How to Make Your New City Feel Like Home: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition

While moving to a new city, being unfamiliar with your surroundings, and not knowing many people can be intimidating, it can also be an exciting new experience. Making your new city and space feel like home will be challenging in this way, and anxiety can manifest during this time and interrupt your transitional cycle by putting negative thoughts and patterns into your mind. To aid in this time of transition, starting with online therapy can be very helpful in navigating the difficult emotions and uncertainty you may be experiencing. Additionally, establishing long term goals and grounding yourself in what you’re most looking forward to doing with your move can keep you feeling motivated and optimistic throughout the transitionary period. 

Personalize your space! 

This can not only be an especially fun process for someone that loves to make their space special and get creative, but also gives you the opportunity to create a sense of comfort in your new home. It can be helpful to start with places you previously considered ‘home’: was there something in your last apartment, parents’ house or college dorm that reminded you of a time where you felt safe and secure? Bring that with you to your new space and center your attention to it as it creates a sense of continuity and comfort in your life. You may even bring in a candle that you loved the scent of from an old space and bring it into this new space. You can also use this transition to add in extra supportive elements- like that extra fuzzy blanket for movie nights on your new couch,  or some luxurious pillows on your bed- to create a warm and inviting environment. Adding things that make you feel relaxed and comfortable will help when you are feeling down and missing your old space. 

Establish a routine:

A new, consistent routine will help you to adjust to your new space and neighborhood. The establishment of these rituals will not only give you an opportunity to explore your surrounding community, but will also ground you and create a new normalcy. And, if you have any old routines that you want to stick with, that is even better! Maybe that involved going to your local coffee shop down the street. You can continue that tradition by making the coffee shop down the street from your new apartment part of your morning routine. Aside from finding your coffee shop, finding your local grocery store or nail salon can help you get excited to have newness in your weekly activities. Becoming a regular at your coffee shop or grocery store where you meet the employees and see them often will also help you become comfortable in your new environment. Take this as an opportunity to explore and create new safe spaces!

Get involved

This can be one of the hardest things when moving to a new city as you challenge yourself to get further out of your comfort zone. That said, getting involved with your community and familiarizing yourself with other locals can make you feel more established and comfortable in your new environment. Maybe that involves going to your local gym and trying a specific workout class for a few weeks. Run clubs are also an amazing way to meet new people and find instant connections with shared hobbies. You may try volunteering at different community outlets like churches, temples, animal shelters, farmer’s markets, or local government groups. Not only will you be helping someone, but you will also make new friends and meet new people with shared interests as well. Overall, getting involved in your new community can promote interpersonal connection, as well as be a self esteem booster as you find activities you’re interested in. 

Explore the city 

It is so important to remember that the world is your oyster: whatever brought you to this new city is just the beginning of what you may discover! Spend time learning and exploring the city as a tourist going to museums, parks, and restaurants. Talk to people and ask them for directions- you never know where that can lead you! Even taking time to learn about and understand the city’s history can help deepen your connection to it. Leaning into your curiosity can create an appreciation for and connection to this new city in ways you didn’t expect! In this way, the unknowns and unfamiliarities will slowly start to feel less overwhelming as you find meaning in your new environment.

Give it time and embrace the change 

Has there ever been a time where change was simple and easy? Probably not. It takes time for your new home to truly feel like your home and that is perfectly normal. Allowing yourself to be patient and give it time is the key to success during a life transition. Notice and recognize the small wins and celebrate those! One day you may look at your kitchen and feel proud of the hard work you put into decorating it and finding the perfect dishes. You may look at your bedroom and be so content with the comforter and pillows you chose after a night of deep, comfortable sleep. Imagine going to the coffee shop down the street and the barista remembers your order! Give yourself the time to build these connections, and lean into the uncertainty and excitement. 

Transitions are hard and doing them alone is even harder. Allow yourself to embrace the challenges and ask for help when you most need it. Therapy is so important as you are navigating through a life transition to help you better cope and be kind to yourself through it. Building confidence within yourself will also help you navigate this more smoothly. You don’t have to navigate it all alone, the Manhattan Wellness therapists are here for you every step of the way. 

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email us at hello@manhattanwellness.org 
2. Learn more about our team and our areas of expertise
3. Celebrate yourself and the small wins during this transition!

FIGURE OUT WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE FOR YOU WITH THERAPY FOR WOMEN IN MANHATTAN & BROOKLYN

The truth is, there’s no single or one-size-fits-all definition of success. Everyone has a different idea of what they want their life to look like. That is why it’s important to get clear on what that looks like for you. Once you have a better understanding of yourself and your values, you can start designing your life based on the things that are most important to you. 

Therapy for women in Manhattan and Brooklyn is a great way to figure out what success looks like for you. At Manhattan Wellness, we will provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and goals. So you can find clarity on what you want for yourself. We will pair your vulnerability with our empathy and encouragement. Then together we will uncover the key elements that will take you from where you are now to where you want to be. If you are ready to make the changes you want in your life:

1. Submit a Contact Form or Email Us at hello@manhattanwellness.org
2. Learn More About Our Team of Female Therapists and Our Areas of Expertise
3. Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Feel Empowered & Ready To Take The Next Step. 

We believe that you have the power within yourself to make the changes you want and find your version of success. Our female therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey. Allowing you to reclaim your identity and take control of your life. Thus allowing you to create the future you’ve been dreaming of.

OTHER THERAPY SERVICES AT MANHATTAN WELLNESS IN NEW YORK

At Manhattan Wellness, our therapists are here to support you in navigating this journey and reclaiming your identity. So you can take control of your life and create the future you’ve been dreaming of. This is why we offer a variety of services to ensure you get the support, care, and guidance necessary. The therapy services we offer are Therapy for Maternal Mental Health, Self-Esteem Counseling, and Anxiety Treatment. Along with Dating/Relationship Counseling, Counseling for College Students, and more. Feel as if you are not living the life you deserve? Let’s talk about