🧡 Starting Over in a New Place: Why It’s Hard & How to Find Your People 🖤

Moving somewhere new can be exciting—fresh start, new faces, a chance to reset. But let’s be honest: it can also be really lonely.

Even when it feels like a good decision, starting over often comes with a silent kind of struggle. You might be unpacking boxes while also unpacking the loss of what you left behind: friends, routines, familiar streets, people who just got you. And when the buzz wears off, you’re left facing the quiet. That’s when it hits—this is harder than you expected.

At Lonely Llama, we talk a lot about what it means to feel alone, and moving to a new place is one of the most common triggers. It doesn’t matter how strong or outgoing you are—being the new person is tough. And when you’re a parent? Even tougher.

The Hidden Weight of Moving as a Parent

When you’ve got kids, starting over means so much more than just changing postcodes. You’re navigating school runs, playdates (if they happen), and trying to stay strong for your children when you might be crumbling inside. There’s little time to make new friends, and even less energy to look after yourself.

We recently featured Andrea Symons, who moved to Norfolk after decades in the health and wellness world. With all her experience, even she found it hard to rebuild her client base and reconnect with community. It’s a reminder that no matter who you are, starting from scratch is never easy.

How to Start Finding Your People

If you’re in this place now—new town, new routine, feeling lost—you’re not alone. Here are a few gentle ways to begin finding your people again:

• Start small: You don’t need to join five groups at once. Start with one—maybe a walking club, local café, or parent group.

• Say yes (when you can): Whether it’s a school coffee morning or a neighbour’s invite, these little moments often lead to connection.

• Use social media wisely: Local Facebook groups can help, but aim to turn online chats into real-world meetings when you feel ready.

• Be patient with yourself: You’re not doing it wrong—it just takes time. One solid connection is better than ten surface ones.

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How Lonely Llama Can Help

Lonely Llama was built for people just like you. Through our blogs, support content, and Meet the Locals stories, we shine a light on people in Norfolk doing brilliant things—people who care about building real connection.

Whether you’re a mum, dad, grandparent, or just someone looking to feel less alone, you’re welcome here. We see you. And we’re building this space for you.

💬 Have you recently moved to a new place? Struggling to find your people? Let us know—we’d love to hear your story, or help share it.