How do you rebuild your support system when you move?

Welcome to myLot JennaEmmaMom! I recently moved over 900 miles away from where I used to live. There's now an entire state between my old state and my new state. Almost my entire family lived in the area I moved from and the only people I know here are a few friends that I knew less than 6 months before moving and had only met once before moving. I don't feel like I'm needing to rebuild my support system, though. Everyone I know is still only a phone call, letter, e-mail, text, or visit away. If I need someone, I just give them a call. The fact that I don't live right there anymore doesn't change the fact that these people are my friends and family. Will I make new friends? Sure, but that doesn't take away from the people I already know.

Moving is hard. Learning to start over in a unfamiliar place is hard, but you can first start by getting to know your neighbors. Go to them and introduce your self, most of the time they are wanting to come say hi or something to you but feel you are way to busy trying to get settled to be bothered. If you have children, get involved with the schools, ask the teachers if she needs any help, attend PTA/PTO meetings. You will soon be on your way to rebuilding a great life. Best Wishes!

well, if it were me, i would call the welcome wagon and get introduced to the local services and whatnot and then i would go to a local church (i am baptist) and try it out for a couple of weeks and if i didnt like that church, i would try another one.

Here is what worked for us: We moved to a new neighborhood and went for walks whenever we could so we would run into people. We were lucky to meet some couples there and then we and the other couples created a neighborhood group. We worked together to pick up trash and started a neighborhood watch program. The group fizzled out after just three years, but our friendships are still strong. These neighbors are like family to me. Another thing that keeps our neighborhood together is our willingness to drop everything for each other. If anyone needs help, there is always someone willing to step up. Make sure you offer to help your neighbors whenever you can. Finally, try to create some rituals that bind you together. We play cards on winter weekends. On Sundays in the summer, we usually have a cookout together. We have a memorial day cookout every year and celebrate each others birthdays together. now that I am thinking of all the wonderful things we do together, I want to cry with joy! I am so lucky to have so many great friends right next door!

What about getting involved in the community you move to by volunteering or taking some courses at a local community college? Those are great ways to meet people.

First off, get yourself unpacked. While you are unpacking think of all the things you can experience in your area. What would you explore if you were vacationing there? Take a trip to the local library. There are usually local book clubs and events happening at the library. Ask someone at the information or check out desk what might be going on and if there is an organization to get you adjusted to the area. When you are doing your grocery shopping or just walking around your neighborhood, introduce yourself and strike up conversations with people around you. Ask them if they have lived in the area all their life and what do they like about the area. Get a map of the local area and explore malls, coffee shops, restaurants. Book stores are another good spot to meet people and ask questions. Of course churches and schools are also good resources. If you are working, talk to fellow co-workers and ask what they enjoy about the area. A local real estate agent or apartment manager may also be able to help you get acquainted. Look at it as an adventure.