Moving abroad or even cross country can be intimidating, overwhelming, and uncomfortable.
You might feel stressed and confused, and terribly homesick, especially in the first few weeks and months of arriving in your new home.
While there’s no denying the fact that this is a difficult and tumultuous time, there are some tips and tactics you can use to make your life easier and more comfortable. Here’s what you can do.
Don’t Rush Your Lodging
Picking a home to rent or buy in a new country without having the chance to view it in person or explore the neighborhood is a recipe for disaster.
Where you choose to live will play a huge role in how you settle down, so it’s important that you’re able to make an informed decision that you’re sure about.
Instead of signing a lease right away, look into booking short-term accommodation while you do your research. You can find out online what short term rentals Mississauga has to offer or do this research for whichever area you’re living in.
Unpack Right Away
The next thing you need to do is start unpacking your bags and boxes as soon as you can. Living out of boxes only adds to the feelings of chaos and clutter that will be taking over your life, so do your best to settle in and make your space feel like home.
Unpacking your clothes into your wardrobe will help you feel put together, and having an organized kitchen will allow you to start cooking your favorite homemade meals right away, which can help you feel settled and at home, no matter where you are.
Even if you are staying in a hotel or B&B for a while, do the best you can to make yourself feel at home.
Find a Local Community
Moving to a completely new place can feel incredibly isolating, and you might have loads of questions and feel a little lonely. Joining Facebook groups can be an amazing way to help you find your place in a local community.
Most suburbs or neighborhoods will have their own online community groups where people can ask questions or look for recommendations.
Use this to find everything you need – from great coffee shops to the best place to have your washing machine repaired. You might even decide to reach out online in search of new friends, and the chances are that someone will be happy to take you out for a coffee!
Find Comfortable Spots You Love
Finally, make sure to explore the area and find places that feel like home or at least feel comfortable and relaxing for you. Once you’ve found a spot you feel comfortable in, you can visit there regularly, and you might even find the courage to strike up a conversation with other regulars.
Having a cozy coffee shop or a peaceful park where you feel comfortable and at ease can be super helpful for those days when you’re overwhelmed, feeling out of place, and missing home.