How to Embrace a Big Move

I recently moved from South Carolina to Boston, Massachusetts. Political/financial/geographical whiplash, anyone? You can prepare for change in theory—yes, I know it will be more expensive; yes, I know the winters will be miserable; yes, I know I will now be taking public transportation instead of driving; yes, I know I will now be surrounded by rabid sports fans; etc., etc., etc.

But truly, nothing compares to living these new details out in your daily routine. All of this to say, here are some tips for moving to a new city (or anywhere!), or alternatively, here are some ideas to help you embrace change:

1. First and foremost, be patient with yourself.

   This is so important. You simply cannot know everything there is to know about a new place right away. There are your own personal routines to establish, a commute to figure out, your new spots to discover, your finances to handle and balance, plus the fact that you just moved.
   
   I was becoming frustrated with myself for very silly things like not knowing how the bus system worked (there is no rhyme or reason to the numbers in Boston), missing important details like street cleaning days, and generally, not feeling acclimated right away.
   
   If you just made a massive life change after living in the same place for over a decade, it’s unfair to expect yourself to feel euphoric excitement as affirmation of your decision. Give yourself time. Lean into the opportunity to explore and experience anything for the first time. Don’t lose the wonder.

2. Check the city website for resources.

   This seems like a no-brainer but true confession, it took my car getting towed and several parking tickets for me to take a gander at the Cambridge, MA website to see what’s up regarding the street-cleaning schedule. Turns out they offer text reminders! I immediately signed up.
   
   Other basics include trash day, recycling guidelines (Cambridge has compost buckets!), and weather information like snow emergencies (haven’t experienced this yet, but boy, am I gearing up).

3. Don’t rule out roommates.

   At first I was looking at studio and one-bedroom apartment options, but in Boston, the cost savings is so significant to live with someone that I started looking for roommates.
   
   Money aside, I’m really glad I did just for community’s sake (I understand this is no guarantee though.). Right off the bat, I had three friends who also had friends, so I felt like there was a bit of an established network, plus they’re wonderful people on their own with interesting career pursuits and interests.
   
   Even the sound of someone else in the apartment was comforting to me at first. I remember laying in bed one night after I had first moved, and I heard my roommate in the kitchen and the clank of a pan—I felt a tangible comfort from that sound knowing that I wasn’t totally alone.

4. Join a community.

   I love how activities bring their own identity, and thus an opportunity for community. Like a book club, rowing, hiking, you name it. My roommate is actively involved in salsa dancing, and for my other roommate and me, church has been a great source of friendship.
   
   It seems intimidating to break into already established groups, but man, sometimes you have to lean in, because it is for sure worth the initial (but brief!) hurdles of anxiety and awkwardness.

5. Take time to discover.

   I’ve spent so many weeknights and weekends donning my Fitbit and setting out to walk around Boston and its surrounding communities, wandering various neighborhoods, taking drives to outlying towns, heading down to the Cape, and I feel like I still have worlds to discover. These ventures are energizing as you become acclimated and formulate a wonder and appreciation for your new home. It helps to not feel stuck!