Congratulations! You either landed a new job or have been with a company that is investing a bit more into you and asking you to relocate for your position, which means you probably have excellent job security. And while there are a lot of exciting aspects to this transition, it’s still a transition. So, there will be an adjustment period that can be less than comfortable. Below are several suggestions for how to best adjust during a work-generated relocation. You’ll find everything from getting your stuff to your new home safely to navigating the new area in a fun way.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that everything you plan on moving with actually moves with you. So, invest in some support with moving; you can find movers in every city. For example, if you’re relocating from the west coast to the east coast, hiring long distance movers San Diego would be ideal.
The next big stage of adjusting is settling in, and it will take time to get fully settled. So, instead of pushing to get everything put away and unpacked as quickly as possible, build a schedule that carves out time daily for self love.
Transitions often leave us feeling slightly discombobulated. However, they can also be an amazing time to realign our values. Take this opportunity to build a space that really suits you and reflects the things that matter to you. Whether that means prioritizing good art, eco-friendliness, or an open floor space that allows you to roll around on a yoga mat comfortably, make decisions that support the things that will ultimately bring you joy.
While you’ll likely want to get some new items for your new home, whether to create a new style or add on to what you’ve already moved with, avoid the temptation to buy everything all at once. Instead, prioritize getting the bigger necessities first and then take the time to get new items for decorating with each paycheck. Making financially savvy decisions will aid you in creating a sense of security for your future.
Keep in touch with your community! You are going to build new routines and make new friends, but in the initial weeks and months of relocating, things will be different in many ways. So, staying plugged in with your friends and family will make all the difference in helping you to feel settled amid so much change. We’ve all gotten really good at video calls, making them an excellent option for catching up with people. However, finding things to do together virtually can also be fantastic. There are many apps that allow you to stream and chill with friends no matter how far away they are from you.
Depending on your location, you may run into barriers making new connections as much of the world is still deeply impacted by COVID-19. But using online programs allow you to connect with others who have similar interests, so you can start to foster new relationships and create a social network that serves you well. If you’re relocating for a new job, this is even more important. Even if you’re relocating for a job that you’ve had for some time, you may find yourself relying more heavily on your work relationships to have a sense of stability in your social world.
Lastly, explore your new community! This might happen naturally as you find your new favorite places for meals and develop friendships. It’s always a good idea to take recommendations from people who already live in the city that you meet through work or other avenues. One excellent way to get a lay of the land is to rent a bike in San Diego and ride through different neighborhoods, especially if you are moving to a biker-friendly location! Orienting yourself to a new city in this way will help you build an internal map of your new home.
The suggestions above will help you adjust well and enjoy this process. Don’t let relocation be purely stressful. Instead, let the good that comes with it come and go.