When we moved into our new house from the apartment complex, Butterscotch was our only cat. We brought him over to the house once we got keys and thought letting him roam around would be a good idea. NOT Poor thing ran upstairs and literaly shook. We waited a little awhile and he didnt calm down. So off in the carrier we went back to the apartment.
He was abanded by his previous owner at complex and I truely think he thought it was happening again since he saw nothing familar in the house.

Once we did move on moving day, we kept him in one of the bedrooms at apartment until the last load, then we took him over to the house. Put his carrier on the front porch so he could see what was going on and he was so content. After we were all done we opened the carrier and he just sat there for a few minutes then decided to come out. Once he saw familiar things like couch, chairs and toys he was just fine.

Everyone's experiences are different but if you can keep things as normal as possible its so much better for our kids.

Butterscotch and Skinny both were outdoors only before we took them inside. Having them neutered helps them to not want the urge to go out and roam. Plenty of toys and windows to look outside. Butterscotch has been indoors only for 4 yrs now and Skinny has been indoors only since Sept. They don't miss outdoors.

I truely believe if we provide a warm enviroment and safe one our felines adjust pretty well to being indoors only.