If the move is temporary, you may not want to get too close to anyone. You might not want to put strong roots down because they may put you off ever leaving. But it’s important to continue being social in your new home, as it’s good for your wellbeing. 

Try joining an art class, a book club, or chatting with other mums at your child’s school. You will be getting social time while finding out where your kind of people hang out.

Pursue your interests – if you’re a gym junkie, a book club may not be for you. Look at notice boards and Facebook for activities, get to know the people in the bookshop or cafe. Being an introvert can sometimes make moving difficult, but you need to take hold of any little bit of courage you have to start making friends. Get into the habit of talking to strangers – have you tried it? It can be fun, if someone smiles at you, take the leap and say, “How has your day been?” You can find out so many interesting things.

When one mum moved interstate, she started a small business in home demonstrations. This was a great way to get out of the house and meet people. She also hassled her husband: “Do you have any mates who have girlfriends?” For young families, babysitting can be a big issue, but take a chance, ring a school mum and ask if they will do a babysit swap. Amazingly, people often say yes and seem genuinely happy to do so. Try to spread it around, don’t ask the same people every time. If they don’t want you to reciprocate because they have babysitters already, make up for it in other ways, like inviting them to dinner.