Emotional Coping Strategies for a Big Move

Moving is said to be one of life’s most stressful events. Here are some tools and strategies to help you navigate the emotional aspects of your next big move.

“Did you know?

Your body’s response to excitement is almost exactly the same as its response to anxiety. Pounding heart, feeling butterflies in your stomach, and sweaty palms are all signs that your body is preparing for action.”

The trouble with moving is that it often involves feelings of both excitement and anxiety as you nervously anticipate upcoming life changes. As a moving company, our team has seen it all.

We’ve helped young people leaving home for the first time, supported families relocating unexpectedly, and couples upgrading to a better address or larger space. Every year we help hundreds of clients settle into their new homes. One thing has always been consistent. No matter what the purpose for moving, every person finds it emotional at some point.

Why Is Moving So Stressful?

Moving to a new home can be an emotionally challenging experience. On top of the many complex tasks that need to be arranged, moving involves leaving behind familiar surroundings and routines.

Feeling Out of Control

Anxiety comes from a feeling of not having control. When you’re moving home there are a lot of factors to consider. Disconnecting utilities from one location and transferring or reconnecting them at another. Having to update your address with multiple organizations. And the logistics of the move itself. With so many tasks to manage, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost in the details.

Packing

No matter how organized you are, packing always takes longer than you expect. Sorting through belongings, getting lost in memories, deciding what to keep, what to discard, and how to efficiently pack it all, requires more time than anticipated.

As we wrap fragile items, fold clothes, and stuff essentials into boxes, the hours slip away, and what appeared to be a straightforward task turns into a last-minute scramble.

Fear of The Unknown

Stress often stems from uncertainty. The prospect of planning the move and adjusting to a new environment provokes anxiety. Even if a move is filled with excitement and opportunity, you are losing the sense of familiarity that allows you to relax into daily tasks. Simple errands like a quick trip to buy bread become research projects, adding to the sense of having to re-learn everything.

Symptoms of Moving-Related Emotional Overwhelm

Leaving the comfort of our current surroundings can intensify the emotions when moving to a new place. Memories of the familiar bring a sense of sadness, while the uncertainty of what lies ahead fosters fear.

Fear of change, loss of control, and the possibility of failure compound the emotional strain associated with relocation. Here are some common symptoms that you may experience during your move:

• Feelings of hopelessness and depression
• Sadness
• Procrastination
• Difficulty focusing and forgetfulness
• Headaches and dizziness
• Muscle tension

Tools and Strategies to Help Cope With Moving

As previously mentioned, our team assists hundreds of clients move home every year. With this experience, we've gathered several coping strategies to help you navigate the emotional challenges of packing your life into boxes for a big move:

• Recognize and acknowledge that stress is a normal part of the process
• Develop a master to-do list to stay organized and focused
• Plan ahead to alleviate last-minute rush and anxiety
• Accept help from family, friends, and professionals
• Prioritize your well-being
• Encourage open communication with children

Recognize and Acknowledge Stress

Understand that it’s normal to feel stress as part of the moving process. Acknowledge your feelings and experience them without judgment. Remember that sadness, anxiety, and excitement are all feelings that will pass.

Develop a Master To-Do List

Create a comprehensive to-do list to help you stay organized and focused amidst the hustle and bustle of moving. Break down tasks into manageable steps and prioritize them based on urgency. Having a clear plan in place can alleviate feelings of overwhelm and keep you on track throughout the moving process.

Plan Ahead

Avoid last-minute rush and anxiety by planning ahead as much as possible. Gather quotes and information from moving companies, including any special add-ons you might need. Set aside time to pack gradually, starting with non-essential items and working your way towards essentials.

Use the opportunity to declutter and minimize belongings. Donate or sell items you no longer need or want, which can make the packing process lighter and less overwhelming. By spreading tasks out over time, you can reduce stress and ensure a smoother transition on moving day.

Accept Help

Don't be afraid to lean on your support network for assistance during the moving process. Whether it's family, friends, or professionals, accepting help can lighten the load and ease your stress levels. Professional movers can provide services such as packing and unpacking, disassembling and reassembling furniture, cleaning services, and basic handyman assistance with carpentry and electrics. Be realistic about how much you should tackle alone, and outsource or delegate tasks as needed.

Prioritize Your Well-being

In the middle of the hustle and bustle of moving, try to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being. Incorporate self-care practices into your routine to help manage stress and maintain balance:

• Take regular walks in fresh air to clear your mind and boost your mood.
• Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Maintain a balanced diet and ensure you're getting adequate sleep to support your overall well-being.

Sticking to familiar routines as much as possible, such as regular exercise, meal times, and sleep schedules, helps to provide stability during the transition.

Encourage Open Communication with Children

Moving can be particularly challenging for children, who may struggle to express their emotions about the transition. Encourage open communication with your children, allowing them to express their feelings through talking or creative activities like drawing.

Validate their emotions and provide reassurance as they navigate this significant life change. Be mindful of your children’s regular eating and sleeping routines and try to minimize any additional disruptions

Give your children small but busy and helpful tasks on moving day such as:

• Finding a special place for the spare keys
• Dusting baseboards in both the old and new homes (give them a damp cloth to minimize irritation from floating dust particles)
• Taking the dog for a walk

Conclusion

Moving home can be a significant life transition. Instead of dwelling on what you’re leaving behind, focus on the opportunities and adventures that await you in your new location, and remember the feelings that arise are a normal part of the moving process.

Finally, if you or your family are struggling to cope with the emotional challenges of the move, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can provide professional guidance and additional coping strategies.

By implementing these coping strategies, you can manage the stress of moving while prioritizing your emotional well-being. Remember to be patient with yourself during this transitional period. With the right support and self-care practices in place, you can navigate the challenges of moving with resilience and grace.

Contact us today for a free moving quote at (718)619 4881 and visit our website for more information.