In April, I loaded up my SUV with every single thing I owned and drove to Denver. I sold just about everything in my 2 bedroom/2 bath home the weeks leading up to this move. The physical and emotional act of moving was shockingly easy. I spent 5 years collecting the most perfect pieces of furniture, artwork and home accents and then in turn sold all of them. Going through the process I just forged forward and did not look back.
I was genuinely surprised at how easy it was to leave my home, family and friends and move 2,000 miles. Over the last seven months, I have anxiously awaited when and how the move would hit me. As the holidays approach the severity of this relocation has crept in. All the sudden I have started to greatly miss New Hampshire, my old home, the family and friends that still reside back East. As Denver slowly becomes 'home', I am sure the excitement is wearing off. Do not get me wrong, I LOVE Denver but it is becoming 'real life' and well, thats just not as exciting at times.
When relocating often times people can find themselves in a transitional state for months or years. I can not tell you how many people I have spoke to that admit they rented when they first moved here and several years later they are still in the same rental because it just became easier to stay. With a big life change, often we find ourselves grasping on to the most comfortable thing and for many home is a comfortable thing.
So how does one deal with the unexpected emotions of relocating that can come up?
1. Try to find a group of friends. Easier said than done, I know. I have found it comforting to make friends with people that are transplants from the East Coast. Look for meetup groups for people where you are from or things you enjoy doing.
2. Make time for old friends. Sometimes it can be especially hard with a time difference but try to maintain or enrich that connection.
3. Better yet, convince family and friends that they should move out here. My sister was the first to move to Denver and over the past three years, my family has followed. For many, Denver is an easy sell.
4. Try to make your current home homey no mater how temporary. When I first came to Denver, my natural inclination was to drop my bags and go explore. Try to unpack to make the please less transitional. Incorporate things from where you used to live - pictures and mementoes work well.
5. Get out and get to know the area. Make your new home actually home.
6. Take time to go back to your old home if you can. Depending on where you are originally from, that may not be as easy but try to plan something.
7. Roll with the punches. If you are anything like me, homesickness will come at the most random times.
8. Be patient. Making new friends, a new sense of community and a new home takes time. It will eventually fall into place.
Remember.....
In addition to writing for Daigle's Digs, Elizabeth works full-time as a Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty Downtown, LLC. Elizabeth's expertise is in buying and selling a home, first time home buyers, short sales, and investment properties. Contact Elizabeth for any real estate needs. Cell 303-819.73.71. Work 720-314-8352.
