10 Tips for Settling into Somewhere New.

10 Tips for Settling into Somewhere New.

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Whether you are moving to a new street in town or even a different continent, relocating can be one of the most daunting steps we take and yet the most exciting! From learning new languages, traditions and cultures, to learning the local bus route.. not to mention the packing! There are many challenges to expect but so many great things to look forward to as well. Having moved to France as a youngster and into different countries, cities, schools, jobs and neighbourhoods (most recently the beautiful Caribbean British Virgin Islands!) all throughout my 25 years, it's fair to say I am a dab-hand at the whole "relocating thing" by now. I have had over 15 new homes, 15 "next adventures"and 15 times feeling those butterflies fluttering in my tummy, wondering what to expect of the new life I was about to begin. It's through this lifestyle that I have become pretty competent and knowledgeable in settling into new places, and I love it! So here are my top 10 Tips for Settling into Somewhere New.. Enjoy! 

1. Prepare and set yourself up.
This goes without saying but preparation is key, do your research on the area and give yourself a good detailed idea of what you're getting yourself into. In my most recent of cases, that meant scanning through every Google search, YouTube video and Instagram post I could find on the British Virgin Islands. I had sorted the paperwork, tax, phone contract, health care, dental.. all the fun stuff! But I wanted to understand the day to day necessities of a Caribbean "Island girl" lifestyle. What should I pack and what should I get when I'm there? Where is the nearest shop if I need anything? How do I even get to an Island with shops?? Do all the boats run on "Island time"?? I could go on but we're only on Tip 1! Preparing as much as you can ahead of the move will only leave you with more time for all the fun exciting stuff once you are there and a lot less worries along the way. 
        
2. Make the effort.

Put yourself out there and make the extra effort, it will not go unnoticed or unappreciated! Make the effort to explore your new surroundings, find your new go-to restaurant or your favourite route to the shops. Try to get out there and integrate into the local community, get to know your neighbours and new co-workers. All these things can make a real difference when settling into somewhere new.

3. Make new friends.

With any new start comes new people, and when settling into somewhere new, the likelihood is that there are others around you in the very same situation. Like-minded people in the same boat, excited for a new beginning, maybe missing home or finding everything a bit daunting. People who can really relate are great to talk to for support and could make great friends too. 

4. Embrace the new lifestyle.

Throw yourself into all the new things you were excited to start doing when you decided on the move, all the things that made you relocate to somewhere new in the fist place, go out and do them! Find new hobbies and visit new places, your lifestyle will not be the same as it was before the move, however big or small those changes are, embrace them. 

5. Do as the locals do.

Get stuck in and get involved with your new local community. This is a great way to start settling in somewhere new, weather that be local charity events, the local football game or just going to the local park. Since moving to the British Virgin Islands it is only through getting to know the local ways that I have found the best secret beaches that only the locals know of, the best places to eat out, the cheapest ways to get around the islands and all the local hidden gems in this paradise place. 

6. Make Plans.

Making plans can be incredibly helpful in settling into somewhere new. It can give you something to look forward, a goal to work towards achieving or even somethings to push you out of your comfort zone. Make a dinner reservation or plan a trip out for the day exploring your new surroundings. Whatever the reason behind it, making plans can add stability to a new start and encourage you to commit to your new adventure. 

Exploring with friends

7. Keep in touch.

Whilst making new friends is important, keeping in touch with the ones back home is just as much so. A new start can sometimes be quite isolating, especially when trying to settle into somewhere brand new, keeping in touch with friends and family back home can help you do this, and with their support, the move itself will be much less daunting. 

8. Go with the flow.

Playing devils advocate to tip 6.. making plans is incredibly helpful, as is going with the flow. Take everything as it comes and grab all the opportunities that come your way. You can plan ahead, organise and research but there will without a doubt be some special surprises along the way that you wouldn't have thought of or known about, take full advantage of them and go with the flow.

9. Fall in love with the culture.

This is my favourite tip, fall in love with your new way of life, the new scenery, new friends, new hobbies, new home. After all, isn't this the reason you relocated in the first place? 

10.  Stop, Reevaluate and Reflect.

It's so important to remember to stop and reflect on how you are doing to really appreciate how well you are settling in, only then will you have the motivation to continue. Stop and appreciate the changes between your old lifestyle, and that of your new lifestyle. Think about where you are right now, how much you have achieved and how well you have settled in. All the new places, people and moments you were so excited for are now here, along with surprises you didn't even know were coming, appreciate every moment of it, the good and the bad. Reflection is key.

Hope you find this helpful! 

Gabby xx