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Are you moving to a new city or country and not sure what your next step is? Are you frozen in shock and confusion as to what the next year of your life is going to look like?

If this is you – read this!

I am an interior designer, and my clients are usually moving cities or countries. Having done renovations for 20 years, I know all too well the emotional stages of getting a home organized and settled into. Being the daughter of a government official for Canada and the IMF who grew up in multiple countries and had an early love for travel, I know all too well the joy and stress of moving to a new city or country.

The difference between moving to a new place and traveling for vacation is very different. One of the great things about moving house and home to a new country or city is that you will not be a tourist with superficial connections or knowledge. Two weeks is not enough to understand a place and its people in any profound way. If you are moving to a new city, you are lucky and will be able to do more than have a good time, shop, talk to a couple of people at a restaurant, see a couple of sites, and leave.

There are a lot of emotional stages you will go through when making a big move as well that a lot of people, unfortunately, are not aware of. This can cause reak havoc on personal and business relationships.

The Six Emotional Stages of Moving to a New City or Country (acculturation 1-5 and 6 enculturation)

Stage One: Enthusiastic Acceptance. When you first arrived, everything is new, and you experience a great deal of novelty – This place is perfect; my life will be so much better!

Stage Two: Doubt and Reservation (culture shock) – Things are not like they are at home!

Stage Three: Resentment and Criticism -Things work better at home!

Stage Four: Adjustment -I don’t have this, but I have that.

Stage Five: Accommodation -This is home for now, and I feel safe.

Stage Six: (Enculturation): Going back home and realizing you have changed (for the better!) and no longer fit in with family and friends. That you need to find a new social circle once you get home in order to feel understood. That you have to go through some of the things you just went through when moving to a foreign place.

A Bit About Safety

The first year is usually not when you meet your true friends. I have noticed you meet a lot of crazy if not unsafe people your first year. Somehow, many people can “smell that you are new to a place” be careful not to make friends too fast or try to please the local culture. Just like if you were at home, take your time to check them or the situation out.

You may find comfort in people from your hometown or country with who you would not usually be friends at home or with who you don’t really have a true connection. Keep meeting people of all cultures and walks of life; you will be surprised what beautiful people and new ideas await you!

Research the local culture and do not assume all areas are safe for you to travel in, especially with kids. Take into consideration your gender, race, and how you are dressed, and how you talk. The reality is that people do have a lot of assumptions.

I hope this is a little bit of help; my goal is to help my clients “coorie-in” and have a beautiful home to rest and be nourished as quickly as possible while getting used to and enjoying New York City or wherever they find themselves.

Please feel free to book a complimentary call with me if you need any direction getting settled into your home in NYC!