Moving to a new state is a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The thrill of fresh opportunities comes with the challenge of adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, leaving behind loved ones, and rebuilding a sense of comfort. Going from the country to a big city was a huge change for both of us but also one we felt was necessary. For me, hygge—the Danish concept of coziness and contentment—became my guide to finding peace amid transition.
Creating a Cozy Space in a New Home
The first step to feeling at home in a new place is crafting a space that brings you comfort. After moving, I focused on unpacking the essentials that made me feel grounded: the bed, my Kindle, some toiletries, and Cali’s dog bed. I started small, focusing on the bedroom where I could retreat when the unpacking felt overwhelming. This simple act has helped transform an unfamiliar house into a more cozy work in progress. Please do note that creating a cozy space won’t happen in a day. In fact, we hit many bumps when it came to the living room. We went without a couch for an entire month. Granted it wasn’t the end of the world but my family centers around the couch so it did create a weird shift in dynamic. Our living room is still a work in progress and if I’m being totally honest I have a whole guest bedroom that needs unpacked. My point is it will take time and that’s okay. Find cozy where you can and navigate the rest as it comes.
Embracing New Surroundings
Adapting to a new state meant stepping out of my comfort zone and discovering what my new community had to offer. Let me tell you I love my comfort zone. I don’t try a lot of new things and have always been sensitive when it comes to change. However before the move I knew that I could be miserable if I didn’t try. The other option was to step out of the comfort and give our new home a real chance. I began exploring the areas around my neighborhood and even in the busier parts of the city too. Since then, we have discovered some of our favorite restaurants and entertainment. The movie theater and local mediterranean food joint being our favorites. I found a nearby park where Cali and I could take long walks, reconnect with nature, and for her smell everything, of course. These small explorations helped me find moments of hygge in unexpected places and gave me a sense of belonging in my new surroundings. My advice, step out of the comfort zone you won’t make any friends there.
Keeping my Routines
Routines have always been an anchor for me, and they became even more essential after the move. I am a creature of habit, and my habits keep me sane. I started with simple rituals: Taking my meds with a glass of water and letting Cali outside to potty. Reading in bed at night while H gets ready for bed. All of these things I did in our old home so it helped me still feel grounded in who I am. These habits brought structure and comfort to my days and helped me create a sense of normalcy amidst the change.
Even though everything else may be new, I recommend keeping the routines that serve you. You don’t have to change your whole life to fit a new, unfamiliar version of yourself. Moving needs a perfect balance of new and old.
Finding Connection From Afar
Despite popular belief, moving away doesn’t mean losing connection with loved ones. It is all about how you navigate the change. I still make an effort to stay in touch with friends and family through regular texting and Facetime calls. Sharing moments together—like discussing a TV show( currently Yellowstone) or reading the same book and discussing it later—helped me feel closer to them despite the distance. I will still head back that way for holidays and special occasions or when I get a free weekend. Occasionally, they even head up my way, and we spend a day together grabbing good food and shopping. I am grateful that the drive between us is a manageable amount and is not greatly limiting. I know for many of us this is not the case. In those situations I think Facetime calls can be really powerful. The move has allowed my time with family to be intentional in the best of ways. All my time with them is carefully curated and I’m grateful for every moment I get.
Finding Peace in the Process
Moving states taught me that hygge is not a place but is something you can carry with you. It’s a feeling and a mindset. For me, like most others, it is not in my constant possession. I have to seek it, every day. It’s about savoring the small joys, building comforting routines, and finding beauty in the everyday. I’ve seen this move as an opportunity to redefine what home means and to create a life rooted in peace and coziness.
If you’ve recently moved or are undergoing a big change, I hope this inspires you to find your hygge moments. Remember, you don’t need to have it figured out, but you should embrace the process of making space for the things that bring you comfort and continue to balance the old and the new.