How to Calm Your Anxiety About Moving to a New City

Moving can be anxiety-provoking, no doubt about it. You’re leaving everyone you know behind and starting over in a completely different place. It’s normal to have relocation anxiety. There are many challenges of moving to a new state and questions you may have.

Will you like your new location? How will you meet people? Are there things to do there that you enjoy? If you’re moving for work, you may be wondering what the work culture will be like at your new job. If you’re moving with your family, you may be curious how the family as a whole and as individuals will adapt to your new location.

I want to reiterate again that having anxiety about moving to a new city is completely normal. But I also want you to remember that you’re in control of this situation. You have the power to make this move whatever you want it to be. No, you can’t change the people in the town or how many bars and restaurants there are to go to. But you can decide how you’ll respond to the move and whether you’ll let relocation anxiety get in the way of you and a happy life in a new area.

How to Handle Anxiety About Moving to a New City

People move all the time. For work, for relationships, to be closer to family, to start over. Whatever the reason is for your big move, the thing to remember is that you aren’t powerless in this situation. Yes, if you’ve been relocated because of work you may feel as if you don’t have a choice, but you do. You chose that job and everything that came with it, including moving to a new city. 

It’s okay to have anxiety about moving to a new city. Especially if you’re moving by yourself and you don’t know anyone in your new location. But there are things you can do to make the transition go more smoothly.

If you’re moving alone either to start over or for work, you’ll need to create a network. Work is a good place to start, but it shouldn’t be your only source of a social life. Try finding clubs to join. Making new friends as an adult can be difficult, so lean into fun ways to meet people. Join an adult recreational sports league. Find a book club. Go on Meetup and find things to do. Join a gym with group classes so you can meet the people you’re working out with. If you’re having anxiety about not having a social network, these are some things you might try.

Maybe you’re moving back to where you grew up to be closer to your family. That can cause some anxiety as well because you may not want to live in the town where you grew up. If this is the case, try to find ways to create new experiences in your old town. Reconnect with old friends who are still in the area. Find new restaurants and bars to try. Look for gyms and yoga and pilates studios to find a new community. Depending on how long you’ve been gone, there are probably new places to go that weren’t there when you were growing up. Make the most of your time with your family, unless that’s the root cause of your anxiety. In that case, make sure you have a thriving social life to balance the time you spend with your family.

Regardless of the reason you’re moving, having anxiety about moving to a new city is natural and normal. Lean into the people you know, try to meet new people, and do things in your new location that brings you joy and connect you to the area. Eventually, you’ll feel settled. You may miss your old home, but it’s important to create good memories in your new one.

What Can You Do About Relocation Anxiety?

Relocation anxiety is a big part of the moving process. I highly recommend finding a therapist in your new location. They can help you process the move and your feelings about it. They can also be a good way to feel rooted in your new spot.

Aside from creating a community, it’s important that you don’t succumb to the challenges of moving to a new state. Yes, moving sucks, even if you’re leaving a bad situation for a better one. No one likes to pack up their life and move to a new city where they may not know anyone. But it doesn’t have to fill you with dread.

Do some research on your new location. Find the areas that look like they could have some enjoyable things for you. If you’re an athlete, find workout groups. If you’re a runner, look for running trails that take you through cool parts of your new area. If you like to read, find a book club through a bookstore or library. Find the nearest hiking trail or places to go camping. Learn some of the histories of your new town so you feel connected to it. 

Researching your new town can take away some of the mystery of it and help with relocation anxiety. There are definitely challenges of moving to a new state, but if you can feel some control over the move and feel a sense of agency in your new location, it can help decrease your anxiety about moving to a new city.

Therapy and Coaching Can Help Figure Out How to Deal With Anxiety About Moving to a New City

Still not sure how to manage relocation anxiety? If you want extra support, I’m here to help. I offer online therapy in Idaho and Iowa and coaching services wherever you’re located for anxious clients who struggle with things like people-pleasing, perfectionism, burnout, overwhelm, and ADHD.

Reach out today and see if we’re a good fit. Let’s start building a better future together.