Kids need stability, and that comes in many forms.
Rules, routines, and structure can provide it, but so does physically being in one place — that means having a roof over your head and the ability to put roots down somewhere. Moving around a lot, whether because parents’ jobs required it, life circumstances demanded it, or they simply preferred a more nomadic lifestyle, can be tough on a child, even though it can also be enriching in many ways. For those who grew up never able to settle in one place for very long, certain qualities likely developed to help them cope. Here are just a few traits that have likely stuck with them into their adult years, even if they have made somewhere their permanent home.
1. They’re incredibly adaptable.
People who moved often as kids know how to adjust to new environments, whether it’s a new job, city, or social situation. Because they had to get used to constantly changing their surroundings, they’ve become pros at adapting quickly. Their adaptability helps them thrive in situations where others might feel unsettled or out of place, making them resourceful and resilient.
2. They have a strong sense of independence.
Having to adjust to new places and schools can really encourage independence. As children, they learned to rely on themselves for comfort, entertainment, and making new friends. That often translates into adulthood, where they are comfortable making decisions on their own and managing their lives without too much reliance on other people. Independence becomes a core part of who they are, as they’ve had to build it from a young age.
3. They struggle to stay in one place for too long.
Having grown used to constant movement, people who moved a lot as kids might feel restless when they stay in one place for too long. The idea of staying put doesn’t always sit well with them, and they may actively pursue change, whether in their career, relationships, or living situations. They crave new experiences and challenges, and staying still can feel limiting.
4. They find it easier to meet new people.
Having to start over in new cities means that making friends quickly becomes a skill. People who moved a lot as kids learn how to introduce themselves, break the ice, and quickly form connections with others. Their natural ability to connect with new people helps them build relationships throughout life, even if they’re in unfamiliar situations or with people they’ve just met.
5. They have a deep understanding of change.
Constant moves meant witnessing regular change, and as a result, these people grow up understanding that change is inevitable and nothing stays the same for very long. They learn how to navigate and embrace transitions with grace, whether in personal life or work. Their perspective is that change isn’t something to fear, but an opportunity for growth and learning, making them really strong and sure in times of uncertainty.
6. They have a unique perspective on home.
For these people, the concept of ‘home’ isn’t tied to one physical location. They may have several places they consider “home,” or define home more as a feeling or a set of memories. Having that flexibility allows them to feel at home in many different situations or spaces, and it’s often about who they’re with rather than where they are.
7. They value their close relationships even more.
People who moved a lot as kids may have learned early on the importance of holding tight to the relationships that matter most. Having to leave friends behind taught them that strong, genuine connections are precious. As adults, they tend to invest heavily in close relationships, whether with family, friends, or partners, understanding that real connections are worth nurturing. They’re also really good at staying in touch with people they care about over the distance, which really comes in handy.
8. They’re emotionally resilient.
Source: Unsplash Moving often can be tough emotionally, especially for kids. But over time, they learn how to cope with loss, change, and the feeling of being uprooted. Their incredible emotional resilience helps them bounce back quickly from challenges in adulthood. They tend to take life’s hurdles in stride and are good at finding solutions when faced with challenges and tough times. That’s not to say they don’t struggle sometimes, just that they find it easier to keep going even when they are.
9. They’re excellent problem-solvers.
Source: Unsplash Constantly having to adjust to new environments means that problem-solving becomes second nature. Whether it’s figuring out how to make new friends or adapting to different schools, these people develop a skill for quickly identifying issues and finding solutions, which comes in handy in adulthood when faced with both personal and professional issues. They know how to think creatively, and they don’t get stuck on the old ways of doing things — they’re looking for the best way.
10. They have a fear of attachment.
Source: Unsplash Although people who moved a lot may form strong relationships, they can also develop a fear of becoming too attached to one place or person. This stems from the emotional pain of leaving behind friends and homes over the years. As adults, they may struggle with commitment or may feel anxious about putting down roots, fearing that attachment might mean eventual loss.
11. They’re used to being self-sufficient.
Source: Unsplash From an early age, they had to learn how to be self-reliant. Whether it was unpacking, adjusting to new routines, or navigating unfamiliar social situations, they quickly became accustomed to figuring things out on their own. As grown-ups, they bring this self-sufficiency into many aspects of their life, from handling day-to-day tasks to making major life decisions.
12. They find it hard to trust people right away.
Having to say goodbye to people constantly can lead to trust issues, especially when it comes to forming new connections. People who never stayed in one place during childhood may find it hard to open up to new people at first, often out of fear that they’ll have to leave again. However, once they form deep relationships, they tend to be incredibly loyal and dependable.
13. They develop a sense of curiosity about the world.
Living in different places exposes them to a variety of cultures, perspectives, and ways of life. This creates an innate curiosity about the world and fuels a desire for learning. As adults, they often have a passion for travel, exploring new ideas, or doing different things, always trying to expand their knowledge and experiences.
14. They’re not afraid of change or starting over.
Having started over numerous times in their childhood, people who moved a lot develop an understanding that it’s not only okay to start fresh, but it can be exciting. They’re open to new beginnings and don’t fear change as much as others might. Whether it’s moving cities or changing careers, they see it as an opportunity rather than a setback.
15. They have a high level of self-awareness.
Growing up in diverse environments often encourages introspection. People who moved frequently as kids learn how to assess themselves in different situations, making them more self-aware. Having that level of self-awareness allows them to understand their needs, strengths, and areas for growth, helping them make decisions that align with their true selves.
