Beyond the Suitcase: How Global Citizens on The Move can Build a Sense of Stability at Home
How to Feel at Home, No Matter Where You Live
You know that feeling—new rental, same chaos. Your stuff is still in boxes, the walls are bare, and for a minute, it feels like you’re living in a hotel room with better lighting. No roots, no rhythm, just a pit stop until the next move.
I’ve been there. That stretch of time between moving in and actually feeling at home can be rough. But over the years, I’ve learned that home isn’t about a permanent address—it’s about the little things that ground you, no matter where you are.
So how do you create stability when your life is packed in a suitcase? It comes down to three things: comfort, routine, and familiarity.
1. Comfort: Small Details, Big Impact
You don’t need to invest in big furniture, but you do need small things that make a space feel good. A soft throw, a favorite candle with a scent that is familiar, or that one pillow you’ve dragged across three countries—these are the details that wrap a place in warmth. Lighting is another game-changer: swapping out harsh overhead lights for warm-toned lamps can instantly make a space feel cozy. Personal items, like family pictures or a piece of art that you feel a connection with. Think about things that are really make you smile and when you see them in your home, that make you feel calm and happy. For me, our picture books of the girls and a nicely set table is what makes me feel at home. I love a good piece of crockery and when we have dinner in a cozy setting makes me feel homely. Even in short-term rentals, small touches like fresh flowers ( which is a favorite of mine) can create a feeling of belonging.
2. Routine: Finding Stability in Daily Habits
Your surroundings may change, but your habits can stay the same. For me, it’s the sound of the coffee machine, when my husband makes me a coffee in the morning or our Jack Johnson playlist during Saturday breakfast. Your morning coffee ritual, an evening skincare routine, a Sunday playlist—these are the anchors that make any space feel like yours. Designating a cozy corner for reading or journaling also helps create a sense of place, no matter where you are. Of course, when you have children, you need to focus on routine. I learned that the smallest routine is the best way to go and build from there. Routine for them is what makes them anchor, the sports, the weekend routines and for us, the biggest anchor and routine is Dutch School. Wherever we go, when we start Dutch school - life has offically started.
3. Familiarity: Unpack Fast and Make It Yours
The sooner you see your books on a shelf or your art on the walls (even if it’s temporary!), the sooner the place stops feeling foreign. Start life as soon as you land. Don’t live in boxes and unpacked rooms. There is nothing more depressing than this, I feel at least. I make it a habit to unpack within the week of moving/ shipment arriving - the sooner we can make a space ours, the better.
Sentimental Stability: Bringing Your Story With You
Beyond decor and routine, a home is built on meaningful connections. Incorporating family traditions—whether it’s a Sunday pancake breakfast, the Friday family pizza and movie night, or the date night with your partner. Somehow, somewhere adapt to a new way or doing it but stay true to who you are! For us, the luxury of affordable pizza in Ho Chi Minh City went out the window when we moved down to Sydney with pizzas being 5 x the price. Now our Friday movie night is home made pizzas. The girls love it and it’s sooo yummy.
Moving around is a challenge, especially with children. I find, stick to your habits and routines in the house as much as you can. Don’t forget where you come from and focus on that what makes you feel comfortable at the start. Start exploring and building your new life in your new location from there.
