With all the uncertainties, possibilities, and risks it brings along, it’s no wonder that moving is such a big emotional roller coaster – from excitement and joy to fear and sadness, people experience quite the emotional cocktail when moving to a new home.
Although there are many good reasons to be emotional when moving (parting with friends, facing difficult challenges, getting new opportunities, starting afresh, etc.), the uncertainty of the unknown is the main catalyst of all emotions when moving house.
When moving to a new place, you’re not sure what the new area will be like, what kind of people you’re going to meet, whether you’ll fit in, what is going to happen, and if you’ll be happy there – and this can cause you to come up with various hypothetical scenarios and start feeling anxious about them.
My many years of moving experience have taught me that anxiety is the logical response to change and unpredictability. Think about this – the mere idea that you’re leaving all that is familiar behind and diving into the unknown is daunting enough to make you feel anxious and stressed about the forthcoming relocation.
And as soon as you start thinking about the risks and hardships involved in the moving process too, your anxiety level is certain to skyrocket to epic proportions.
To ensure a smooth relocation and a successful start to your new life, however, you need to overcome your moving anxiety, get positive, get focused, and grasp the chance for a new beginning.
Read on to find out how to deal with moving anxiety and free yourself of needless fear and worry.
Can Moving Cause Anxiety?
Moving is all about change and change is all too difficult to handle – being exposed to a completely different environment and lifestyle can be quite overwhelming and is, therefore, very likely to cause stress and anxiety.
And as if that is not enough, moving is also complicated, time-consuming, expensive, exhausting, and risky – factors, each of which can easily trigger anxiety on its own.
So, if you’re planning a house move and feeling nervous about it, you don’t really need to wonder Why am I so anxious about moving? – the answer is clear enough:
You will be forced out of your comfort zone and will miss the security and comfort of your old home, the familiarity of your old surroundings, and the predictability of your old routine. You will lose your hard-earned place in the world and everything that felt good in your life so far. Worst of all, you’ll have to part with loved ones and leave favorite places and activities behind;
You will have to spend a lot of money on moving services, travel expenses, and other relocation-related costs – and will be less than happy about it;
You will have to deal with laborious moving tasks and rapidly approaching deadlines. You may be afraid that you won’t be ready in time – or that you won’t do things the right way;
You will be worried that your belongings may be lost or damaged during the relocation process;
You will have to adjust to a new environment, get used to a new lifestyle, form new relationships, and establish yourself anew. You may be afraid that you won’t be able to adapt and fit in.
Moving is scary – there is no doubt about it!
It is, therefore, absolutely normal to feel anxious about moving.
And that is not necessarily a bad thing – anxiety can make you more alert and motivate you to be more efficient.
If you let your moving-out anxiety take over, however, the overwhelming feeling will interfere with your ability to deal with challenges, complete tasks, and successfully prepare for your new life.
It will also kill your excitement and make you feel depressed and scared of moving.
To prevent this from happening, you need to recognize that you’re feeling overwhelmed, address your emotions, find the root of your stress, and confront it.
First, you need to be aware of the signs of relocation stress.
The most common moving anxiety symptoms include:
Irrational fears and illogical worries
Trouble concentrating, staying focused, getting motivated, etc.
Difficulty making decisions
Mood swings
Problematic sleep
Headache
Upset stomach
Increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms while preparing for your move, you’re probably a victim of relocation anxiety.
You need to examine your emotions and ask yourself what exactly you’re so scared of – the moving process or the adaptation period (or certain aspects of both).
Once you determine that, you have to identify the specific cause of your anxiety (the moving cost, the risk to your items, your new community, etc.) and take appropriate steps to reduce your worries.
Moving house anxiety often stems from the difficulty of the relocation process:
Planning a move (budgeting for the big endeavor, deciding what to take to your new home, finding movers, scheduling the relocation, etc.) involves a lot of research, careful consideration, and consequential decision-making;
Preparing for a move (decluttering your home, packing your items, taking care of the paperwork, etc.) takes a lot of time and effort;
There is too much responsibility, too much work, and too many things that can go wrong. It’s exhausting, expensive, and nerve-wracking. So, it causes moving anxiety
Fortunately, there are proven ways to reduce that anxiety:
Step 1. Plan and organize your move
Planning away keeps moving anxiety at bay.
The best way to keep moving-out anxiety at bay is to have a plan in place – a very detailed plan made with consideration for the unexpected.
Take everything into account and plan your move as thoroughly as possible and as far ahead as possible. Then make a Plan B – just in case.
1. Follow a moving checklist
Find a moving checklist and customize it to your needs.
It will help you see what needs to be done, so you don’t forget anything important – and this will give you peace of mind.
2. Create a moving calendar and set your moving strategy
Include all moving tasks that need to be taken care of before moving day and set realistic timeframes for their completion. This will allow you to efficiently organize your time, so you won’t need to worry about not being ready come the big day.
Just make sure you:
Prioritize your tasks so you get a sense of order and can complete what is most important first – order brings comfort and it will be quite reassuring to know that the most essential tasks are duly taken care of;
Begin the moving preparations as early as possible to give yourself as much time as possible – knowing that you have some extra days to spare in case an unexpected problem occurs will go a long way toward calming your nerves;
Do not procrastinate so that you don’t fall behind schedule and get nervous about it.
3. Make a moving budget and get control over your moving expenses
Consider not only the movers’ rates or moving truck rental fees but all related expenses as well (extra moving services, packing supplies, travel expenses, etc.):
Use our Moving Cost Calculator to get in touch with several reputable movers in your area and get an idea of your approximate moving costs. Request in-home surveys from three or four professionals that seem to suit your needs to learn the exact cost of your relocation and make a realistic moving budget;
Consider different ways to reduce your moving costs – schedule your move for the off-peak season, book your move well in advance, hire a low-cost moving company, negotiate with your movers, get rid of unneeded items, get free packing supplies, save on additional moving services, etc.;
Plan for travel costs, insurance costs, post-relocation expenses, and contingency funds.
Make sure you have at least double the amount you estimated as necessary for your big endeavor – feeling financially comfortable with your move will greatly reduce your relocation anxiety.
4. Make a moving inventory
The better organized your move is, the fewer reasons you’ll have to feel anxious about it.
Make a detailed list of the items you’re moving to your new place and include evidence of their current condition – photos, warranties, appraisal statements, etc.
Having proof in case anything goes missing or gets damaged during the move will help you feel less anxious about your belongings.
Creating lists that correspond to the different aspects of the moving process (to-do lists, cost lists, packing lists, etc.) will help you keep track of your progress, your items, and your finances and bring order to the moving chaos.
What’s more, crossing off an item on a list will create a sense of accomplishment and certainty that will alleviate your moving anxieties.
Bonus tip: Take care of the paperwork – change your address, transfer utilities, collect medical records and school records, etc. – in due time. Having all the required paperwork in order will help prevent some unnecessary stress.
To put it all in a word – be sure to plan and organize your relocation in as much detail as possible, so you have no reason to get worried about your move.
Being organized is the second greatest enemy of anxiety, you know (the first is staying calm – you can find more information about it later in the text).
Keep in mind though that no matter how carefully you plan your move, things may not always go according to plan.
Expect the unexpected, so you don’t get anxious about hypothetical setbacks – even if your plans go awry, it doesn’t mean your relocation will end up a disaster.
If you remain calm and focused, you’ll be able to find a suitable solution.
Step 2. Ensure moving help
So, you’ve planned your relocation and reduced the risk of troubles and unpleasant surprises along the way – thus reducing your moving anxiety a bit.
The next step towards alleviating your moving worries is to ensure that you won’t be alone in your endeavor – knowing that you won’t have to take care of everything by yourself and that you will have someone to rely on at every step of the process will put your mind at ease and bring you reassurance and confidence.
Therefore, if you’re worried about moving, you need to get reliable moving help:
1. Hiring professional movers is your best bet
You will have nothing to worry about if you leave your move in the hands of experienced, trustworthy movers.
They will do all the work for you (or as much of it as you want them to) and will perform your relocation in the safest and most efficient way possible.
Just make sure you hire licensed, reliable professionals to help you relocate – ask for recommendations, read moving reviews, check moving company ratings, etc.
Request on-site estimates of your moving costs from three or four reputable movers, interview them at length, and carefully compare their offers – be sure to thoroughly research the company you intend to hire (verify its USDOT number, check its complaint history, etc.) to protect your move and ensure your peace of mind.
Do not worry about moving day – leave it to the pros.
If you’re planning on renting a moving truck and performing a self-move – you can’t possibly lift and carry your furniture and other heavy household items on your own).
And this is exactly why it is a good idea to reach out to your pals even if you’re using professional moving services.
Not only will some extra sets of hands come in very handy during your moving preparations and on moving day itself, but having a friend by your side will make the relocation challenges seem smaller and more easily manageable.
You will have someone to consult with, to vent out to, to count on, and to laugh with – friendly assistance is the best cure for anxiety over moving.
The risk to your and your loved ones’ safety during the moving process – and especially on moving day – is another big stressor that is likely to cause you a lot of anxiety before moving.
Hauling heavy items around is dangerous and when emotions run high (which is inevitable on the day of your move) accidents can happen in the blink of an eye.
The mere thought that someone (either you or any of your family members, friends, or movers) may get hurt during the relocation is enough to fill you with dread – not to mention worries about damaged items and property damage.
To avoid being overwhelmed with fear about the safety of your loved ones and your moving helpers, you need to eliminate – or at least minimize – the possible risks:
Clear all pathways in and around your home of obstacles;
Keep young children and pets away from the moving chaos;
Taking adequate precautions to prevent accidents and injuries when moving will help reassure you that nothing bad is going to happen and will ease your safety concerns to some extent at least.
Try to maintain a sense of normalcy in your life even amidst the moving chaos.
Preparing for a move will disrupt your lifestyle and that alone is enough to make you feel stressed and anxious.
Even though dealing with endless relocation tasks and living among boxes may not fit your daily routine and your way of living, however, you’ll have to make do for a while.
Just try to keep things as normal as possible to keep anxiety at bay:
Follow your normal morning routine and bedtime routine
Maintain your work routine and your professional life
Keep your kids’ routine (and your pets’ routine) unchanged
Find the time to spend time with your children, your spouse or partner, your friends, your pets, etc.
Do not sacrifice all of your personal time
It may not be easy, but you can do it – in the end, it will be worth it.
Feeling anxious about moving may be unavoidable – it’s such a life-changing event, after all – but you can successfully overcome relocation anxiety with the help of your inner strength.
You just need to find a way to stay calm and focused throughout the emotional relocation period:
Get enough rest and eat healthily, so you feel well and have enough energy to deal with arduous moving tasks;
Break your work into small, easily doable tasks, so you can focus on one thing at a time and get encouragement to keep going as you cross off one completed task after the other;
Listen to your favorite music while working;
Eliminate distractions, so you can work more quickly and more efficiently;
Surround yourself with pleasant, calming scents;
Reward yourself for every completed task;
Do not push yourself too hard.
You can also meditate, practice deep breathing, or do whatever it takes to get calm and relaxed – dealing with moving anxiety is easier when your mind is clear and serene.
When feeling anxiety about moving to a new city, you’re most likely concerned about the many unknowns of your new life – there are just too many uncertainties, too many risks, too many pitfalls… And facing the unfamiliar is reason enough to get anxious.
To overcome your moving to a new place anxiety, you need to know what to expect from your new environment and how to best prepare for your new life:
1. Gather as much information about your new area as possible
Research, learn, explore – the better informed you are, the less anxious you’ll be.
Research the job market and real estate market in your new city, find out the cost of living in your new area, and get familiar with the social norms and cultural scene there.
Also, make an effort to earn the local rules and regulations, find out what the weather is like, and see what your new city has to offer, etc.
The more you know, the better you’ll be able to prepare for your new world and the less anxious you’ll be.
2. Find an appropriate new home for you and your family
To get over your anxiety about moving to a new home, you need to be sure that your new place will be the home of your dreams – so, you need to find an affordable house or apartment that suits all your needs and preferences (in terms of location, size, layout, available features, etc.) and that you know you’re going to love.
Having a safe haven to retreat to will bring you comfort and reassurance and will chase anxiety away.
Perhaps the greatest secret to overcoming moving stress and anxiety is being optimistic about your future – moving to a new place will unlock a world of opportunities for you (new job options, new educational opportunities, new entertainment venues, new experiences, etc.) and will give you the chance to build the life you’ve always wanted for yourself.
So, instead of dwelling on your fears and anxieties, try to focus on the positive aspects of your house move – a chance for a fresh start, a chance to meet new people and make new friends, a chance to create your dream home, a chance to change everything you didn’t like in your life before the move…
Your relocation will broaden your horizons, will open new doors before you, and will bring you closer to fulfilling your dreams. You have nothing to be anxious about – you just need to have the courage to grab the opportunity that presents itself.
Bonus tip: Knowing how to adapt to a new environment quickly and easily will diffuse your concerns about fitting in – one of the main causes of anxiety before moving. Learn how to adjust after moving and get confidence and peace of mind.
Steal some time to relax, have fun, and daydream about your new life – your moving anxieties will melt away.
Anxiety about moving house may be normal, but it will make an already difficult period even more challenging.
You need to balance your life to be able to make correct decisions and find effective solutions during the hectic relocation process – so, you need to get over your relocation woes.
Here are some moving anxiety tips to help you achieve this feat:
1. Acknowledge your fears and address your worries
You’ll probably get overwhelmed with concerns and doubts as soon as you start planning your move.
Make a list of everything you’re worried about, scared of, or challenged by – then, try to make rational counterpoints about each item and/or come up with efficient ways to solve each bothersome issue;
2. Talk about your concerns
The worst thing you can do when you’re worried about moving is to keep your emotions bottled up inside until they explode and cause an anxiety attack. Confiding in someone you trust will help you release the built-up tension and will make your fears less overpowering.
So, be sure to share your concerns with a friend or a loved one who will offer their support – or seek out the help of a professional counselor or therapist. Talking about your anxieties will diminish them and will reduce your stress;
3. Get timeouts
Whenever you start feeling overwhelmed by all that moving stuff, take a break – go for a walk, take a bike ride, watch a movie, read from your favorite book, meditate, etc.
It may be enough to just close your eyes and take a deep breath – anything that will help you center yourself, quieten your mind, and calm down;
4. Do what you love doing
Engaging in favorite activities is proven to reduce stress, so be sure to find the time to do something that you love amidst the hectic moving preparations – play a game, read a book, take a bath, watch your favorite show, listen to your favorite music, do some yoga, etc.
It will refresh and reset your body and your mind – and your moving challenges will be easier to overcome when you set to them with renewed vigor;
5. Have some comforting items at hand
Put aside some items that help you relax and never fail to bring a smile to your face – your favorite magazine or book, your favorite candies, some photos of your friends, etc. – and reach for them whenever you start feeling too anxious about your move.
Do not forget to include some of your comforters in your essentials box;
6. Say your goodbyes
Parting with dear friends and the place you called home for many years is certain to contribute a lot to your moving house anxiety.
To get over your sadness and reduce your distress you need to say your proper goodbyes to everything and everyone you’re leaving behind – host a farewell party, spend some quality time with your friends, take photos of your old home and your favorite places around town, take something from your old house with you, etc.
Just remember that change, although difficult to handle, is an opportunity to start afresh and build a better, happier life for yourself – do not allow relocation anxieties to keep you from grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it.
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Thanks, Jessica you are doing a great job.