Moving and Stress: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

Moving houses is a universal experience, with the average American moving 11.7 times in their lifetime (U.S. Census Bureau). However, no matter how many times you relocate, moving always seems to come with two things: a mountain of boxes and stress. After all, moving is one of life’s most stressful events. 

A study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology¹ compared the stress levels of individuals moving house to those experiencing other major life events (such as marriage and divorce). It found that moving was a top life stressor, outranking marital changes.

The reality is that moving and stress often go hand in hand. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t loosen the grip. Below, we dive into why moving is stressful, with expert tips on how to cope with the stress of moving house. 

Why Is Moving So Stressful?

Moving is a drain on both your time and emotions, from the seemingly never-ending moving to-do list to the grief of leaving a home. Add this to the fatigue from packing and heavy lifting, and you have the perfect recipe for stress. 

Stress is most easily recognized in the form of physical exhaustion. However, the stress of moving house isn’t just physical—it’s deeply emotional and psychological.

Disruption of Routine

We take comfort in our daily routine. Whether it’s a morning cup of coffee on the porch or bedtime reading, these daily activities are familiar and predictable. When moving takes away the familiar environments and structures associated with that routine, stress is often the result.

Children, pets, and the cognitively impaired are most prone to stress from disruption of routine. However, it can impact anyone. 

Stress Reduction Tip:  Look for daily moments or rituals that you can continue during the moving process. Bonus if they’re relaxing. This may be storytime with your child, a nightly bath ritual, tea on the sofa, etc. Pack any items needed for these rituals last, and then unpack them first.

Emotional Attachment

Our houses are more than just structures that protect us from the elements. They hold memories of milestones, events, and people. It is natural to become emotionally attached to these places. Unfortunately, this also means that leaving them can be quite painful. 

A 2023 study² titled “Embracing Negative Emotions: The Role of Acceptance in Emotional Processing” found that individuals who process their negative emotions, rather than ignoring them, recover more easily from distressing experiences. 

Stress Reduction Tip: A farewell party for your home or a final tour around town, especially if you’re moving long-distance, can help you process emotions and get some closure. 

Overwhelm from Logistics

Figuring out your moving timeline, paperwork, packing, and other details can easily become overwhelming. A lot of logistics are involved with moving, and getting all your ducks in order (or should we say boxes) is no easy task. 

Stress Reduction Tip: The best way to get organized for moving is to create a moving checklist. It should include a timeline for when you need to complete moving tasks. For example, 6 to 8 weeks out: book movers or a moving truck, start gathering packing supplies, etc. 

Fear of the Unknown

Nothing can predict the future, and that is a significant source of stress for many. Those moving house often get anxiety about things that can go wrong with the move, the new neighbourhood, and new jobs. Kids are also prone to fearing the unknown, getting anxiety about starting a new school, and making friends. 

Stress Reduction Tip: Lean into the unknown and write a list of all the new things you have to look forward to. While not knowing what will happen can be scary, it is also exciting! Anything can happen, so why not imagine the best-case scenarios?

The Psychological Impact of Moving

Physical exhaustion is synonymous with moving, thanks to heavy boxes and clunky furniture. However, the psychological impact of moving needs recognition.

Various studies have shown that moving is a significant stressor, often leading to increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of instability. According to research published in the International Journal of Social Psychiatry³, these mental health effects are even more prominent in individuals who relocate frequently.

However, moving can still have negative psychological effects if you haven’t moved houses frequently. Even if you are excited about moving, you may still experience grief, anxiety, identity disruption, and more. 

Moving Grief

We often witness moving grief, watching as our clients take a final walkthrough of their empty houses and apartments. Moving can feel like a life and home that you worked hard to build got dismantled, leading to a sense of mourning. 

Reports of moving depression are also common, especially when moving is due to significant life changes, such as death, divorce, or retirement. Moving depression, or relocation depression, can lead to:

• Feeling disconnected from your new home
• Isolation and a disinterest in leaving the house
• Questioning your life choices
• Burnout

How Long Does Moving Depression Last? 

Moving depression can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. Those who make an effort to embrace the change, join new social circles, and make their new house a home tend to recover more quickly. 

Anxiety & Exhaustion

Planning, packing, and lack of sleep take a physical toll. You may find that even before the moving truck gets packed that you are exhausted. Yet, have a fair bit of anxiety moving through your body. 

Moving anxiety symptoms include: 

• Inability to fall or stay asleep
• Nail biting, skin picking, or other fidgeting
• Feeling of being on edge or restless
• Nervous and unable to relax
• Indecisive due to being overwhelmed by decisions
• Physical symptoms such as headache, upset stomach, racing heart

Moving anxiety often resolves as you begin to settle into your new home. However, if anxiety symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a mental health counsellor. 

Identity Disruption

If you’ve identified as a Bostonian your whole life but are suddenly moving to New York, it’s normal to experience identity disruption. Who we are is rooted in our culture and traditions, which often stem from our home. 

While anyone can experience identity disruption due to a move, it is more common in older adults and children. They are prime candidates for experiencing relocation stress syndrome and moving depression. 

• The elderly often look to memories of the past for comfort, rather than future plans. Therefore, their well-being is deeply tied to their sense of home.  
• Children associate home with a “safe space.” In a healthy home environment, they know they are free to be themselves. Furthermore, while adults may use their jobs as part of their identity, children don’t have that. Their home and school are significant aspects of “who they are.” 

How to Help Your Child Cope with Moving Anxiety

Take the time to talk with them during the move. Get them excited by allowing them to pick the paint and décor for their new room, taking them to explore the new neighbourhood, making art for the new home, etc. 

Common Triggers That Intensify Moving Stress

The best way to reduce moving stress is to identify exactly what is stressing you out. At Oz Moving, we’ve noticed in our 30+ years in business that decor styles come and go, but moving stressors remain largely unchanged. 

Tight Deadlines

Whether you ended up doing a last-minute move or waited too long to start packing, chances are your move will involve some tight deadlines. Knowing that you have multiple moving tasks to complete in a short amount of time is stressful. Will you have enough time? Will you make a mistake by rushing? 

Solution: Make a moving checklist with estimated dates for completion.

Financial Pressure

Moving is expensive. According to Consumer Affairs, a DIY move typically costs between $100 and $2,500. Hiring a mover costs an average of $560 to $1,000 for a local move and $5,500 for long-distance moving. 

You need to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover the costs of moving, travel, damage deposits, packing supplies, and other moving expenses. If you don’t have a job lined up at your new location, this can add to the financial pressure. 

Solution: Make a moving budget. 

Poor Planning or Lack of Help

Failing to properly plan a move can lead to forgotten moving tasks, unexpected expenses, and last-minute panic. Furthermore, a lack of help can land you in the same boat.

We get calls for last-minute moves frequently from clients who either didn’t plan properly or thought they could tackle their move solo. 

Solution: Plan your move and ask for help. Moving is a big undertaking, and help from friends, neighbours, or professionals goes a long way. 

Unexpected Changes

From unpredictable weather to flat tires to heavy traffic, unplanned events are part of moving. If you wait until the last minute to book movers, move out, etc., the stress of these events will be much more than if you give yourself a time cushion. 

Solution: Book early, plan a buffer, and go with the flow. 

Practical Tips to Reduce the Stress of Moving House

If you’re looking to reduce the stress of moving house, here are our favorite tips. Not only will they help decrease moving stress, but they will also assist you in planning your move, packing, and ensuring everyone is ready to go!

Plan Early and Stay Organized

Budget: Make a moving budget. Include all your moving expenses, as well as costs for your new home. For example, if you’re moving into an apartment, you’ll need to cover the first and last month’s rent, security deposit, and/or pet deposit.

Timeline: Best integrated into a moving checklist. Create a timeline that shows when you need to complete moving tasks. For example, getting moving supplies may be 6 to 8 weeks out, while boarding your pets would be moving day. Want to make the list on your phone? Try an app like MoveAdvisor.

Labels: When packing boxes, label them with the room name and include 4 to 5 key items inside. Or try an app like Sortly. Labels make the boxes easy to organize in the new home. An inventory list ensures your belongings are simple to locate when unpacking. 

See our Moving Day Tips for more information on planning and organizing. 

Declutter Before Packing

By paring down your belongings before you move, you can save money on packing supplies, room in the moving truck, and time unpacking. Furthermore, numerous studies have shown that less clutter is beneficial for mental health. So decluttering can not only help rid you of moving stress, but also everyday stress.

When downsizing your belongings, take it room by room. This will help keep the process organized and prevent it from becoming overwhelming. Ask yourself some key questions as you sift through items. If you answer no, consider getting rid of the item. 

• Has this been used in the past 2 years? 
• Is this in working condition?
• Does this fit into my new home?
• Is this worth moving truck space? 

Hire Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers can take a lot off your plate, which in turn will alleviate moving stress. However, hiring unreliable movers can have the opposite effect. 

You want movers who have a proven track record of delivering excellent service, are licensed and insured, and possess the necessary experience. 

Let Oz Moving Help Lighten the Load

Take Care of Your Mental Health

To avoid unnecessary stress and moving burnout, you need to take time to prioritize your mental health. This may include: 

• Taking breaks when feeling physically or mentally tired
• Self-care practices such as reading, yoga, a hot bath, etc. 
• Staying connected with friends and family during the move
• Going to therapy or talking to a loved one
• Exercising to release endorphins 
• Getting outside for some fresh air
• Making your bed ASAP in your new house 

Special Considerations: Families, Kids, and Pets

Families with children and pets need to be especially mindful of the stress of moving. Both kids and pets are highly susceptible to anxiety from change. 

Moving with kids can be a challenge. Try to maintain routine as much as possible, check in often, and include your child in the moving process. Allow them to pack their room and make decisions, such as which color to paint their new bedroom.

Moving with pets doesn’t have to be so stressful. Leave carriers out early and pack their favorite toys last. Once you are in the new house, don’t wash any toys or blankets—scent is comforting for animals. Finally, for your peace of mind, microchip your pet. Moving involves a lot of open doors and scary sounds. You want to have the best shot at finding them should they run away. 

The Silver Lining: Finding Growth Through Transition

Moving can be a stressful process, but it is often well worth it—it can lead to personal growth, fresh beginnings, and new opportunities.

By leaning into the positive side of moving and embracing change, you can not only mitigate some stress but also make the most out of the life transition. What fresh opportunities does your new home provide? What about your new town, job, or neighbourhood? Embrace the unknown and see what exciting opportunities await you!

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be So Stressful

Moving and stress inevitably go hand in hand. But preparation and the right mindset can make a huge difference. By planning your move, setting a realistic timeline, and prioritizing your mental health, you can significantly reduce the stress associated with your move. 

Need a helping hand? Reduce the stress of moving house—let Oz Moving be your partner for a smoother transition. Get a free moving quote today. 

 

Sources

1. Smith, J., & Lee, A. (2023). Life Changes and Stress: Analyzing the Weight of Moving. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 58, 22-34.
2. Johnson, L. M., & Smith, R. T. (2023). Embracing Negative Emotions: The Role of Acceptance in Emotional Processing. Journal of Emotional Intelligence, 12(1), 45-60.
3. Garcia, R., & Thompson, M. (2022). Relocation and Its Psychological Implications. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 69(3), 216-228.
4. Kyrsten Costlow, & Parmelee, P. A. (2020). Aging & mental health, 24 (10), 1589-1595. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2019.1660855