Acclimating to a new home can be challenging in all sorts of ways. Disregarding the circumstances of why you moved, the very fact that you’re somewhere you’ve never been, expecting to stay there for a while, and will begin a new phase of your life there, is an extremely challenging task to face.
It’s even more apparent if you’ve moved to somewhere extremely different. Real estate in the western suburbs of Melbourne might be different from the scene in Queensland. You need time, patience, and sometimes, a little help to acclimatize. So, if you’ve found yourself in a totally new environment, you might find some of the following tips to be very helpful:
Know the locals
While this does not mean you’ll go out there and give the first stranger you see a hug and ask them to be your friend, it is a good idea to get to know the locals in the area. After a certain period, you’ll start seeing that some people are in the same place at the same time of the day, and it’s useful to at least try to get on speaking terms with them.
Introduce yourself as someone new in the area, ask them for directions, or even just discuss something that’s happening down the street. Remember, you’ll be living in the community as these people, and they’ve had long experience with how the place is. At the very least, you might find more information about your new home that you wouldn’t necessarily be able to otherwise.
Take a walk frequently
There’s nothing quite like knowing a place on foot. There’s a certain level of detail that we all tend to miss when we’re out there in our cars and buses, and sometimes these may be the details that can matter, such as a new restaurant or that somewhat-tucked away ATM. taking a walk around the area during your first couple of weeks gives you a fair idea of what you can expect from it in the long run.
Aside from being good for your health, taking regular tours around your place can help your new neighbors know you. Remember that you are new to them and it will take some time for them to get a good grasp of how you’ll be as a neighbor. Head off any potential misunderstandings by talking to people you meet on the way, and you’ll be fine.
Don’t behave like a tourist
Finally, the one thing you should keep in mind is that you’re settling down there for a while—it isn’t exactly a place where you can just get up and leave when you feel like it. Respect the local rules and regulations, follow established procedures, and don’t cause any trouble. If you don’t know, ask. If you do know, keep it in mind. It’ll be much easier for everyone involved, especially you.
Above all, remember to take things at your own pace. You have time to adapt and adjust. And while it may seem daunting, time will pass by quicker than you’ll realize. Soon enough, you’ll be just as integral to the community like everyone else.
