Home Sweet Unknown: Embracing the VUCA of Relocating
If you’ve ever packed up your life and moved to a new city, country, or even just a different neighborhood, you know the feeling: that mix of excitement and anxiety, the thrill of new beginnings intertwined with the uncertainty of the unknown. Moving is one of the most significant life changes we can experience, and it’s a perfect example of how VUCA—Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—can show up in our everyday lives.
We often think of VUCA in the context of global crises, but it’s just as relevant on a personal scale. Relocating introduces a whirlwind of change that can leave us feeling disoriented, emotionally drained, and unsure of what comes next. But it can also be an opportunity to grow, adapt, and build resilience.
In this post, we’ll explore the VUCA of relocation, why it feels so challenging, and how you can not only survive but thrive when faced with a new environment.
Since college, I have lived in 11 different cities around the world. Yes, eleven. After my 11th major move, I’ve learned a few things that I would like to share.
The VUCA of Relocation: What Makes Moving So Challenging?
Volatility: Moving often brings a sudden change, whether it’s driven by a job transfer, a desire for a fresh start, or an unexpected life event. One day you’re surrounded by the familiar, and the next, you’re navigating unknown streets, meeting new neighbors, and figuring out where the best grocery store is.
Uncertainty: Relocating is full of unknowns. Will you like your new home? Will you make friends? How will your kids adjust to a new school? These questions can leave you feeling anxious and unsure about what the future holds.
Complexity: The logistics of moving can be overwhelming ---packing, coordinating, setting up utilities, learning a new commute, and, if you’re moving internationally, adjusting to a different culture. Each decision feels interconnected, and the to-do list can seem endless.
Ambiguity: There’s no clear roadmap for making a new place feel like home. The ambiguity of how you’ll fit into your new surroundings can be both exciting and daunting. It often takes time to establish a sense of belonging.
Lessons from the Road: My Most Recent Relocation Journey
Earlier this year, I found myself living my own VUCA experience when I relocated with my two dogs and three cats. After staying with family for a while, I finally settled into a new place, but not without challenges. I had to manage getting my belongings and animals out of Brazil, decide where I wanted to live next, and then embark on a two-day drive from my brother’s house to my new home. A skittish cat (looking at you, Max) made the journey more unpredictable, hiding under hotel cabinets and refusing to get into his carrier. It was a trip full of twists, turns, and unexpected delays—a real-life example of VUCA in action.
I learned some valuable lessons from my relocations that can help anyone facing the complexity and ambiguity of moving. Here are some practical strategies for turning the volatility of relocation into an opportunity for growth.
5 Tips for Thriving in a New Environment
⭐ Establish Routines Quickly: Routines are powerful anchors in a sea of change. Whether it’s your morning coffee ritual, a daily walk with your pets, or an evening wind-down routine, establishing familiar patterns can help ground you in unfamiliar surroundings. Start by recreating small aspects of your old routines to create a sense of normalcy in your new home.
⭐ Explore with Curiosity, Not Judgment: It’s easy to compare your new environment to your old one and feel disappointed if things aren’t the same. (My quest for good Mexican food and spicy chicken wings is a perfect example!) Instead of focusing on what’s different (or worse), approach your new surroundings with curiosity. Treat it like an adventure—try the local cuisine, explore nearby parks, and get lost on purpose to discover hidden gems.
⭐ Create a Comfort Zone, Then Step Out of It: When everything feels new, it’s tempting to retreat into your safe space. While it’s important to have a comfort zone (like a cozy corner in your home), don’t hesitate to step out of it. Attend local events, introduce yourself to neighbors, or join a club. These small acts of courage can help you build connections and make your new place feel more like home. As someone living in a city where I didn’t know anyone, getting involved in local activities has been essential for making new friends.
⭐ Give Yourself Time to Adjust: Adjusting to a new environment doesn’t happen overnight. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or even homesick at times. Be patient with yourself and remember that it’s normal to experience a range of emotions during a move. Allow yourself the grace to adapt at your own pace and celebrate the small wins along the way.
⭐ Focus on What You Can Control: In a VUCA world, focusing on what you can control can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. You might not have control over how quickly you adapt or whether you’ll instantly connect with your new neighbors, but you can control how you set up your living space, establish routines, and prioritize self-care during the transition. In my most recent move, I hired a closet organizing company to help me get my things in the right place so I can quickly eliminate the in-home chaos that is typical for months after a move.
Finding Stability During Change
Relocating is a microcosm of the VUCA world we all live in. It’s a reminder that change, while challenging, can be a catalyst for growth. By embracing the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity of a new environment, you can turn the experience into a journey of self-discovery and resilience.
So, whether you’re moving across the country, changing neighborhoods, or simply rearranging your living space, remember this: You’ve navigated VUCA before, and you have the tools to do it again. It’s all about mindset.
Are you ready to embrace the VUCA of your next big move? Share your experiences and tips in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’ve thrived in new environments!
Looking for more tips on navigating change? Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we explore how VUCA shows up in career transitions. Make sure you’re following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for our latest updates!