How to take the stress out of moving home

MOVING HOME IS FAMOUSLY STRESSFUL. It can also bring up an incredibly complex range of emotions, from fear and anxiety about the change, to self-doubt about the decision, to grief and loss about the memories and the connections you have in the area. There are a lot of factors that contribute to the stress of moving, including packing up all of your belongings, dealing with logistics and saying goodbye to your old home. But even if you’re prepared for the stress, it can still be overwhelming.

When asked why people put off moving, 60%[1] said in a recent survey they fear the process will be stressful, uprooting their life and family being a big decision even if they are only moving around the corner. That’s why well over half of people commentated that change is stressful – and that’s why they’ve been put off moving.

THERE ARE OTHER WORRIES ABOUT MOVING, TOO…
• 46% of people are worried about having noisy neighbours next to their new home
• 41% are concerned about traffic
• 38% worry about their new area being affected by litter

HAPPIER MOVERS

Of course, moving to a new place means that you get a new neighbourhood too – and you might not know much about it until you settle in. That doesn’t stop most people searching for their dream home, though, as more than half think that moving will make them happier.

MOVING HOME IS MORE STRESSFUL THAN…
• Getting divorced (34%)
• Having a baby (31%)
• Starting a new job (27%)
• Getting married (25%)

BIG LIFE CHANGES

That’s right – moving to a new home is ranked by many people as being more stressful than these other big life changes. It’s no surprise given the perceived costs involved with moving, which people surveyed estimated to be on average £6,600, and which 53% said was the worst part of moving.

SO HOW MUCH STRESS DOES MOVING ACTUALLY CAUSE?
Because of the stress of moving home, 65% of people reported that they have lost sleep. On top of that, 40% say that moving has made them feel stressed and ill. But despite all of this, 62% of people think that moving home would make them happier. And it’s no wonder, considering that a new home can mean more room for your family and access to the amenities that are important to you. Another 82% of people said they had browsed property sites while dreaming of a new home, even if they were not necessarily looking to move currently.

7 TIPS FOR MANAGING THE STRESS OF MOVING
1. Start packing early

Don’t wait until the last minute to pack up your things. Start packing as soon as you know you’re going to move. This will help you avoid the rush and panic of trying to pack everything at the last minute.

2. Delegate tasks to friends and family

Ask your friends and family for help with packing, moving and unpacking. This will lighten the load for you and make the process a little less stressful.

3. Take breaks

When things get tough, take a break. Go for a walk, watch a movie or take a nap. Taking a break will help you recharge and enable you to continue working on your move.

4. Stay organised

Keep track of what you’re doing and what still needs to be done. This will help you stay on top of things and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

5. Don’t procrastinate

Procrastination will only add to the stress of moving. Tackle tasks as they come up and you’ll feel more productive and less stressed.

6. Take care of yourself

Moving is hard on your body and your mind. Make sure you take time to relax and de-stress. This will help you stay healthy during the moving process.

7. Accept that there will be stress

Moving is a stressful event, no matter how prepared you are. Don’t beat yourself up if you feel overwhelmed at times. Just remember to take breaks and stay organised. With these tips, you can manage the stress of moving and make the process a little less daunting.

Don’t forget, our professional, friendly advisers are on hand to support you and can help you explore all of your options.

Source data:
[1] https://www.yopa.co.uk/blog/yopas-new-study-how-stressful-is-moving-home/