Essays About Moving to a New Place: Top 5 Examples and 5 Writing Prompts

Moving homes may seem daunting, no matter where you go. If you are writing essays about moving to a new place, you can use our guide to inspire you.

Almost all of us have experienced moving to a new place at least once. As hard as it is for some, it is simply a part of life. Frequently-given reasons for moving include financial difficulty or success, family issues, career opportunities, or just a change of scenery. 

Whether you are moving to a new house, village, city, or even country, it can seem scary at first. However, embracing a more positive outlook is crucial so as not to get burnt out. We should think about moving and all changes in our life as encouraging us to learn more and become better people. 

5 Essay Examples To Inspire Your Writing

1. Finding a New House by Ekrmaul Haque

“Sometimes it’s really hard to find a place that I like to live and a house that is suitable for me. This time I learn so many things that I can found a new house quickly. While finding a new house I was bit frustrated, however gaining new experience and working with new people was always fun for me. Finally I am happy, and I have started living peacefully in my new place.”

Haque writes about concerns he and many others have when looking for a new house to move into, including safety, cost, and accessibility. These concerns made it quite difficult for him to find a new place to move into; however, he was able to find a nice neighborhood with a place he could move into, one near school and work. You might also be interested in these articles about immigration.

2. First Impressions by Isabel Hui

“I didn’t want to come off as a try-hard, but I also didn’t want to be seen as a slob. Not only was it my first day of high school, but it was my first day of school in a new state; first impressions are everything, and it was imperative for me to impress the people who I would spend the next four years with. For the first time in my life, I thought about how convenient it would be to wear the horrendous matching plaid skirts that private schools enforce.”

Hui, whose essay was featured in the New York Times, writes about her anxiety on her first day of school after having moved to a new place. She wanted to make an excellent first impression with what she would wear; Hui coincidentally wore the same outfit as her teacher and could connect with her and share her anxiety and concern. She also gave a speech to the class introducing herself. This, Hui says, was an unforgettable experience that she would treasure. Check out these essays about home.

3. Reflections on Moving by Colleen Quinn

“In the end, I confess that I am a creature of habit and so moving is always a traumatic experience for me. I always wait until the last minute to start organizing, I always have stuff left over that I’m frantically dealing with on the last day, and I’m always much sadder about leaving than I am excited about my new adventure.”

In her essay, Quinn discusses her feelings when she moves houses: she is excited for the future yet mournful for what once was and all the memories associated with the old house. She takes pictures of her houses to remind her of her life there. She also grows so attached that she holds off on packing up until the last minute. However, she acknowledges that life goes on and is still excited for what comes next.

4.  Downsizing and moving to the countryside two years on. What it’s really like and some tips if you’re thinking of upping sticks too by Jessica Rose Williams

“Two years later and I’m sat writing this outside said cottage. The sun is filtering through the two giant trees that shade our house and the birds are singing as if they’re in a choir. I can confirm I’m happy and with hindsight I had nothing to worry about, though I do think my concerns were valid. So many of us dream of a different kind of life – a quieter, slower paced life surrounded by nature, yet one that still allows us to enjoy 21st century pleasures.

Williams reminisces about her anxiety when moving into a country cottage, a drastic change from her previous home. However, she has learned to love country living, and moving to a new place has made her happier. She discusses the joys of her new life, such as gardening, the scenic countryside, and peace and quiet. She enjoys her current house more than city living. 

5. ​​The Dos and Don’ts of Moving to a New City by Aoife Smith

“​​But the primary element this ample free time has offered me is time to think about what truly makes an ideal, comfortable life, and what’s necessary for a positive living environment. Of course, the grass is always greener, but perhaps, this awakening has offered me an insight into what the grass needs to grow.

It’s tough to hear, but all your bad habits will translate to your new culture so don’t expect to go ‘Eat, Pray, Love’ overnight.”

Smith gives tips on how to adjust to city life well. For example, he tells readers to stay in contact with friends and get out of their comfort zone while also saying not to buy a “too-small” apartment and get a remote job without face-to-face interaction. His tips, having come from someone who has experienced this personally, are perfect for those looking to move to a big city. 

5 Prompts for Essays About Moving to a New Place

1. How to Cope with Moving Homes

Moving is challenging at first, but overcoming your fear and anxiety is essential. Based on research, personal experience, or both, come up with some tips on how to cope with moving to a new place; elaborate on these in your essay. Explain your tips adequately, and perhaps include some words of reassurance for readers that moving is a good thing. 

2. Would You Choose to Move to a New Place?

For a strong argumentative essay, write about whether you would prefer to stay in the home you live in now or to move somewhere else. Then, support your argument, including a discussion and rebuttal of the opposing viewpoint, and explain the benefits of your choice. 

3. A Dream Location

Everyone has their own “dream house” of some sort. If you could, where would you move to, and why? It could be a real place or something based on a real place; describe it and explain what makes it so appealing to you. 

4. My Experience Moving to a New Place

Almost all of us have experienced moving. In your essay, reflect on when you moved to a new place. How did you adjust? Do you miss your old house? Explain how this moving experience helped form you and be descriptive in your narration.  

5. Moving Homes Alone vs. with Your Family

Most people can attest that moving as a child or with one’s family is a much different experience from moving alone. Based on others; testimonials and anecdotes, compare and contrast these two experiences. To add an interesting perspective, you can also include which of the two you prefer.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers.If you still need help, our guide to grammar and punctuation explains more.