Whether you are downsizing to a condo across town or making a cross-country move, relocating is a tremendous undertaking at any age. From beginning to end, the moving process presents tedious tasks and stressful decisions.
After the hard work of moving is complete, you may be blindsided by the amount of effort it takes to establish a brand new social structure and settle into a familiar routine. From our favorite coffee shop to a trusted doctor, most of us don’t put a lot of thought into details of our weekly routines or the effort that went into establishing them.
In preparation for your move, you probably spent a lot of time downsizing and organizing your household goods. Taking a similar approach to finding new social opportunities and service providers will help make the effort feel less daunting.
Start by focusing on the things that you enjoy most frequently. If you love to start the day enjoying your morning coffee at a café, make finding a great coffee shop a top priority. On the surface, this may sound less important than finding a new primary care provider, but prioritizing simple daily tasks that help you feel at home in your new environment will go a long way toward your overall sense of well-being.
As you settle in, try learning about local activities and groups by talking with your new neighbors. You can continue with your favorite activities or take advantage of the opportunity to try something new altogether:
Volunteering
Joining a nonprofit that you believe in will help you to feel more connected to your new community.
Learn Something New
Consider taking a class to gain a new skill or reignite your passion for an activity you enjoyed in the past.
Book Clubs
The best part of a book club is that the topic of conversation is already set so it’s relaxed and easy to get acquainted.