The special moving box: How to really arrive in a new city
Moving is a process full of lists and logistics. You've planned the move , hired a moving company , or arranged for friends to help you . The last box has been unpacked, the furniture is in place. The physical part of the move is complete. But then the more difficult part often begins: the emotional arrival. How do you transform a foreign environment into a true home? How do you fill the new apartment not just with things, but also with life, laughter, and new acquaintances?
After the checklist: The emptiness after the move
The moving checklist has been checked off, the address change at the post office has been completed. But what comes next? Especially after moving to a new city or even a new state, a feeling of alienation can set in. Familiar faces are missing, familiar routes are new, and social connections are few and far between. You've packed everything you own in boxes, but the feeling of belonging isn't so easy to pack away. This is precisely where the real work of settling in begins. It's about not just inhabiting the new environment, but exploring it and filling it with positive experiences.
We tend to wait for opportunities to arise. But the greatest power lies in taking the initiative ourselves. A small push can trigger a large movement, as the inspiring talk "How to Start a Movement" impressively demonstrates. It's not about being perfect, but about taking the first step and inviting others to join.
The moving box for encounters: A tool for arrival
Imagine there was a special moving box . One filled not with books or dishes, but with ideas and opportunities for new encounters. This is precisely the idea behind our Action Cards . We see them as a kind of "social moving box" – a perfect gift for yourself or for friends who are moving . They are a playful invitation to see the new neighborhood, the unfamiliar corners, and the people within them with fresh eyes.
Discover your new home with micro-adventures
The cards aren't a simple "to-do list for moving," but a collection of small micro-adventures. They provide context-sensitive inspiration to help you feel at home in your new surroundings. They encourage you to take small, conscious steps out of your comfort zone at the bus stop, at work, or while shopping. The idea is to encourage more random, positive encounters through your own actions and reflection on your own values, thus laying the foundation for new friendships. This approach of bringing about positive change through values-based action is also at the core of the work of our partner , The Art of Embodying Change (TAEC), in a corporate context.
Creating a new social infrastructure – right on your doorstep
As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to strengthen social infrastructure so that more interpersonal interactions can take place. Moving is the perfect opportunity to put this idea into practice on a small scale. What was once the marketplace can now become your new favorite café or the park around the corner. By actively exploring your surroundings and approaching people openly, you'll not only build your own new social network but also contribute to a more vibrant and friendly neighborhood. This transforms moving from a stressful event into a real opportunity for personal growth and new connections.
