Settling down in a new city is an audacious move! I bet you, it’s like starting a new life and adjusting to a new environment. Fortunately, you are not alone in this journey as I’ve experienced and survived what it means to transition.
I must confess, it’s an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia and happiness.
Let’s quickly highlight some of the stages involved with movement. However, I’ve decided to segment this write-up into two categories, which are Pre and Post!
PRE Movement
Save before you move
Ideally, you want to have enough savings now and again until you have settled in. One of those decisions would be to count the cost of movement. You may also consider setting aside enough savings for the first three months at least. Consider additional costs such as new furniture and appliances, if that applies. If you are a new mom, you will have to factor in all your baby’s needs and essentials for the next 3 to 6 months.
Write down your current and expected new living costs on paper. Better still, put them in a spreadsheet. This way you’ll have a really clear idea of your budget.
Leveraging your social circle/expats community
Expat communities are tight-knit, but also open and supportive. Expats want to help fellow newbies to the city. Their advice and tips can save a lot of time and effort. Whether you’re moving from near or far, connect with them.
Be clear about the city
Explore the area in which you plan to live. Some neighbourhoods look so great on the outside, but when you get there and get a feel of the place you might be disappointed. Equally, you might have written off some areas of town, to be pleasantly surprised when you arrive. If possible, visit ahead of time and if by the reason of distance, you can’t make that happen, then check online. Or you may ask a trusted fellow close to the city to help out.
Things to Pack
From when you conceive the idea to move, to when you finally moved. Gather all important documents and pack them together in a protective box/bag and tag them, needless to add, remember to take pictures of them as well.
How to Pack
Pack a bag for day one, especially if you’re moving as a family. Include all your toiletries, towels, medicines, story books and other personal items, 2 changes of clothing, and the kids’ tablets (and chargers). Include a special treat for the family, like a favourite snack or a new game to keep them busy.
Pack bags for week one and tag them as well. Now that you have day one covered, next, think ahead and pack week-long essentials. Treat it as though you are packing for a week-long trip.
POST Movement
… Thriving and settling in new cities
Engaging your dependents
If you have a family, it will be good to prep the children’s minds post-movement. This is the starting point. Tell them why you have to move, and assure them that it won’t affect their education. Reassure them that even if they had to leave their old friends behind, they can always make new friends. It will help you stabilize and have things in perspective.
Ask For Help
It’s important to have someone waiting at arrival. Never be ashamed to ask for help, it’s the reason why you need to carry a trusted friend along in your plan, I tell you 85% of your need is settled. While I mention the need to ask for help, you will also need to learn how to make quick decisions, confidently, and with certainty. At this point, you will need to be present to make firm decisions, do not lose your mind in the process. And don’t be quick in asking for opinions, people can be opinionated and they might want to fault your decision.
Unpack in stages
Storing your belongings into boxes, unpacking the truck, and sorting boxes into their designated rooms is impossible to do within a few days. Remember your one-week-long essentials will help at this phase.
Give Yourself Time
Adapting to the new environment and expectations, I will say give it time. And study your environment and most importantly, your neighbours. Don’t be too quick in making friends.
The time it takes to connect well and feel at ease, like your authentic self, is different for everyone.
However, below are some of the high points of this article, which can be your coping mechanism.
Reclaiming confidence and purpose
I had to re-establish the purpose of my decision for transitioning phase. Because I know my decision will be tested. And this can only come from a position of clarity.
Keep your journal
Developing a positive mindset and coping strategies is a must for you. Keep your journal and affirmation close to you. You will need your mind to be in tune. listen to songs and watch movies. Read books that will elevate your spirit and write down the things that come across.
Prioritize
Defining what’s most important so you can focus your time and energy on them. You may not be able to respond to some messages and phone calls immediately. Which is okay, you can always return calls and messages when you are more settled. Don’t be under pressure!
Planning
Staying on track with your to-do lists. It’s no doubt that productivity level might take a new turn. Give it some time, while you work at making things right.
Take care of yourself
Self-care and the importance of taking care of yourself is a priority. In the midst of all, learn to prioritize your well-being. Don’t be lost in trying to fix everything immediately. Do your pedicure, and set up a mini fun area within your space and within your budget. Explore the environment, and tap into the shopping areas. Seek the places the city is famous for. It will help you to connect with the city.
Stick with your routine
Re-establishing and implementing new routines. The most important thing is to give yourself time. It takes time for things to happen and adapt to change. Don’t rush, don’t be hard on yourself—one step at a time, in the right direction.
Reach out to family & friends
What lies ahead and what to expect? It is important to keep in contact with your old friends and community as they can sometimes be your pillar of support. Keep them, cherish them and it will be easy.
Shifts in responsibilities and roles
Engage the children with chores and daily routines. Have some play time within the house. Teach boundaries and what is expected of them.
Meeting new people and establishing friendships
Friends and neighbours are the immediate social support. Creating new bonds can be challenging but you don’t get anything unless you try. It took me some time to get a hang of this, but I eventually did. The first thing I did was to lookout for an opportunity to give.
And finally, give yourself time. I can not overemphasize this. The most important thing to give yourself is time. It takes time for things to happen and adapt to change. Don’t rush, don’t be hard on yourself.
Remilekun Kehinde-Philip
SHORT PROFILE
Remilekun is a highly motivated individual with a culture of productivity, efficiency, and integrity. She is an incisive and avid go-getter who believes success has been tracked and is not an accident. She is an author a wardrobe manager and a personal shopper.
She is also the Lead Coach at Mind Shift Series Academy, a platform where she teaches people the basic principles of business growth, drop-shipping, and how best to navigate their journey through life.
Thank you!
This can serve as a relocation guide for both within and out of the country , very detailed. Well written. Thanks for sharing.