Growing up with a suitcase frequently in hand can shape a person in unique ways.

Children who move often develop a set of skills and traits that are distinctly molded by their experiences of constant change and adaptation.

As these children grow into adults, these traits can manifest in various aspects of their lives, influencing their relationships, career choices, and personal growth.

In this article, we delve into eight common characteristics that are typically found in adults who spent their childhood moving from place to place.

From adaptability to a deep-seated craving for stability, these traits paint a comprehensive picture of how a mobile upbringing can leave a lasting imprint on one’s personality and behaviors.

1) Adaptable

One of the first characteristics you’ll often notice about adults who moved around a lot as kids is their remarkable adaptability.

You see, frequently changing environments during childhood require constant adjustment – new schools, new friends, new neighborhoods.

It’s pretty much a masterclass in adaptability.

And this skill tends to stick around into adulthood.

These individuals often find it easier to adjust to new situations, be it a new job, a different city, or even an unexpected turn of events.

Their childhood experiences have essentially equipped them with the ability to handle change more effectively.

But remember, adaptability doesn’t mean they can’t be thrown off balance. They’re still human after all. It’s just that they tend to get back on their feet quicker than most!

2) Socially skilled

Another trait you’ll often find in adults who move a lot as kids is an impressive set of social skills.

Take me, for example.

As a child, my family moved around quite a bit.

With each new place came the challenge of making new friends and fitting into a different social environment.

But you know what?

I’ve found that these challenges actually helped me develop a knack for connecting with people.

I learned how to quickly find common ground, empathize with different points of view, and navigate various social dynamics.

Today, as an adult, I consider my social skills to be one of my strongest assets.

Whether I’m at a networking event, a friend’s party, or even just meeting someone new at a coffee shop, I find it relatively easy to strike up a conversation and build rapport.

And I’ve noticed this isn’t uncommon among other adults who had similar nomadic childhoods.

It seems that the experience of moving frequently can really help sharpen your social skills!

3) Resilient

Resilience is another trait commonly found in adults who moved frequently during their childhood.

The constant change and upheaval can be tough, but it also has a silver lining: it builds resilience.

This resilience often translates into an ability to bounce back from setbacks and face challenges head-on.

For adults who moved around a lot as kids, this resilience can be a powerful tool in navigating the ups and downs of life.

4) Open-minded

Open-mindedness is another trait that’s often cultivated in a childhood filled with frequent moves.

Being exposed to various cultures, communities, and ways of life at a young age can foster a broader perspective.

This can lead to an adult who is more receptive to new ideas, more tolerant of different viewpoints, and more appreciative of diversity.

It’s not just about accepting differences, though.

It’s about embracing them, learning from them, and using them as a way to enrich one’s own understanding of the world.

Indeed, adults who moved frequently as children often bring these open-minded qualities into their personal and professional lives, making them valuable assets in today’s increasingly globalized world.

5) Empathetic

Moving frequently as a child often goes hand-in-hand with developing a deep sense of empathy.

Think about it: each move immerses the child in a new set of experiences, perspectives, and emotions.

This exposure to different walks of life can foster a profound understanding of others’ feelings and circumstances.

The result?

An adult who’s exceptionally good at putting themselves in someone else’s shoes. Someone who can understand, and even feel, what others are going through.

This empathy can make these individuals wonderful friends, partners, and colleagues.

Because they don’t just understand your joys and struggles – they feel them alongside you.

And there’s something incredibly comforting about that, don’t you think?

6) Craving stability

While frequent moves can foster many positive traits, they can also lead to a deep craving for stability in adulthood.

I remember the mixed feelings I had every time my family announced another move.

The excitement of a new place was often tempered by a longing for the familiar, for a place to call home.

Now as an adult, I find myself drawn to creating a stable, rooted life.

Whether it’s maintaining long-term friendships, staying in one job for an extended period, or simply setting up a cozy home, I deeply value the stability I once missed.

It’s not unusual for adults who moved frequently as children to seek out this sense of permanence.

After all, everyone needs a place to call home.

7) Independent

Independence is another trait that’s often developed in children who move regularly.

The need to navigate new environments and establish oneself over and over again can foster a strong sense of self-reliance.

This independence can manifest in various ways in adulthood.

It could be a comfort in spending time alone, a knack for problem-solving, or an ability to make decisions without relying overly on others.

The experience of frequent moving seems to provide a unique training ground for developing this independence.

And while it can be a challenging journey, the end result is often an adult who’s comfortable standing on their own two feet.

8) Life-long learners

If there’s one thing you should know about adults who moved frequently as children, it’s this: they are often life-long learners.

The exposure to different cultures, communities, and environments fosters an ongoing curiosity about the world.

This curiosity often translates into a love for learning that extends far beyond their school years.

Whether it’s picking up a new skill, diving into a good book, or exploring a new place, these individuals often have an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

It’s as if their early experiences have instilled in them the understanding that there is always something new to discover and that life itself is a never-ending journey of learning.

Final reflection 

The journey of frequently moving as a child shapes individuals in profound ways that extend far into adulthood.

The traits developed—from adaptability and resilience to a thirst for knowledge and a deep empathy for others—highlight the complex interplay between our experiences and our character.

Adults who move often as children bring a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table, making them valuable in diverse settings and relationships.

Understanding and embracing these traits can lead to deeper self-awareness and appreciation for the diverse paths that life can take.