“Even difficult feelings are normal, and you can prepare for them” – read a residential counsellor’s tips for moving into your first home

The end of August is a time of major change for many young people, as new students move to the towns and cities where they will be studying. Even if you are excited and looking forward to moving into your own, new home, it is worth being prepared for negative feelings too. A residential counsellor explains how.

Even when moving out on your own is a long-awaited and happy life change, it can also bring difficult feelings.

“Once the rush of moving is over, settling into a new home can feel confusing and lonely at first. Difficult feelings are completely normal in a new situation, and they will pass,” says SATO’s residential counsellor Anu Kujala, whose work involves supporting residents with a variety of matters related to their living in a rental home.

According to Kujala, you can prepare in advance for the emotional ups and downs that come with a major life change.

“If you already know what you will do if, for example, homesickness hits, it is easier to deal with the feeling when it comes.”

So how can you prepare for different feelings in practice? See Anu Kujala’s tips for anyone moving into their first home:

1. Feeling lonely at first is normal

Once everything has found its place, the moving-day pizzas have been eaten and the day is drawing towards your first night in your own home, you may start to feel restless or even afraid.

“Familiar routines can help both your body and mind in a new situation. Think in advance about what you will do first in your new home once moving day is over. It could be a peaceful evening walk, a couple of episodes of a familiar TV series or a call to a friend. If spending the first night alone feels difficult, ask a parent, sibling or trusted friend to stay over,” Kujala advises.

2. Get out of the apartment

Adjusting to a new home and neighbourhood takes time. However, there are ways to speed up the process.

According to Kujala, settling in is closely linked to a sense of being able to manage things independently: Can I find my way around without getting lost or using a map? Do I know where the nearest bus stop is, or the nearest shop?

The sooner you get to know your new neighbourhood, the sooner it will start to feel like your own.

3. Spread kindness around you, in a way that feels right for you

People are often a little more sensitive than usual in the days after moving. The first encounters and everyday experiences can shape how living in your new home building feels for a long time to come.

You can also help create a positive atmosphere yourself. “Smile and say hello to your neighbours, hold the door open and make room in the elevator. You do not have to start a long conversation if it does not feel natural. Even a small friendly gesture shows that someone else sees you. Feeling acknowledged leaves both people feeling good,” Kujala says.

4. Your new apartment does not have to feel like home straight away

It always takes time for an apartment to become a home. There is no need to rush with decorating, and you do not have to buy everything new. Familiar and important belongings and furniture brought from your childhood home can often help make the new place feel more like home.

If the new apartment still does not feel right after a few months, you can always consider moving elsewhere.

“Students enter the rental market at its busiest time of year in mid-summer, and it may be easier to find an apartment that suits you better later in the autumn, for example. Many large rental housing providers, such as SATO, also offer the option of moving easily from one apartment to another,” Kujala says.

5. Take care of practical matters

Remember to take care of the paperwork and practical matters so you can avoid unnecessary problems in what is already an exciting situation.

You can arrange your home insurance policy and electricity contract and submit your notification of move well before you carry your belongings into your new home.

On moving day, make sure that the condition of the apartment matches what has been agreed with the rental housing provider. If anything differs from what was agreed or is not working properly, contact the rental housing provider straight away.

“Also familiarise yourself with the practices for booking and using your home building’s laundry, sauna and common areas, as well as sorting waste properly,” Kujala advises.