Previous research into deinstitutionalization has largely ignored the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities, especially those with severe intellectual disabilities. This research aimed first to understand how women with severe intellectual disabilities experienced transition from a locked ward of an old long-stay hospital into other homes, and second, to determine the extent to which their lives changed in their new homes. Ethnographic methods were used, including participant observation, interviews and document analysis, in order to get to know the eleven participants and the nature of their daily lives. The study found that the experience of the move was largely negative for all the women: they were not involved in the process of their move, little information was transferred to their new homes and they were insufficiently supported. The study also found that for the majority of the women little changed in their lives in their new homes, although this depended on where they moved to. Those who moved to a campus home continued to lead lives restricted by rigid routines, strict rules, few daily activities, and few opportunities for relationships beyond the staff team. Those who moved to homes in the community had more opportunities to make choices, learn new skills and explore new activities. The study found that, in general, the women continued not to be acknowledged as unique individuals, who have pasts, close relationships, clear preferences, abilities and rich emotional lives. The study highlights the needs of women with severe intellectual disabilities in their move out of long-stay hospitals, and in the planning of their futures.