Imagine: you are standing in your empty living room. The moving boxes are gone. Your house suddenly feels bare. Then you feel tears welling up. This happens to almost everyone who moves. Moving and emotions go hand in hand. It is a very personal change that is much more than just moving things from A to B. In this article we give you tips so that you can get used to the new environment faster. This way you can move to your new place with peace of mind.

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With Moving you will quickly feel at home

At Moving, we understand this. We have helped thousands of people through their move. We can handle the practical side of things. But what do you do with that knot in your stomach? With those sudden doubts? With the homesickness after a move? In this guide, we will help you through all the emotions. From letting go of your house to feeling at home in your new environment faster. Because yes, you can make that transition easier. Feel at home quickly after… a difficult move.

What makes moving so emotional sometimes?

The Psychology Behind Moving Emotions

Your home is much more than four walls and a roof. It is your familiar place. This is where you have laughed, cried and dreamed. This is where you know every creaking floorboard. This is where you know exactly where the light switch is in the dark. Scientists call this 'place attachment'. Your brain makes emotional connections with your environment. These connections run deep. It is especially important to have patience. Do you not have this? This is counterproductive and this is not at all strange. Some people need a few months to get used to it and some people quickly forget their old familiar environment.

Feeling at home after a move is difficult

Think about your childhood bedroom. Didn’t it immediately evoke certain feelings? That happens because places store memories. They literally form a part of who you are. That’s why moving sometimes feels like losing a piece of yourself. Your familiar surroundings disappear. Your routines fall away. Everything that was predictable becomes uncertain. People experience this as a form of mourning. And that’s true. You mourn what you’re losing. That’s completely normal. Adapting to a new environment means that you have to do your best to get to know new people, explore the new neighborhood… and this is stressful because it all has to do with feelings and you just need time to get used to it.

What emotions come with moving?

Moving and emotions can surprise you. One day you are excited about your new home. The next day you cry about your old home. There is a lot involved in a move and the majority of people will experience stress. This is because a move always involves different emotions because you are leaving your old environment. This is of course a big change. It also does not matter whether the move is voluntary or forced. Moving can be stressful and people develop homesickness or even other psychological complaints.

Here are the emotions we encounter most often:

Grief and Loss You miss the ray of sunshine that came through your bedroom window every morning. Or the way your kitchen smelled of coffee. This grief is real and valid.

1. Fear of the unknown
“What if I don’t make any friends?” “What if the new neighborhood isn’t a good fit for me?” These worries keep you up at night.

2. Excitement about new opportunities

Your new house has a bigger yard! You can finally set up that study! This joy makes everything worth it.

3. Anger about hassle

The movers are late. Your internet is not working. The previous tenants left a mess behind. Frustration is part of it.

4. Nostalgia

You think back to dinners with friends. To your child's first steps in the hallway. To Christmas evenings by the fireplace.

5. Guilt

“Am I doing this to my children?” “Should I have done this?” Self-criticism often creeps in.

Sarah from Utrecht says: “I thought I was going crazy. One minute I was overjoyed with our new home. The next minute I missed our old apartment so much that I physically ached. My husband didn’t understand. Luckily, I learned that this is normal.”

Different types of moves feel different

Not every move affects you in the same way. Different factors determine how hard it is. Voluntary moves feel different than forced moves. If you choose a better neighborhood or live bigger, you carry the change. You have control.

Homesickness after moving is very normal

But what if financial problems force you to move? Or your job sends you to another city? Then you feel powerless. The emotional burden becomes heavier. Distance also plays a role. Moving within your city is one thing. Your old friends stay close. You still know the shops and cafes. Moving to another province really means starting over. Making new social contacts. Getting used to your new environment. Building a new social network. International moves are even more extreme. Different language, different culture, different customs. Everything is new.

Moving and emotions: keep your goal in mind

Try to let go of your home – your motivation as an anchor

When the move gets tough, go back to your “why.” Why did you take this step? What do you want to achieve? Write down your reasons. Hang them on your refrigerator. Look at them when you have doubts.

Common reasons:

1. Boost your career.

Getting that dream job in Amsterdam. Starting your own business in another city. Don't start from scratch, because this can be extra scary.

2. Larger living for your growing family.

Finally a garden where the children can play. An extra bedroom for the baby that is coming. The level of involvement of the family is very important here.

3. Move to a better neighborhood.

Safer streets. Better schools. More greenery around you. This is a big change and situation.

4. Making financial progress.

Lower mortgage. Lower housing costs. Save money for fun things. Are you moving to a bigger home? Then you may have more costs and it is important to keep an eye on your expenses.

5. Live closer to family.

Grandpa and grandma around the corner. Help with the children. More social support. So you don't just have to explore the new neighborhood, but also ask friends and family who can help you for support. Below we give you an example:

Tom from Groningen says: “We moved to The Hague for my work. When I got homesick after two months, I read my list again. 30% salary increase, better career opportunities, the sea 15 minutes away. That helped me to persevere.”

Visualize your new life

Step 1. Make your home cozy starts in your mind.

Imagine what your new home will look like. Where will the sofa go? How will you furnish the children's room? People often start by making the living room cozy. Think of skirting boards or plants. Also in the garden a tree and for example many plants so that you will have more time for yourself.

Step 2. Think of new routines.

Which bakery are you going to try? Where are you going to run? Which coffee bar will be your regular? Sitting at home a lot is of course not going to help you. People have to get used to their new surroundings and the more you go outside the faster you will feel at ease.

Step 3. Imagine yourself making new social connections.

Maybe through the neighbors? Or at the sports club? Through your children at school? Making new friends quickly is very important and it will help you feel at home faster. This mental preparation helps enormously. Your brain will see the change as an opportunity instead of a threat. A move is not just about moving furniture, but you see that it also brings emotions with it.

Practical tips to make moving emotionally easier

We would like to give you a few tips that can help you. By hiring a moving company, a moving assistant can take a lot of stress off your hands. With a certified moving company, you are assured of a pleasant move. To prevent stress during the move, you can now easily request free quotes from Moving. Our movers are happy to help you.

Tip 1 – Think about what exactly you find difficult

Stress often arises from uncertainty. What exactly scares you? Name it. Write it down.

Social concerns:

Missing old friends and losing touch
Uncertainty about making new friends
Children who have difficulty with a new school
Partner who reacts differently to the move

Practical challenges:

Financial pressure from moving costs
Choosing and Coordinating a Moving Company
Administrative hassle
Time pressure and organization

Emotional obstacles:

Farewell to the house full of memories
Fear of the unknown
Perfectionism and high expectations
Feelings of guilt about impact on family

For each point you make an action plan. What can you do about it? Who can you talk to? What help can you get?

Linda from Amersfoort shares: “I had written down 15 worries. Seemed overwhelming. But when I came up with a solution for each worry, it suddenly became manageable. Number 1 was staying in touch with my best friend. Solution: video calling every Wednesday. Simple, but it helped.”

Give yourself the space to have these worries. They are valid. They are normal. And they are solvable.

Tip 2 – choose a moment to say goodbye yourself

A conscious farewell to the house makes it easier to let go of your old home. It gives closure.

For yourself alone

Walk through each room one more time. Pause at special places. The corner where your child took his first steps. The window where you drank coffee every morning.

Talk to your house.

Sounds crazy? It doesn't. Thank it for everything it has given you. For the warm evenings. For safety. For all the beautiful memories.

With your family

Organize a final family afternoon. Let everyone tell about their favorite place. Make a final round together. Take a group photo at the front door.

Plant something in the garden together.

A flower that symbolizes your time there. The new residents get a story with it.

With friends

Invite your best friends for a farewell drink. In the empty living room with some bottles of wine on the floor. No fuss. Just being together.

Take group photos.

Collect contact information. Schedule a return time.

In the neighborhood

Visit your favorite places one last time. That nice new coffee shop you always went to. The bakery that knew your name. The playground where your kids played.

Greet familiar faces.

Tell them you're leaving. People are often nicer than you think. Some give you their number. Others wish you luck.

Give yourself time for this process. There is no rush.

Tip 3 – take photos or videos of your home

Visual memories help you let go. You know that the good times won't go away.

Systematic documentation:

Photograph each room from different angles. Notice the details you might forget. That weird spot where the sun always shines in. The way the light filters through the curtains at night. Take seasonal photos if you have the time. Your garden in the spring. The living room with Christmas decorations. The front yard with snow. Walk through your house as you tell the story. Tell about each room. What did you do there? What will you miss? What was special here?

Let family members tell their own story. Children talk about their room differently than you do. Partners see things differently. Make a time-lapse of packing. Capture the chaos, but also the progress. Interview yourself. What will you miss? What are you looking forward to? How do you feel at this moment?

These images become precious. Especially when you get homesick in your new home. They help you look back with gratitude without holding on.

Tip 4 – Take meaningful items from your previous home

Familiar objects help you feel at home faster. They form a bridge between old and new.

Comfort items are your first priority. Your favorite pillow, that soft blanket, your trusted mug. Small things that immediately provide security. Unpack these first. Put your mug in the new kitchen right away. Put your blanket on the new couch. Create small islands of familiarity. Photo frames of beautiful moments. That vase from your grandmother. The paintings you made yourself. Living memories are also important. Plants are worth gold. They bring life and continuity. Those plants from your old garden? Dig them up and take them with you.

Anna from Rotterdam: “I brought my old kitchen cabinets with me. It may have seemed strange in the new house, but every time I opened them, I felt at home. That familiarity was priceless.”

Tip 5 – avoid sales stress

Stress when selling your old home makes everything harder. Good preparation makes a huge difference. Make sure you have realistic expectations. Have an estate agent value your home. Compare it with sales in the neighborhood. Understand the market. Always set a realistic asking price. Too high means it will be on the market forever. Too low feels like giving away.

Tip 6 – leave the viewings to an estate agent

A licensed real estate agent between you and the buyers saves you emotional pain. Don't be too hard on yourself - this is their job, not your passion. Emotional protection is very important. You don't have to listen to criticism about your house. The agent filters that for you.

Tip 7 – Ask interested parties to write a note

A personal letter from buyers helps you let go of your house. You see that it is in good hands. Have insight into who is going to live there. What are their plans? How do they see your house? This gives you the feeling that your house is appreciated. Not just for the square meters, but for what it is.

What to ask in letters:

Personal situation: who are you guys? why are you moving?
Plans for the house: are you going to renovate? How are you going to use it?
Connection: what do you like about the house? Why this house?

Sample letter: “We are Mark and Lisa with our two children aged 6 and 8. We are completely in love with your beautiful garden and the cosy living room. Our children can already see themselves playing under the big tree in the back. We love the character of the house and want to live in it with respect. The kitchen is perfect for our big family dinners…”

This personal touch makes taking your home emotionally much more acceptable.

Do's and don'ts for your housewarming

Do's – what to do at your housewarming

A well-organized housewarming party marks your new beginning. It helps you feel at home faster and make new social contacts. Planning the timing well is also very important! Wait 4-8 weeks after the move. You will then have the first chaos behind you, but you are not yet used to it. Always choose a weekend. People then have time and feel like coziness. Even the new neighbors!

Activities that work:

Exploring the new neighborhood together
Photos show the entire moving process
Ask for local tips and recommendations
Games for those who feel like it
Just having a nice chat with a drink

Don'ts – what to avoid at your housewarming

Avoiding perfection stress. You don’t have everything finished. That’s perfectly okay. Guests understand that you just moved. Focus on coziness, not on perfect decor. A pizza on the floor can be more fun than a stiff dinner.

Emotional Stages of the Moving Process

Before the move: anticipation and preparation

Don't be too hard on yourself at this stage. Mixed feelings are completely normal.

12-8 weeks before moving:

First excitement about new possibilities. You browse enthusiastically through FundaYou make lists of everything you are going to do.

Then the doubts arise. “Are we doing the right thing?” “What if it doesn’t work out?” Sometimes you dream restlessly.

8-4 weeks before moving:

Reality is sinking in. You are really leaving. Saying goodbye to the house is getting closer.

Organizational stress is increasing. Arranging a moving company, changing addresses, buying boxes. It's piling up.

Last 4 weeks:

Intense preparation. Packing, arranging, making appointments. Your head is spinning from all the decisions.

Emotional exhaustion.

Different emotions mixed together. You are tired before the move starts.

Tips for this phase:

Schedule time for rest and relaxation
Divide tasks fairly with your partner
Ask for help from family and friends
Give yourself space for all emotions

During the move: acute stress and chaos

Moving day brings stress that you underestimated. Certified movers help with the practice, but emotionally it remains tough. What to expect: Getting up much earlier than usual. Adrenaline from the first moment. It is all physically hard work despite professional help. You want to help and control.

After the move: adjustment and integration

People often experience a dip after the initial excitement. This is the reality phase. Everything is new and strange.

Impact of moving in the first week

Survival mode. Focus on basic needs: sleep, eat, shower. Unpack essentials. Clothes, kitchenware, work materials. Also, various factors make everything strange. Different sounds, different light, different smells. The fatigue of the move catches up with you. You may sleep badly.

Weeks 2-4: You start to feel at home

Slowly getting used to your new surroundings. You learn where the light switches are. First local discoveries. Which supermarket? Where is the pharmacy? Which route to work?

6+ months: feeling at home

New social network starts to take shape. You have a few people you can call. Real connection to the place starts. You start to feel at home.

Moving becomes a positive memory. You are proud of what you have accomplished.

Important: Give yourself time. Research shows that it takes an average of 6-12 months to fully adjust to a new living environment. Some people are there after 3 months. Others need a year. Both are normal.

Specific situations and emotional challenges

Children and moving: emotional support

Children often experience moving more intensely than adults. Their whole world changes suddenly.

Toddlers and preschoolers (2-5 years):

They don't understand yet what's happening. "Why are we sleeping here?" "Where are my toys?"

Typical reactions:

Back to baby behavior: bedwetting again, more crying
Extra need for hugs and mommy/daddy
Confusion about where “home” is now
Fear of the unknown

How to help: Keep familiar routines. Same bedtime story. Same breakfast. Always unpack favorite toys first. Put stuffed animals in familiar places. Make your home cozy with familiar things. Those plants, those photos, those colorful pillows.

School-going children (6-12 years):

They understand what is happening, but have little control. That is frustrating.

Emotional challenges:

Worries about new school and making friends
Missing familiar places and activities
Fear of losing old friends
Anger about forced change

Practical support: Visit the new school for the first day. Meet the teacher. Look around. Organize a farewell party with old friends. Plan a sleepover. Help build a new social network. Talk to other parents. Organize play dates.

Teenagers (13-18 years):

For them this is really drastic. Their identity is linked to their friends and environment.

Specific issues:

Resistance to relocation and anger towards parents
Fear of losing social contacts
Identity crisis due to loss of familiar environment
Concerns about final exams and future plans

Guidance approach: Respect their feelings. Give space for protest and grief. Facilitate regular contact with old friends. Help with transportation for visits. Involve them in decisions about new homes and neighborhoods. Let them participate in choosing where possible. Give them time to get used to things without pressure. Don't force instant friendships.

Marieke from Eindhoven: “My 15-year-old daughter hated me for months. She missed her friends terribly. I remained patient, helped with trips to the old city, and slowly she accepted the change. Now, a year later, she has beautiful friendships here too.”

Moving at a later age

Seniors often have extra challenges when moving. Letting go of lifelong memories feels harder.

Specific emotional challenges

Saying goodbye to the house where your children grew up. Where your partner may have died.

Letting go of social contacts that you have built up over decades.

The neighbor who always came for coffee. Physical limitations that make moving more difficult. Less energy, more help needed. Actively involve family and friends. Let them help with packing and making decisions. Choose familiar items in the new house. That armchair where you always read. That dinnerware from your wedding day. Consciously seek new social contacts. Community centers, hobby groups, volunteer work.

Arie from Apeldoorn (73): "After 45 years we moved from our house to an apartment. I thought I was going crazy with grief. But now, two years later, I enjoy the low-maintenance living. And the new neighbors are also very nice."

When to seek professional help

Signs that you need support

Sometimes moving and emotions can be overwhelming. Don't be too hard on yourself if you need help.

Warning signs: Long-term gloomy feelings. More than a few months after the move, still sad every day.

Panic attacks or extreme anxiety. Your heart is pounding, you can't breathe, you don't dare be home alone anymore.

Persistent sleep problems. Weeks of poor sleep affects you physically and mentally.

Eating disorders. No appetite or eating too much due to stress.

Social isolation. You withdraw from everyone. You stop calling old friends. In case of homesickness that just won't go away. When it's still as bad after months as it was in the beginning.

Embracing the positives of moving

New opportunities and personal growth

Moving forces you out of your comfort zone. That is scary, but also powerful for personal development. You are more resilient than you thought. You have gone through a very personal change and survived. You can now adapt. Develop new routines. Make new social contacts. Build a new social network.

You discover new sides of yourself. Maybe you are more social than you thought. Or more adventurous. Or more independent. Opportunities that arise: Living bigger might mean space for new hobbies. That workshop you dreamed of. A better neighborhood opens doors. Better schools for children. More culture and nature nearby. New career opportunities. Other companies, other networks, other opportunities.

Appreciate practical benefits

Better quality of living makes a difference every day. More space to breathe. More beautiful surroundings to look at. Financial benefits feel good. Lower mortgage means more money for fun things. Holidays, hobbies, eating out. New facilities that enrich your life. Better gym, nice restaurants, more beautiful nature. Practical improvements that take away stress. Shorter distance to work. Better public transport. Parking space in front of the door.

Maria from Haarlem: “We moved from Amsterdam to here for a bigger house with a garden. The first few months I missed the city terribly. But now, two years later, I can’t imagine going back. The kids play outside, I have a vegetable garden, and the hustle and bustle has disappeared from my life.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving and Emotions

1. Is it normal to be so emotional about moving?

Absolutely. Moving is on the list of most stressful life experiences. Along with divorce, death, and being fired. Your familiar surroundings disappear. Everything that was predictable changes. It hits you deeply. People are often ashamed of their emotions. “It’s just a house.” But it’s not just a house. It’s your home. Your history. Your safe place. Give yourself permission to be sad. To be scared. To be excited. All emotions are valid.

2. How long will it take before I feel at home in my new house?

It varies per person. Some people feel at home after a month. Others need a year. On average, psychologists speak of 6-12 months for full adjustment. But that is average. You set your own pace.

Factors that influence it:

How far you have moved
Whether you have children
Whether you have work in the new place
How social you are
How much support you have

Don't stress if it takes longer than others. Give yourself time.

3. What do I do if my partner reacts very differently to the move?

Different reactions are normal. Some people process change quickly, others need time. Communicate openly: Tell how you feel without criticizing the other person. “I feel lonely” instead of “You don’t understand me.” Listen to your partner without immediately giving solutions. Sometimes people just want to be heard. Respect each other’s pace. Don’t force similar emotions. Find compromises! Plan activities together to explore a new neighborhood. But respect if one of you is not ready yet. Divide tasks based on what each person can handle. If you can’t unpack, do something else. Consider short-term counseling if you can’t figure it out. A few conversations can help.

4. How do I help my children who are having difficulty moving?

Patience and understanding are key. Children have little control over the move. This is frustrating for them.

5. When should I seek professional help for moving stress?

If it affects your daily life for more than a few months.

Concrete signals:

Homesickness that is still just as intense after 6 months
Panic attacks or severe feelings of anxiety
Unable to sleep or eat
You withdraw from everyone
You cannot function at work
You think about leaving every day

Don't wait until it's really bad. Early help prevents problems from getting worse.

Many people think, “I should be able to do this myself.” But seeking professional help is actually strong. It shows that you are taking responsibility for your well-being.

6. How do I keep in touch with old friends after moving?

Conscious and regular contact works best. Old friends are precious. Invest in them. Practical tips: Plan fixed moments. Every Sunday, app that one friend. Every month, video call your best friend. Organize regular visits. Take turns to see each other. Use technology wisely. WhatsApp groups, video calls, online games together. Share your new life. Send photos of your new home, of fun discoveries in the new neighborhood. Be realistic. Not all friendships survive a move. That is painful but normal. Focus on the connections that do remain. Plan reunions. An annual weekend with the old group of friends, for example. Invite them to your new home. Let them get to know your new life.

Homesickness after a move.. from letting go to new beginnings

Moving and emotions go hand in hand. We have shown you that in detail. From homesickness after a move to feeling at home faster – it is all part of the process.

At Moving, we are here to help and have guided thousands of people through this journey. We know that the emotional side is often heavier than the practical side. Packing boxes can be learned by anyone. Letting go of your home and getting used to your new surroundings? That takes time, patience and self-compassion.

Finding the right moving company with Moving

Are you moving soon? Download our free emotional moving checklist. It contains concrete steps to prepare yourself for all the feelings that are coming. Have you just moved? Share your experiences in the comments. What helps you feel at home faster? Other people who are moving can learn from your story. Do you have questions about the practical side of moving? Contact our team. We are happy to help you with a carefree move. From moving boxes to certified movers – we take care of it all.

Feel at home faster? We are happy to help you

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