortable sketching fruit bowls with others, you can explore your love of art and artwork.
Start small by picking up some painting supplies at a store. You can even grab some crayons and an adult coloring book! Another benefit to living in a highly populated urban area is the availability of significant art museums and small, locally owned galleries.
Explore the City and Take Photographs of Landmarks
From the Empire State Building in NYC to the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles and the Colorado State Capitol in Denver, major cities are filled with impressive historic landmarks and cool buildings just waiting to be photographed. If you aren’t comfortable behind the camera, take a photography class or look online for simple tips and tricks to take the perfect photograph.
Wine Tasting Is the Perfect Weekend Hobby
You’re seeking a more sophisticated, kid-free hobby to share with your significant other. Wine tasting fits the bill. If you want Long-Distance Movers in Denver to relocate to California, check out the dozens of wineries throughout the beautiful Napa Valley. Every major city, from Madison, Wisconsin, to Seattle, Washington, and Boston, Massachusetts, has a winery or bar that hosts wine-tasting events.
Plan a Stress-Free Move with Help from the Team at Eden’s Moving Services
You are ready to explore a new location but need to find a reliable moving company to walk you through the process. If you live in the Denver area, you are in luck because one of the best moving companies in the nation, Eden’s Moving Services, is headquartered in nearby Aurora, CO!
We Can Help You Plan Every Aspect of Your Big Move
From providing Free Moving Quotes to helping you plan every other aspect of your long-distance and local moves, the team at Eden’s Moving Services can do it all, including:
- Long distance moving
- Local moving
- Packing services
- White glove VIP services
- Storage services
Moving Day Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
From the beginning of the process to the time your moving trucks pull out of the driveway, we will work tirelessly to ensure your moving experience is as stress-free as possible. In addition to planning long-distance moves, our team is the best Local Movers in the greater Denver area. You can rest assured that when you work with the crew at Eden’s Moving Services, we will help guide you through every aspect of the moving experience.
People Also Ask
How does moving to a new city change you?
Moving to a new city can have several positive and negative impacts on your life, including:
- A chance for new experiences and personal growth: Moving to a new area, particularly a big city, exposes you to different cultures, ethnicities, people, and ways of thinking. This is a great way to grow as a person.
- Increased anxiety from the sudden change: Moving can be a stressful experience and can trigger several negative emotions, including depression and anxiety.
- Financial concerns: Moving cross-country can cost thousands, putting a significant financial strain on your family.
- A renewed sense of self: Nothing gets you out of a rut, helps rebuild your self-esteem, and reignites your passion for life like relocating!
How do you adapt to moving to a new city?
According to Psychology Today, it can take someone three to five years to find a sense of well-being and peace after a move. There are steps you can take immediately after moving to help you become accustomed to your new surroundings and eliminate some post-move stress, such as:
- Explore different neighborhoods throughout the city.
- Focus on all the positive aspects of your relocation, including your great new job or the new restaurants in your area.
- Stay in touch with friends and family.
- Redecorate or organize your house or apartment to make it feel more like home.
How can I enjoy life in a new city?
Exploration is the best way to enjoy your new surroundings. Ask locals about the best restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. Become an active member of your community and your children’s school. Don’t spend too much time in your new home; instead, go outside and create new and exciting memories! If you want to learn more, here are some Moving to a New City Tips and 2024 Housing Market Trends in Denver.
How do I move to another city and start a new life?
The first step in moving to a new city is to find the right moving company. Great movers not only help you get from point A to point B, but they also understand the unique needs of their various consumers and have several insights into the moving and real estate industries. Follow these tips to find the perfect movers for your budget and needs:
- Understand which services you require: Hire a company that provides all the necessary services to plan an easy move, including packing and temporary storage.
- Read the online reviews: Check out the reviews on major online rating sites, including the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Angi, and Trustpilot. Take these reviews with a grain of salt and use them as a guide, but do your investigation.
- Ask friends, neighbors, colleagues, and family for references: Your loved ones are the best, unbiased source of information on movers. Talk to anyone who has moved in the last few years and ask them specific questions about their experience.
- Do your homework: Perform a thorough deep dive of all the candidates. Look for a company with years of experience, an established presence in the community, the proper licensing and insurance, and stellar online reviews.
- Watch for common signs of trouble: Avoid companies that ask for a total payment upfront, are not licensed through the state of Colorado, don’t have a physical business address, or have only been in business for a few months.
