How To Make Friends When You've Just Moved House

Making the decision to move home can be one of the hardest and most stressful times of your life. Not only do you have the upheaval of physically shifting the contents of your house or apartment to your new place, but you are also turning your back on everything you know. For some it's a fresh start and a positive change. For others it is new and daunting. Perhaps a mixed bag of emotions.

There are many different reasons for moving. It may be temporary or a brand new start. But if it's away from the town you have grown up in, you have to learn to settle into your new environment and make new friends.

Starting College or University

This is a scary time especially for teenagers moving away from home for the first time. There could well be excitement too. Being away from parents, becoming independent and the possibility of partying every night certainly has it's plus side.

If you are going to the same college as some of your old classmates, then you have a head start when it comes to making friends. If you know some people already you'll have a confidence boost and may find talking to new people easier.

Sharing accommodation with new people means you'll have to get along. Invite them out for drinks before term starts and create some common ground with them. If you have to live with them you don't want a year of arguments.

Social networking sites are great for planning get together's and joining new circles. Use Facebook, Google +, Twitter or your college website to chat and share and create a bond. This will ease you into the start of the new term, and hopefully help you get on with your studies!

Moving in With Your Partner or Spouse

It can be so hard to make friends when you have just moved in with your partner, or you've recently married. You may feel pressured into staying in with them every night instead of going for a drink with a friend. Work commitments during the week, or bringing up children will restrict you from meeting new people in your area, but there are ways to socialize and commit to the family too.

Stay Friends with Old Friends

Just because you have moved, it doesn't mean you have to forget your old mates from back home. Just making a phone call every few days will help you through if you are at home with the kids. If you're out at work all day, give your best buddy a call in the evening. Having a laugh and a catch up will break the routine.

Go Out as a Couple

If you can find a reliable or qualified child minder to watch the kids, make time for yourselves in the evening. By going out to eat, to the cinema or to a gig will get you out once in a while.

If you struggle to go out, then put the children to bed early and cook a meal at home. Invite the neighbors round to get to know them and possibly make new friends.

Join a Parent and Toddler Group

If you have small kids and you're at home with them for most of the time, it can be easy to meet other people in a new area. Go down to your local toddler or play groups where you stay with your child. It's a great way for you child to socialize and play with others and there's a good chance other parents will chat to you too. Just going there once a week for a chat and a coffee while your child plays in a safe environment will keep you sane, with other adults for company.

This is great if you are a single parent on you own as well. Gaining the support from others may help you make permanent friends. Invite them round for lunch or offer to babysit their children, and hopefully they'll do the same for you.

Get a Part Time Job

When you have moved to a new area it could be an idea to find a job and meet local people. Times are hard, but if there is a job out there you could apply for, go for it. Just working in a store in town or helping out in a restaurant will not just give you that extra cash, but the chance to get to know others. Talking to work colleagues or the general public will give you the feel of the area you live in and you will learn about places to go to.

If there are no jobs around, try volunteer work. Helping out in the local school or church will get you meeting people, and a better chance of paid employment if a job comes up.

Go to Evening Classes

Going to college in the evening is not just a great way to learn a new skill and get a qualification. It is also a way to meet people. By doing a course you think you'll enjoy will get you finding friends with a common interest. Telephone your local authority or check websites to find dates and costs to suit you.

Dance classes, aerobics or doing a new sport in the evenings will get you fit, motivated and ready to socialize. Group activities will throw you together and give you the opportunity to meet for drinks or meals too.

Moving To A New Country

Moving from one area of the country to another is one thing, but going abroad to live is something else. There may be many factors to consider when you are going to another country, but it may be worth while to give it a try to see if it works out.

There may be a language barrier, but try not to let that put you off. There are loads of ways to learn a new language. Being around people in the country will help you to learn, as you'll be picking up words and phrases all the time.

By purchasing CD's and DVD's you can try and get to grips with learning the language in your own time. Some claim to be very effective, and it is a cheaper way of doing it. Get yourself a phrase book, but learn how to pronounce the words correctly. Home tutoring may be another option, but it may be costly.

Learn The Culture

It can be exciting to go abroad and learn about the culture and food, but actually living there and adapting it to your own life may be a challenge.

You do not have to change the way you are, but you will have to accept the social society in your new country. Make sure you do your homework beforehand. Know the laws and regulations, and what is or isn't acceptable.

You've Given it a Go

You may be moving because you have no choice. Your landlord may be selling his property, you may not get along with your neighbors, or you have divorced and sold your house. If you decide to change areas, you have made a brave decision. It could take months to settle into your new town, but once you have familiarized yourself, you may think it was the best thing you ever did.