A year ago, I moved from the Bay Area in sunny California to Boston, Massachusetts. People asked me constantly, “Girl, why are you doing this?!” The simple answer was college. The more complex answer was that I knew my dreams would shrivel up and dissipate into thin air if I didn’t make a move. I didn’t want to be what we call “Baymous,” well-known among the small region, but never breaking out to really be known for what I do around the country and around the world. Moving away from everything I’d known for most of my life was an incredible challenge. Over the course of this past year, I’ve learned some tricks to ease the intense discomfort of leaving consistently beautiful weather, my mama, and the most diverse array of food options behind for something new. If you’ve just made your move, this should help.
Get familiar with the public transportation system
To be honest, I avoided this when I first moved. I walked any short distances and called a Lyft for any distances that were longer. The day came when I was too broke to call a Lyft, but I needed to get across town. I was going to have to take the train, but of course I got lost. You’ll be surprised by how friendly people are when you need to ask for directions. Familiarizing yourself with public transportation is a vital component to establishing your independence in your new city.
Find the good food spots
This will take a combination of asking people, vigilant Yelping and random experimentation. Yes, you will absolutely endure some not-so-tasty meals, but if you’re consistent, you’ll find those three to five places that you love to frequent when you’re hungry and don’t want to cook for yourself.
Transfer your hobbies
If you were in a book club in your previous city, try to find one in your new city. Practiced group yoga back home? Practice group yoga here! Were you a regular at open mics? Seek out the best open mics where you are now. This is a great way to meet people who have something in common with you and ultimately make new friends. Being in a new city can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to stay that way!
Trust your decision
There will come a point in your move when you will question this decision hard. You will wonder if you made the right choice, think about what you’d be doing had you never left, consider that crush you left behind and think they would have been your boo by now, etc. You will run the gamut of “what ifs.” If you’re like me and you took a pay cut, you’ll definitely miss those checks. Remind yourself of why you left in the first place. If it was a good enough decision to pack it up then, your reasoning is probably still sound now.
Let it out
Whether you need to write it out, run it out or cry it out, those uncomfortable feelings that you have about being in a new place must be released! Give yourself time and space to process your emotions without censoring them. Remember that it will get better, and that you have so many new adventures to embark upon and new discoveries to make.
What are your best tips for moving? Let us know in the comments!
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