Just moved out of London and feeling a bit weird

[anotherbitofcake]

It's normal right? Am veering between loving having a house and space and a garden and easy drive/walk to countryside but am a bit apprehensive about the change in culture and lifestyle. Moved to a lovely area but its v different to what I'm used to. Have also just gone on mat leave so again loving not commuting and dealing with office politics but freaking out by complete change when babio comes along and I turn into a mum. Reassurance needed please! Help!

1. Neighbour approached me and I took up offer (though am dreading it)
2. made effort to do nct and now trying hard to keep in touch

Not feeling v brave but just pushing myself out there. Will try other groups too. Agree vvv hard if move and already have dcs. Much easier to settle when u r dc age! I'm pathetically rubbish at making the effort hides behind my own mum's skirt

I grew up in London

Moved away aged 29 (apart from 4 years at uni)

I just thought thank fuck for that

Mind you I moved to another city sp I suppose thre is still some Londoner in me. Can't bear those twee little villages of smug market towns. Love the city.

About to do this move, and yes feeling same apprehensions. I have resolved to find a walking club ASAP! I still have no idea where nearest big supermarket is compared to the zillion I currently have on my doorstep. Can't wait to move but also can't see how I am meant to just fall into country living after years of London living hardening me. The thought of being all pally with neighbours makes me faint...how will this antisocial bordering on reclusive Londoner fare?!

The baby will be your meal ticket, my soon to be a tweenager will hopefully keep me busy on taxi duty!

For me neighbours are the key - but it does not mean they need to be your best pals, but it's a way of feeling connected. Also these are the people that will take your dc to school when you need to stay at home when the other is sick or pick them up when you are running late or take your parcels in for you. Use Christmas to your advantage! We moved just before Easter - so I organised an Easter egg hunt for all the neighbours with kids. It was carnage (it rained.. Had to do it indoors) but the bribing with chocolate worked!! Maybe send some Christmas cards to neighbours?? Or go round with mince pies and questions (where is the x,y,z??? What the best? Who's your window cleaner etc). None of this is my usual demeanour - put you bravest face on and do it!! (I also would write down everyone's name after they told me because with nerves I kept forgetting :)

Just to give a different perspective, we moved out of London nearly two years ago... and are now moving back! Yesterday put in an offer on a house in N London.

Yes, we have a much bigger house here with a garden, etc. but I found it so incredibly dull and I can't wait to get back to the smoke. In fact I told the estate agent that I'm never going outside the M25 again

Oh Rat how exciting! N London you say? House warming anyone?

Echo, the explore bit, get to know you local space intimately, you will become connected, if you do it daily.

Contact the cinnamon trust and ask if anyone needs a dog walking in the area.

If you become involved with the local green areas, you will feel as if belongs to you.

Sauce, you're welcome anytime.

I miss Islington :(

Me too Crumpet -

Good luck with the move Rat

Leaving London was the best thing we ever did (apart from DCs!). Enjoy it!

RatHammock, can you tell more about your 2 year experience outside M25? I am in a dilemma whether to move out or not (have seen a lovely house outside M25 in a small market town) so any insight helps!

Making move from London in the new year. Just at the horse trading stage with buyers/sellers etc at the mo.

Not far. Like, one hour in the car from where we live now but rural.

Nerves setting in! Wah!

I did this move 4 years ago with a preschooler and baby. It was hard at first. I did force myself to go to baby groups and get involved in preschool. I realised the other day that I have a much better network if friends than I did in London - friends I could call on in an emergency or just to help each other out. It could be that a lot of us are in similar positions - most young families have moved out if London. I've found loads more opportunities out here of things to get involved in.

Also friendships change - the people I first started getting know in my new place are not the people I'm friendly with now. It took a few years to find some of this people!!!

We are moving in the two weeks. I grew up in darkest Somerset and moved to London after uni. I thought this was what I wanted but so stressed about it all. I've grown used to London and love where we live now. The streets round my new house seem too quiet and the place feels foreign. At the moment the most positive thing I can think is at least we are giving it a try we can always come back if it doesn't work!