Starting out in a new city can be scary especially when you have a chronic illness. Whether you’re moving there temporarily for travel or making a permanent move due to family, a new job, or other personal circumstances; let’s take a look at how to get settled in and explore whilst living with a long-term condition.

1. Speak to other residents before moving

Local Facebook groups are perfect for this. Use them to prepare for your trip or move and ask questions such as: can anyone recommend a great local doctor? where’s the nearest ER? As well as inquiring about other relevant amenities, for example, the gym, yoga classes or support groups for your condition. This can really help you get a feel for the place and ease worries such as finding a great medical team or finding a place that will prescribe your medication.

2. Find the perfect house or appartment

Secondly, make sure you’ve found the perfect base for your stay. With a chronic condition, there may be extra needs to consider-such as a downstairs bathroom if mobility is an issue or a garden that’s easy to maintain when you are low on spoons. Look into your local area’s listings-for example, if you’re moving to Alabama then you might look into St Albert real estate– to see what’s on the market way in advance of your move.

3. Plan ahead for moving day

Moving to a new city can be really stressful, not to mention exhausting. Be careful not to take on too much and call on friends and family to help. If you’re moving far away, could you use a shipping service to save stressing about big items? If you’re not moving for a while, could you perhaps pack your boxes one week at a time so it’s not too overwhelming? Always remember to keep anything vital-like your meds and paperwork-on you in person, just in case it gets lost with movers and shipping companies.

4. Try to make friends

If you’re moving far away permanently, making friends in a new city can be quite daunting. We tend to not think about making friends as adults as many stick with us from school or previous employment. But lots of people are in the same boat! Again, social network is amazing for this. Joining Facebook groups are great but they don’t need to be local ones; if you’re already in some Facebook groups for your hobbies and interests, explain your moving and ask if anyone is local? Twitter is another great one for this. If you’re feeling bold, explain you’re new to the area and would love to meet for coffee if anyone is nearby. Who knows, you may just meet your new best friend!

Planning for a move is always stressful; even if you don’t live with a chronic condition or disability. I hope these tips have given you some inspiration to get excited for a trip or putting down roots in a new city. Now all is left to do is explore and enjoy your new surroundings!

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