It has officially been a little over 5 months since I packed my car and moved to Austin. It is finally starting to feel like home, something that I never felt when I lived in Florida. Moving to a new city can be daunting, but going through this experience taught me some lessons to make a new city feel like home that I thought I’d share. By adopting a few simple changes and perspectives, a new city can feel like home in only a few months.
- Decorate your apartment: I moved to Austin with only what fit in my car to reduce moving costs and for an opportunity to purchase furniture that I loved. I slowly and carefully purchased furniture, with a clear intention of getting items that I would want to keep over the years. After I bought the essentials I began (and I am still am in) the process of decorating and it makes all of the difference! Coming home to a place that matches my personality, creates a sanctuary for me to relax from the outer world and it makes me look forward to spending time at home.
- Be a tourist in your own city: Although this might seem counter-intuitive, doing all the touristy things helped me make a new city feel like home. Going out and exploring the city will help you find your favorite spots and hidden gems, that unlike a tourist, you can continue visiting! Finding your favorite coffee place (Hi Quacks Bakery!), ramen restaurant or food truck will create familiarity in an unknown city and help with building a Sunday routine that you look forward to.
- Be open-minded: Being open-minded not only to meet people with different lifestyles and opinions as you but also attending events that you wouldn’t have otherwise attended is a great way to familiarize yourself to a new city but also to find yourself. You might even discover a hidden talent or passion by going outside of your comfort zone.
Although moving somewhere new is hard and uncomfortable, it is also very exciting and fun and the process of feeling at home, like many things in life is a continuous journey!
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