Moving house – a major life change filled with emotions

Moving is a significant life event, often accompanied by a mix of emotions – stress, nostalgia, but also excitement for the future. This is something Annina Rautio, Customer Experience Manager at SATO, knows well. As do Ida, Kalle, and their pet rat, Biggie Cheese, who have recently completed their own moving journey.

"Moving is a challenging experience for everyone," says Annina Rautio – and if anyone understands the moving process, it's her. As Customer Experience Manager at SATO, Annina listens closely to residents’ experiences at different stages of their moving journey.

"Sometimes, a move is triggered by a major life change – a divorce, the passing of a loved one, or children leaving home," Annina explains, listing some of the reasons why moving can stir such strong emotions.

"A big life change can feel overwhelming – the uncertainty of what’s ahead. That in itself can add to the stress of moving."

Of course, not all major transitions are difficult; many bring joy as well. Moving in with a partner or upgrading to a bigger home for a growing family are often exciting milestones.

That excitement was certainly felt by Ida Nystedt and Kalle Manninen, who recently moved into their first shared home in Veräjälaakso, Helsinki, along with their pet rat, Biggie Cheese.

"I’ve always enjoyed moving – decorating a new space and exploring a new neighbourhood," Ida says.

At just 19 years old, she’s already a seasoned mover: "I think I’ve lived at ten different addresses."

Their dream rental home was found in Veräjälaakso, right next to Oulunkylä. The two-storey SATO building, constructed in the late 1980s, offered everything they were looking for: large windows facing three directions, separate rooms for both Ida and Kalle, and nearly 70 square metres for Biggie Cheese to roam freely.

Aiming for a smooth and easy move

SATO understands that moving can be overwhelming, so making the process as seamless and stress-free as possible has been a priority. "In recent years, we've put a lot of thought into how we, as a rental housing provider, can help reduce the stress of moving," says Annina.

"For example, we send moving letters to residents before their move to keep communication flowing after the lease is signed, ensuring there isn’t a long period of silence before moving day. These letters aim to create a positive atmosphere around the move and provide helpful reminders, such as submitting a change of address notification and arranging moving boxes."

During the move itself, SATO's House Experts and Customer Service teams play a key role in resolving any issues that may arise. "The condition and cleanliness of apartments are particularly sensitive matters," Annina explains. "Unfortunately, there are times when we’re unable to inspect a home before a new resident moves in, so it’s the responsibility of the departing resident to leave it in good condition."

The busiest periods tend to be at the end of the month, when up to 30 residents may be moving out, returning their keys at noon – just an hour before new residents arrive to pick them up.

"If someone moves in and finds leftover food in the fridge or even the previous tenant’s sofa, it’s an unpleasant situation. That’s when we need to act quickly. Responding promptly is one way we show care and support."

"If any problems arise, we encourage residents to reach out to us – we’re here to help through that stressful moment."

Thankfully, most moves go smoothly, and feedback from residents often highlights the ease of the process and the good condition of the apartments.

That was the case for Ida and Kalle: their move was straightforward and hassle-free – even quicker than they had expected.

What to bring to a new home?

According to Annina, moving is much more than just packing belongings into a van and unloading them at the new place. "Moving starts with searching for a home, choosing the right neighbourhood, and getting familiar with the area. It’s also about preparation – packing up your old home and deciding what you want to bring to your new one. It’s the beginning of a new chapter."

Ida and Kalle quickly found their rental home online, booked a viewing, and were drawn to its modern style and wooden details. Now, their home is filled with carefully chosen furniture, each piece with its own story. Many of them are second-hand finds or gifts from loved ones.

"I realised during the move how much familiar items from my old home make this place feel like home," Kalle shares. That’s why their living room floor is adorned with a colourful wool rug from his parents’ house: "It really brings a homely feel."

After a couple of weeks in their new home, the trio has settled in perfectly. The move was an eye-opening experience, especially for Kalle, who was moving for the first time.

"The moving weekend happened to coincide with my band’s first album recording, which made it a bit stressful. And you don’t realise how much stuff you own until you move!" he laughs.

"Despite everything, it all went surprisingly smoothly."

Now that their daily life has settled into a routine, Ida and Kalle are looking ahead. "I can’t wait to invite friends over and start making memories in our new home," Ida says.

"And to enjoy a cup of coffee on the balcony in summer, watching the trains go by," Kalle adds.

This story is part of the 85 years of SATO living series, where residents of SATOhomes share glimpses into their unique lives.

This content has been translated with the help of generative AI. Tämä sisältö on käännetty generatiivisen tekoälyn avulla.