Thinking of making a move to a new city? You’re not alone. In fact, the average U.S. citizen is expected to move 11 times in their life.1 With so many big moves happening, there’s good news—plenty of experienced travelers have shared their wisdom to make it easier for you. 

We’ve taken the time to collect some of the top tips from those movers and shakers. That way, when you get placed on a new nursing assignment, you’ll be better prepared to take the city by storm. Read on for advice for moving to a new city

Tip #1 – Research, Research, and More Research

Before you set off on your grand adventure, start investigating your potential new area and hometown. 

Of course, if you want to move but you’re unsure where to go, that should be your first priority. Once you have a city in mind, there is still much to look up months before you actually move to the new location. Some examples include:

  • The best neighborhoods – What kind of lifestyle do you envision for yourself? Base your neighborhood search on the answer to this question. If you’re a socialite who likes to have everything nearby, aim for the downtown area. If you’re moving with kids, search for a safe, family-friendly new neighborhood.
  • The weather – You’ll want to investigate weather patterns in your prospective new location. Weather and climate will impact what you need to pack and what you’ll need to buy when you arrive. You also need to make sure you’re not moving somewhere with four months of snow if you can’t stand the cold.
  • The top restaurants – For the foodies out there, searching through the top restaurants will have your taste buds and travel senses singing. Plus, you can learn a lot about a city from its food.

Tip #2 – Book Everything in Advance

Because so many people are moving every day, it’s essential to book travel plans in advance and consider relocation expenses. Otherwise, you may find yourself with options that put a serious dent in the bank account, or worse, no options at all.

Make a moving checklist. What might you need to purchase or book ahead of time? Consider all of the following moving expenses:

  • Moving truck or trailer
  • Boxes
  • Self-storage unit
  • Moving company or professional mover
  • Plane tickets

Tip #3 – Be a Tourist

One of the best parts of arriving in a new city is the sense of newness and a fresh start. There are discoveries to be made around every corner. 

How often do you hear people say that they’ve never been to “that big tourist attraction” in their hometown? It happens more than you think. Before you jump into your new hospital routine, spend some time exploring and see the city as a tourist. Doing so, will provide you fond memories of each city you work in.

Tip #4 – Make a Goal List

Either before you set off or once you arrive, consider making a list of all the goals you want to accomplish in your new city. Goal setting is a terrific way to help you achieve a fresh start in a new city and ensure you achieve the things you set out to achieve in moving.

Every goal list will look different, but here are some ideas to start you off:

  • Unpack everything in the first week and make your new place feel like home
  • Make one new friend in the first month
  • Find the best coffee shop in town
  • Find the best ice cream shop in town
  • Start doing yoga
  • Take a class in a new nursing specialty

Whatever you want your goals to be—big or small—tailor your list so it’s meaningful to you. Then start crossing them off the list.

Tip #5 – Keep an Open Mind

Constantly being on the move means adapting to change. Remember, with change comes new ideas and experiences, but also challenges and discomfort. If you keep your mind open, you can channel that discomfort into personal growth.

Try new foods. Meet new people. Be prepared for anything. Take chances and say “yes” to what you might have said “no” to in your old city. By doing so, you can take advantage of the anonymity and excitement that a new city brings.

Tip #6 – Look for Community Groups like Host Healthcare

Making friends after moving across the country can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Technology has made connecting with like-minded people so much easier.

When you arrive in town (or even before you leave), check Facebook for groups in your city that have similar interests. You’d be surprised at how specific community groups can be. Whether you’re into knitting, hiking, fencing, pottery—you name it—you’re bound to find a circle of potential new friends to meet up with.

There are also support groups built around travel nursing. Host Healthcare’s Travel Nurse Community Facebook group is a welcoming collective of travel nurses that can help ease your transition by:

  • Offering advice for moving to a new city
  • Sharing nursing stories
  • Connecting you with other nurses across the country
  • So much more

Apply to be a traveler with Host Healthcare and make your move to a new city as smooth as possible.

 

Sources: 

  1. Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Who is Moving and Why? Seven Questions About Residential Mobility. www.jchs.harvard.edu/blog/who-is-moving-and-why-seven-questions-about-residential-mobility 
  2. U.S. Census Bureau. Calculating Migration Expectancy Using ACS Data. www.census.gov/topics/population/migration/guidance/calculating-migration-expectancy.html