Hermit crabs find new shells by scavenging the seafloor for empty shells left behind by other animals. When a hermit crab finds a suitable shell that fits its body size, it will move out of its current shell and into the new one. The hermit crab uses its claws to carefully switch shells, ensuring a proper fit and protection. This process is essential for hermit crabs as they grow and need larger shells to accommodate their increasing size.