How to Adjust to New Surroundings After a Relocation

If you're moving from a big city to the suburbs/countryside, or vice-versa, you might be in for a very big shock. First of all, they physically look and sound very different - tall buildings and many lights versus trees, nature, and at night, quiet, or even crickets instead of the constant flow of traffic.

Beyond that, you may have to adapt to public transportation vs. the need for a car everywhere you go. The amount and type of activities available to you will be vastly different. If you are used to living in a house and you move to an apartment, this will be an entirely new experience, especially if you have noisy neighbors that keep you awake at all hours, or are not accustomed to the sounds of your neighbors, or having a smaller space.

Here are a few tips to help with some of these huge adjustments. :

1. Whatever environment you're moving from, say the city, figure out how far the closest city is, and how to get there (driving directions, or train) and make sure to budget time and money to visit it at least a few times, especially during the early months of your move. This will allow you to connect with something more familiar and help you know that you haven't lost touch with the type of environment you came from.

2. Research and sign up for activities that you are used to doing at home. If exercise is a priority, then you may have to adjust from being in a gym, to running outdoors, for example. But see what other team sports, or group exercise classes might be available so you can keep a connection to something you love, which will help you ease into your transition.

3. Get used to the new transportation. If you suddenly are going to have to drive everywhere - of course make sure you've got a valid driver's license, or know the process to follow to apply for a new one - they can sometimes be quite rigorous in other countries. If you're giving up a car for the train, subway, or bus, ask for help with the routes, and if you have any contacts in the new city, see if they might be willing to help you get oriented. If you don't know anyone, the local tourist office is a great place to start with an orientation.

For more tips visit culturetransition.com









The Culture Transition Reading Room contains articles contributed by Culture Transition Coach Heather Markel, author of the Learn to Feel At Home Anywhere in the World Relocation Success Guide and Social Success Strategies, both available in E-book format.

Heather's now got two new E-books out. Learn how to make a new city feel like a home and how to find activities you love. And learn the secrets of a successful overseas work experience. Learn how to prepare for the professional changes to expect after relocating. She offers a great 30-day money-back guarantee.





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