How to Deal with Moving Away from Family

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Whether you moved for work, school, or just to explore a new area, moving away from your family can be really hard. Experiencing homesickness after moving away from your family is totally normal, and it might happen all at once or in short bursts over time. Fortunately, there are things you can do to help yourself cope after moving away from home. Read through these tips and tricks to make yourself feel better and more at home in your new place.

1

Let yourself be sad after moving away from your family.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you feel like you need to cry a little bit, do it! There’s no harm in being sad for a day or two. [1]
    • Emotions only start to get detrimental if you let yourself be sad for too long. Take the time to be sad, but don’t let your sadness take over your life.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 159 wikiHow readers how they manage their feelings after saying goodbye to someone, and 55% of them said that they let themselves express their emotions and cry. [Take Poll]
    2. Advertisement
2

Bring along comforts from home.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Maybe you have a favorite blanket that you used to sleep with, or maybe you could grab a recipe for your favorite dessert. It won’t be exactly the same, but you can take some creature comforts with you to make yourself feel more at home. [2]
    • You could also carry on some family traditions. If you always had a family dinner on Friday nights, host a dinner with your friends on Fridays instead.
3

Reach out to friends.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you’re feeling down, see if a friend wants to go grab a drink or a cup of coffee. Let them know that you’re missing your family members, and see if they can relate at all. [3] [4]
    • This is especially true if you’re in college. A lot of people around your age are leaving home for the first time, so you’ll probably be able to relate to each other.
    • If you don't know anyone in the area yet, try joining a local group or using an app like Meetup to meet people. [5]
    2. Advertisement
4

Stay busy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Dive into work, hobbies, responsibilities, and hanging out with friends. Before you know it, you’ll have been in your new place for 6 months without even realizing it. [6]
    • If you’re in college, try joining a club or a sport for some extracurricular activities.
5

Stick to a routine.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    As you live your life, try your best to stick to a general daily routine that’s easy to follow. It doesn’t have to be super rigorous, but the structure can help distract you and keep you busy so you don’t get too sad. [7]
    • Maybe you get out of bed around 8, go for a run, eat breakfast, head to work, go to a class, come home, and eat dinner.
    2. Advertisement
6

Try out a new hobby.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Maybe you’ve never been rock climbing before, or maybe your friend invited you to play Dungeons and Dragons with them. A fun new hobby can help distract you from your feelings and make you happier in your new home.
    • Joining clubs and hobby groups is also a great way to meet new people in a brand-new area.
7

Get out and explore.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fe\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Hit up museums, coffee shops, and local landmarks to familiarize yourself with the area. You could go with a few friends or even head out on your own. If you don’t have a car, try taking public transportation instead. [8]
    • If you aren’t sure where to go, look up a list online of touristy things you can go visit. It’s always fun to be a new person in a new area!
    2. Advertisement
8

Take care of your body.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even though you miss your family, try not to let your health go by the wayside. Aim for 8 hours of sleep every night, try to eat balanced meals, and drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. You should also aim to get 30 minutes of exercise per day. [9]
    • Not only will exercising keep you physically fit, but it releases endorphins in your brain that can boost your mood and make you feel good.
9

Practice self-care.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You could take a bubble bath, do a face mask, paint your nails, listen to good music, or read a new book. Be gentle with yourself and your emotions as you adjust to being away from your family members. [10]
    • You could also try baking, going for a nature walk, listening to a podcast, or playing with a pet.
    • Self-care looks different for everyone, and you may have to try out a few different things until you find what works for you.
    2. Advertisement
10

Keep in touch with your family.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f0\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try to call your family members on the phone or schedule video chat visits every week. If you live close enough, you could even invite your family members to come and visit you every now and then! [11]
    • You can also send your family members photos and updates about what you’re doing and where you’ve been.
11

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ae\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re really feeling down, try to take a break from Instagram or Facebook where you might stumble upon pics from home. You can come back to your socials once you’re not feeling so homesick anymore. [12]
    • Similarly, seeing your friends hang with their families can be a little disheartening.
    2. Advertisement
12

Try not to compare yourself to others.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-12-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-12-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    However, that’s very rarely the case, and people often put on a front when they face the world. If your friends seem like they’ve got it all handled and aren’t homesick at all, don’t worry about it. Just keep track of you and your own progress as you deal with your new move. [13]
    • This is especially true on social media. People usually put their best selves online, and they very rarely show when they’re struggling.
13

Talk to a mental health professional if you need to.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-13-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Deal-with-Moving-Away-from-Family-Step-13-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re finding it tough to cope, a mental health professional can help you work through your emotions. If you have insurance, find a therapist that’s covered under your provider for a reduced cost. [14]
    • If you’re in college, your school might have mental health services on campus that you can use for free.
    • You can also try online counseling, which is usually cheaper than traditional therapy.
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • The best cure for homesickness is time. It might not seem like it now, but it will get easier.
        Thanks
        Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      Can You Move Out at 16? Here's What You Need to Know
      How to
      Build a Pulley
      How to
      Move Out When You Have No Money
      How to
      Move Away from Home at 18 with No Money
      How to
      Get a Mailing Address
      How to
      Pack a Desktop Computer for Moving
      How to
      Prepare to Move out of Your Parents' House
      How to
      Host a Housewarming Party
      How to
      Move
      How to
      Move to New York
      How to
      Move Out Quickly
      How to
      Settle Into Your First Apartment
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.savethestudent.org/international-students/tips-to-deal-with-home-sickness.html
      2. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20140428-combat-expat-homesickness
      3. ↑ Donna Novak, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
      4. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-handle-homesickness-in-college
      5. ↑ Donna Novak, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.savethestudent.org/international-students/tips-to-deal-with-home-sickness.html
      7. ↑ https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-handle-homesickness-in-college
      8. ↑ https://www.savethestudent.org/international-students/tips-to-deal-with-home-sickness.html
      9. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20140428-combat-expat-homesickness
      1. ↑ Donna Novak, Psy.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Expert Interview. 8 December 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/moving-out-of-home-tips-for-young-people
      3. ↑ https://www.savethestudent.org/international-students/tips-to-deal-with-home-sickness.html
      4. ↑ https://www.savethestudent.org/international-students/tips-to-deal-with-home-sickness.html
      5. ↑ https://admissions.usf.edu/blog/coping-with-the-stress-of-going-away-to-college

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 53,478 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement