So, after watching your thousandth romanticizing my life in NYC Tiktok, you’ve finally decided to take the leap and move to the Big Apple. Or maybe the palm trees and sunny skies of Los Angeles is more your speed? Nearly perfect weather almost year-round is a definite yes in our book.

Either way, the idea of moving to any new city alone can be exciting and motivating and uh… scary. That’s because as humans, we thrive on comfort and familiarity – things we’ve already proven to be safe or even predictable.

And yes, sounds boring, we know. But, it’s literally a function of our psyche to want to protect us from the unknown.

But, it’s too late – your bags are packed. Goodbye dinners and celebrations have come and gone and you just hit share on that “next chapter…” IG post. Ready or not, shit just got real. But, you got this. Even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet, WE know you do.

And before you tell us goodbye *crying*, we’ll leave you with these tips to help make your new city feel more like home.

walk, walk, walk

Make it a point to get as familiar with your neighborhood as possible, especially on foot.

Now, we know this might sound a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t make an effort to really immerse themselves in their new neighborhoods, outside of maybe a local grocery store or café before going to spend time in a more trendy area. But, actually taking the time to explore your new surroundings really opens up the world that is now your home.

You’ll be well on your way to discovering your new favorite neighborhood bar. Your new favorite local restaurant. You’ll know which grocery store has the best produce and which local deli has the best pastrami on rye.

It’s also a great way to meet other locals, which you’ll definitely want to do as a newbie.

And if you actually are moving to a city like NYC, this is not a request – it is mandatory. Get out of that apartment and WALK.

meet up with friends of friends

We know this one won’t apply to everyone, but if you happen to have friends who have friends in your new city, hit them up! Connecting with friends of friends is one of the easiest ways to start up what will be your new social life.

It doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll automatically be close, but having a mutual friend (or friends) in common can certainly make meeting “new” people less awkward.

And as an added bonus, you’ll probably also meet some of their friends, which only opens up that social circle even more. This one’s definitely a cheat code, so take advantage!

just say yes

Now is not the time to let your introverted tendencies take over. Because yes, we all love a good night of Netflix and chillin’ with Ben & Jerry’s, but as the new kid in town, you have places to be and people to see.

Unless you’re moving into an already established network of friends, you’ll want to make it a point to be open to new experiences with new people.

Started a new job in your new city? Say yes to the work function or happy hour. Old friend you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while happen to live nearby? Umm… yes, you absolutely do want to catch up over dinner or drinks.

Join a group gym class. Or one of those urban sports leagues – no one actually cares if you’re good, everyone just wants to chill or hit a bar afterward.

There are also a ton of apps and groups you can follow where you can find out about events and happenings in your city – a great way to mix, mingle, and maybe even find your new BFF (or lover *smirk emoji*).

romanticize your new life

Romanticizing a move to a cool, new city almost sounds too easy to do, but the truth is… sometimes, it’s hard.

You’re in a new place where you don’t know anyone. The streets are confusing and unfamiliar. You packed your entire life up into 2-3 suitcases and are now standing in the middle of an empty apartment, alone. And this will be the first moment of MANY where you’ll feel uneasy in this new life you’ve created.

But, that’s really the adventure of it all.

Take pictures, keep a journal or a diary. Capture as many moments as you possibly can and really relish in the small delights of your day-to-day, especially when it’s all so new.

These will be the memories you look back on, maybe years from now when you tell somebody about the time you lived in…

Congratulations and best of luck on your new journey. Send us a postcard. Or Snap us or something, idk. Love you, bye.