Managing Stress & Mental Health when Moving House

Moving, Storage and Managing the Stress

The journey of moving house and starting a new chapter is pretty exciting. However, those butterflies can often turn into bats when the moving day comes. The following article will give you practical and usable tips for managing your mental health and stress when moving house.

Research has revealed that the process of moving house is often considered one of the most stressful life events, rivalled only by significant other disruptors such as divorce or bereavement. Many people find that a house move is more stressful than getting married, taking a driving test, or attending an important job interview.

It is quite normal to feel an intense mix of emotions when moving house, but that’s what makes it especially important to understand how to take care of your mental health during this time.

How Does the Stress of Moving Impact Your Mental Health?

You might be wondering what makes moving house so stressful and emotionally draining. After all, it can be a fresh start that allows you to leave all the previous stress you experienced behind. It’s not necessarily the act of moving that causes emotional stress, but it can be the following factors:

• Change: Even when change is positive, it stirs up feelings of fearing the unknown. During a move, you’re leaving behind familiar surroundings and routines which can feel like a major disruption to your comfort.
• Finances: Even if you live a minimalist lifestyle, money often plays a part in the stress that comes with moving. You never know what emergency expenses may appear when relocating to a new place. Check out our Mistakes to Avoid When Selling your Home to avoid common pitfalls when selling.
• Time: Since the process of moving is often quite time-consuming, it can feel as though your life is on pause. Having to allocate enough time to planning, packing, moving and settling in can cause stress, especially if your schedule is always full.

As a result, the impact on your mental health can be profound, affecting you in various ways both during and after the move. The inherent uncertainty and disruption to your daily life can trigger anxiety, leading to symptoms such as insomnia, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. In the same vein, physical demands of packing and moving paired with the emotional toll of leaving a familiar environment, can result in feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, and constant worrying.

Social connections are often uprooted when relocating, adding another layer of stress. The loss of an immediate support network, coupled with the challenge of forming new relationships, can exacerbate feelings of isolation. For those with existing mental health conditions, these changes can trigger a worsening of symptoms or even relapse.

Tips for Managing Stress When Moving House

Although moving house can be highly stressful, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some tips to help you manage stress as it arises:

• Maintain a realistic and flexible schedule. Packing up an entire home is a massive undertaking, and trying to stick to a rigid timetable can heighten your stress. Instead, create a move plan with built-in buffers to accommodate unexpected delays or issues.
• Communication is key. Keep open lines of communication with everyone involved, whether it’s family members, moving companies, or estate agents. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that everyone is on the same page, reducing the potential for stress.
• Take care of yourself physically and mentally. Remember to get adequate sleep, eat well-balanced meals, and engage in regular physical activity. These basic health practices can have a significant impact on your mental state, especially during such a big transition. Don’t hesitate to try mindfulness practices too, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises.

• Seek support when needed. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends, family, or professional services. Whether it’s assistance with packing, childcare, or emotional support, having a network to rely on can alleviate a great deal of stress.
• Keep a journal to express your feelings and track your progress. Writing down your thoughts can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions and reflect on your journey. It can also serve as a reminder of how far you’ve come, providing a sense of achievement and motivation.
• Maintain a positive outlook. After all, you’re starting a new life chapter. Focus on the exciting aspects of the move, such as the opportunities for a fresh start and new beginnings. Embracing the change with a positive mindset can transform the moving experience from a source of stress into an exciting adventure.

Staying Organised When Packing

Staying organised when packing for a house move is essential to managing stress and keeping your sanity intact.

1. Start by decluttering your current home. Not only will this reduce what you need to pack, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment. Clearly label your boxes with their contents and the room they belong to in your new place. This simple step will make unpacking a breeze and get you settled in no time.
2. Take a systematic approach to packing. Tackle one room at a time, starting with those lesser-used items like seasonal clothing or decorative pieces. This keeps your daily life running smoothly until the final stages of the move. Don’t forget to pack and label essential items separately as “essentials”—you’ll thank yourself when your first few days in your new home go without a hitch.

1. Allocate your time wisely. Don’t procrastinate, set clear deadlines for each task by using a calendar or checklist to track your progress. If you can, take a few days off work around the move to give yourself extra time to focus without added pressure.
2. Enlist the help you need. Getting help can make a world of difference when moving. Whether you’re hiring a professional removals company or asking friends and family for a hand, don’t hesitate to delegate tasks. Pros bring expertise and efficiency, while loved ones offer moral support and extra hands.

Using Storage & Packing Services to Manage Stress when Moving House

Our services provide a structured and efficient approach to handling your belongings, ensuring that your physical and mental well-being are maintained throughout the move.

First off, professional packing services save you time and cut down on physical strain. Our skilled packers use the right materials and techniques to handle your items with care, reducing the risk of damage. This means you’re not buried under a mountain of tasks, freeing you up to focus on other crucial parts of your move. Plus, having fewer packing chores can ease your anxiety and give you peace of mind.

Secondly, our unique storage solutions provide unmatched flexibility and convenience. If your move involves complex logistics, like temporary housing or staggered moving dates, using PODS storage facilities can make the transition much smoother. With your belongings safely stored, you can create a more organised and calmer environment in both your old and new homes. This significantly reduces stress, offering the peace of mind that comes with knowing your possessions are secure and easily accessible when you need them.

All in all, strategies such as taking time for yourself, seeking support from loved ones, staying organised, and leveraging the help of professional movers, you can mitigate the stress of moving and promote a smoother transition. Additionally, by making self-care a priority during your move, you can significantly reduce stress and smoothly transition into your new home with a positive mindset.