Moving house symbolises the start of a new, exciting chapter, but for many, it is a time filled with stress and anxiety. Every step of the moving process can present challenges, from expenses and deadlines to the emotional toll of leaving behind familiar surroundings. Understanding these factors can help individuals prepare for their move, ensuring a smooth transition and positive experience. Our blog will explore the reasons behind a stress-inducing house move and strategies to make the journey more manageable.

• House Moving Stresses Explained
• Reasons For Moving House
• 5 Top House Moving Tips
• Moving House Stresses FAQs

House Moving Stresses Explained

If you are struggling with the emotional process of moving home, you are not alone. Research shows that 57% of Brits believe moving house is the most stressful event of a person’s life, surpassing divorce and childbirth. Whether you feel overwhelmed at the start of the journey or simply on moving day, there are many valid reasons why you would feel this way.

A Big Change

Whether you are moving down the road or into a new town, it is a big change. As humans have evolved, significant changes can be perceived as a threat to our safety; our brain produces an acute stress response in which we go into fight or flight mode when presented with a major change. The more significant the change, the more intense your stress response will be. 

Lack of Control

Once your offer on a home has been accepted, the rest of the process falls into your mortgage lender’s and solicitor’s hands. There can be unexpected setbacks, so often, the timeline in which you prepare for the move can change. This uncertainty and lack of control can induce stress for individuals who prefer complete control over situations. 

Additional Expenses

Often, when purchasing a home, especially for the first time, individuals must prepare to handle additional expenses beyond the house deposit. A recent study shows that 58% of Brits found that buying a home was more than they had budgeted for, with 33% stating that, in hindsight, they would have saved more money than the deposit required. Financial anxiety over unexpected fees can add to the overall home-buying stress.

Emotional Attachment

Stress can come from the fear of the unknown. When you have become so familiar and comfortable in one place, you can develop an emotional attachment to it. Preparing to move from a house that feels like a home to a new house can cause feelings of anxiety for some people. Even when you are moving for new opportunities or to make more space for your family, you may start reminiscing about the good times in your home and even your town if you are moving to an entirely new place.

Moving Away From Loved Ones

Moving away from your family and friends can cause immense stress. Leaving your support system can be difficult for any individual, regardless of the reason for moving. If you are moving close to your loved ones, you may experience less stress than those moving across the country. Moving out of your family home and into your first home can bring about a lot of emotions as it symbolises the end of an era. Although you are making the move for a solid reason, leaving behind loved ones can induce anxiety.

Packing Your Whole Life

Moving into a new home also means you are faced with packing up all of your belongings. You must sort through everything you own, unlocking a series of memories, and then decide if it is something you will take to your new home. Packing up your life feels daunting as all your belongings are in limbo for a while, which can feel very unsettling.

Reasons for Moving

The reason you are moving may also ignite a stress response during the moving process:

New Job

Starting a new job can induce stress, with 24% of Brits stating it is the most stressful experience. When you pair this with needing to relocate to a new city for a new job, the moving process can be full of anxiety for specific individuals. Moving away from your loved ones for a new job can feel daunting as it is a huge leap to take, but in some cases, it is essential to progress in a career.

More Space

In cases where your family is growing, you may need to invest in a bigger home. Your current home may hold a lot of special memories, such as becoming married or bringing your first child home. This sentimental attachment can make it difficult for individuals to part with their home even though buying a new home is essential for expanding your family.

First Home

Buying your first home is the start of an exciting chapter. However, for most people, it is a massive change. Moving out of your family home for the first time to live independently from your parents can feel daunting. If it is a home you have lived in your entire life, there will be a lot of emotions attached to it, making the moving process very emotional and stressful.

Death of a Loved One

Moving house after the death of a loved one is a different experience for everyone. For some, it is necessary to downsize for financial reasons; for others, they may need to move out of the home they shared with a loved one as it holds too many memories. Making this move may be a painful ordeal, and various emotions will influence stress levels during the moving process.

Relationship Breakdown

Relationship breakdowns are upsetting and stressful times; pair this with having to move out of your home with your partner and into a new house, and you may feel a lot of negative feelings. Moving away from a partner into a new home may feel like a relief for some; for others, it may be a difficult transition, which is stress-inducing.

Opportunities Abroad

Moving abroad signifies a fresh start for individuals who move for a change in lifestyle or a new job. Although this symbolises an exciting period, moving abroad, especially on your own, can cause a lot of anxiety. Leaving behind your loved ones to experience a new life abroad can be challenging for those who rely on their family and friends for support; there is a lot of paperwork and organisation involved with moving to a new country, which can induce stress as you want to make sure your moving journey is as smooth as possible.

5 Top House Moving Tips

Not to fear, we have prepared a list of top moving tips to help minimise your stress and turn the moving journey into a positive experience.

1. Organise a To-Do List

Regain some control by creating a to-do list of everything you can do. Planning the move’s logistics will help reduce the stress on the day of the move. Create a list outlining the paperwork to sort, everything you need to pack, and a removal company you wish to hire.

2. Start Small and Early

Don’t wait until you receive a completion date to start packing. Start packing items that you use less frequently first. For example, if it is summer, you could start packing your winter clothes. Make sure to label all your boxes effectively to make your unpacking easier.

3. Open Communication

Maintain open communication with your estate agent, mortgage lender, and solicitor so that you can remain as up-to-date as possible with your house move and the timeline in which you will be moving in. There will be times when updates are not available. Don’t let this concern you, as most of the time, no news is good news.

4. Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask others around you for help. Whether it is your friend, family member, or neighbour, you will find that people around you are more than willing to support you. Even if you just need someone for moral support, reach out to those close to you, specifically those with experience moving that you can lean on. 

5. Be Kind to Yourself

Although the moving process can seem all-consuming, try to take a break for some fresh air or to spend time with friends. Don’t worry if you feel more tired or stressed than usual; it is a normal part of moving house, so take the time to look after yourself. Ensure you are sleeping, eating well, and even exercising to release some of your stress.

Moving House Stresses FAQs

How long does it take for a new house to feel like home?

On average, it takes 6 months to settle into a new home. Some may feel at home as soon as they have unpacked their belongings. For others, it takes family gatherings such as Christmas to make their house feel homely.

How do I stop feeling overwhelmed when moving?

Throughout the moving process, make sure you are prioritising your mental well-being. Take time to do things that release stress and make you happy. Take it one step at a time and get organised to be as prepared as possible on moving day.

Can moving house affect someone physically?

If someone is experiencing high levels of stress during the moving process, it may harm their sleep. This can create a vicious cycle as stress levels and sleep issues can exacerbate each other. Poor sleep can diminish cognitive abilities and weaken your immune system.

Manage Your House Moving Stress With Guardian Removals

Unload your stress and pass your packing and moving responsibilities onto Guardian Removals. Our team has extensive experience in packing, storing, and moving your belongings from one home to another. We tailor our services to suit your individual needs. We can pack your belongings efficiently or provide the resources to do it yourself. Don’t let stress overtake the exciting, moving experience; our services are guaranteed to help you, whether down the road or internationally. 

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