The moving blues: how to adapt to your new home

Is it normal to feel disoriented?

Absolutely. Even when a move is well planned, it still represents a significantly transition period. Leaving a place where you’ve created habits and memories may lead to a feeling of loss, nostalgia, or even uncertainty. A move often triggers a mixture of emotions, known as the “moving blues”.

People often think that once the boxes are unpacked, the most difficult part is behind them. But adapting to a new living environment can take time. The stress of moving is characterized in different ways:

• Loss of reference points, no longer knowing where things are, not knowing the neighbours, the routes, etc.
• Symbolic grieving for your previous home and your former habits;
• Physical and mental fatigue related to organization, boxes, decisions to make and steps to take;
• The difference between the excitement before the move and the return to reality after settling in.

So how long does it take before you feel “at home”? It depends, from one person to another. The guiding principle is to be patient and make progress one step at a time… In a few days to several weeks, you’ll get used to your new dwelling. Despite the stress of a move, some people fall in love with the experience. Experience and some well-applied tools can facilitate this transition and quickly warm you to a new apartment!

What’s a better way to live with the stress of moving?

Put on rose-coloured glasses

Take the drama out of the moving blues. As explained previously, this is a completely normal phenomenon. So there’s no need to make too much of it. Even if one day seems a little grey, think about changing the way you look at the situation. Look at your new everyday life through rose-coloured glasses!

After all, this move is intended to be a springboard to something else. There are new opportunities at the end of your nose! By accepting that a transition period is necessary between your former life and your new life, you will be able to advance at your own pace in this plan for a new start.

Take time to notice the small pleasures that take shape little by little: a coffee shop in your new district, a, friendly neighbour, a natural setting to discover or a new routine you enjoy. These little moments often gradually transform a mere dwelling into a real place to be at home!

Make the new environment your own

Some habits may follow you from place to place. Did you have the habit of going for coffee in the local restaurant? Find a friendly new place to resume your ritual: sometimes maybe to meet your new neighbours. It’s the same principle if you used to walk or jog in the neighbourhood: continue where you left off. Why not discover new streets while you jog?

Don’t hesitate to build on your strengths! A move is an opportunity to discover your adaptability and develop new habits. By showing openness and curiosity, it becomes easier to master a new environment and see the possibilities it offers. This transition can be the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, have new encounters and build an everyday life that corresponds even better to your aspirations.

Create a home to your taste, one day at a time

The objects you own also play a major role in this transition. To soothe the anxiety related to the move, JuridiQC suggests you create a box of your essentials and comforting objects. “Keep your box within reach, in your car or in an easily accessible place, so that you can unpack it when you arrive in your new home.”

It may be tempting to unpack everything and arrange it all immediately. However, regaining a sense of comfort often follows a certain path, one step at a time. Start by organizing the rooms most used every day, such as the kitchen, the bedroom and the living room, so you quickly recreate familiar reference points. A functional and neatly arranged space helps reduce the feeling of disorder and gradually take charge of your new living environment.

Finally, there’s no need to replace everything or spend a fortune to personalize your space: a few well-chosen accessories, a new furniture layout, plants or a touch of colour may be enough to transform a room. It’s also possible to decorate without going broke!

Must I notify my moving insurer?

Yes. On the same basis that several organizations must be informed of a change of address, contact your trusted insurer to update your tenant or homeowner insurance. A few minutes will be enough to enter this new stage in your life with all the peace of mind you deserve! With time, your new home will become familiar and comforting. Be proud of it, spread the good news and celebrate!