Never staying in one place for too long when you’re a kid can be a tough experience.
Whether you moved because one or both of your parents was in the military, or they simply just preferred to relocate regularly, never being able to truly settle down in one place and feel comfortable that you were staying put for a while can take its toll on you (though admittedly, it’s not all negative). Here are some things you’ll probably relate to if this was your reality growing up.
1. You adapt to new places faster than most.
Growing up constantly moving means you’ve got really good at settling into new places quickly. Whether it’s a new school or job, you’re used to diving right in without much fuss. Change doesn’t throw you off like it does other people.
2. Your concept of ‘home’ is complicated.
When someone asks, “Where’s home for you?” it’s never a straightforward answer. You don’t have one specific place that feels like home—it’s more a mix of places, memories, and experiences. You probably feel like you belong everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
3. Packing up is second nature.
Source: Unsplash After so many moves, packing is basically an art form for you. You can fit your entire life into boxes faster than most people can pack for a weekend trip. Unpacking and settling in? Easy peasy.
4. You get a read on people quickly.
When you’ve been the new kid so many times, you get really good at reading people and picking up social cues. You can usually figure out a group’s vibe within minutes, which makes social situations a lot easier to navigate.
5. Your friendships tend to be intense but short-lived.
You tend to form deep connections quickly because you never know how long you’ll be around. But keeping those friendships going once you move can be tough, so you’ve learned to appreciate the intense bonds that may not last forever.
6. You’re comfortable with goodbyes.
Saying goodbye has become a regular part of your life. It’s never exactly easy, but you’ve built up a kind of resilience to it. You’ve learned to balance the sadness of leaving with the excitement of starting fresh somewhere new.
7. Your identity is a blend of different cultures.
Having lived in various places, your sense of self is a mix of the cultures and experiences you’ve encountered along the way. It’s great, but it can also be confusing when people ask you to define where you’re from.
8. Your skills and knowledge are all over the place.
Each new place you’ve lived has taught you something different, whether it’s a bit of a new language or an unusual hobby. It’s left you with a random but fascinating set of skills.
9. You click with people who share your background.
There’s something special about meeting someone who’s had a similar childhood of constantly moving. It’s like you instantly get each other, and those shared experiences often lead to strong, meaningful friendships.
10. Commitment can feel a bit scary.
After so much moving around, the idea of settling down or making long-term commitments—whether in relationships or careers—can feel overwhelming. It’s like your brain is wired to expect change.
11. You’ve got a great understanding of different cultures.
Growing up in different places has given you a real appreciation for cultural differences. You don’t buy into stereotypes because you’ve seen first-hand how varied and complex people and cultures really are.
12. Your childhood memories are tied to places.
Instead of having one hometown, your memories are scattered across all the places you’ve lived. Every stage of your childhood feels connected to a different location, making for some interesting stories when you talk about your past.
13. You’re a pro at navigating new places.
New city? New building? No problem. Years of moving have given you an instinct for figuring out your surroundings quickly. You can get your bearings in unfamiliar places faster than most people.
14. You sometimes feel like you don’t fully belong anywhere.
You can fit in anywhere, but there’s always a part of you that feels a bit out of place. Growing up without a permanent home base means there’s a lingering sense of not fully belonging anywhere.
15. You have a strong sense of wanderlust.
That constant moving around as a kid often turns into a need for travel and adventure as an adult. Staying in one place for too long can make you feel restless—you’re always ready for the next adventure.
16. Change doesn’t scare you; it makes you stronger.
More than anything, moving around as a kid taught you how to be resilient. You’ve learned to bounce back from change, seeing it as a challenge rather than something to fear. It’s a skill that makes you better at handling life’s ups and downs.
