How to Manage Moving Anxiety

Moving can be one of life's most stressful experiences, but there are practical ways to manage the anxiety it brings. Here's how you can reduce stress and stay organized during your move:

• Plan Ahead: Start at least 8 weeks before your move with a detailed timeline for tasks like packing, booking movers, and transferring utilities.
• Declutter: Sort your belongings into "Keep", "Donate", "Sell", or "Trash" categories to make your move lighter and more efficient.
• Stay Positive: Focus on the opportunities your new home brings, like meeting new people and exploring new places.
• Use Stress-Relief Techniques: Practice deep breathing, take breaks, and stick to a self-care routine to stay calm on moving day.
• Unpack Strategically: Start with essentials like bedding and toiletries, then move on to other rooms.
• Build Routines: Establish daily habits to create a sense of normalcy in your new home.
• Ask for Help: Lean on friends, family, or professionals for support when needed.

3-Minute Stress Management: Reduce Stress With This Short Activity

Common Sources of Moving Stress

Moving can be overwhelming, with stress coming from different sources. Here's a closer look at some of the main challenges people face during a move.

Dealing with Uncertainty

Not knowing what to expect in a new environment can make anyone uneasy, especially families with kids. Studies show that frequent moves can affect children's long-term well-being.

"Moving to a new home represents more than just relocating belongings – it's a journey that transforms spaces, routines, and possibilities." - Machaela Casey, Author, Nelson Westerberg

To reduce uncertainty, try these tips:

• Look up information about your new area.
• Visit the location beforehand if you can.
• Get involved in local community groups to build connections.
• Stick to familiar routines to create a sense of stability.

Managing Moving Tasks

The sheer number of tasks involved in moving can be overwhelming. From packing to hiring movers and updating important documents, it’s easy to feel stressed. Starting the process early - at least 8 weeks ahead - and decluttering can save time and even cut moving costs by 15–25%.

Leaving Familiar Places

Saying goodbye to a place you’ve called home is never easy. It’s common to feel sadness or anxiety about leaving behind friends, neighbors, and cherished memories. These emotions can manifest as:

• Grief over losing close relationships.
• Worry about losing your support network.
• Nostalgia for the life you built in your old home.

Experts suggest keeping communication open with loved ones, acknowledging your feelings, and focusing on the opportunities ahead. Creating memory books or hosting farewell gatherings can help provide closure while preserving important connections.

Planning Your Move Step by Step

Having a well-organized moving plan can help keep stress levels in check.

Make a Moving Timeline

Creating a detailed timeline ensures you stay on top of everything. Start planning at least 8 weeks before your move to give yourself enough time to manage tasks without feeling rushed. Here's a breakdown to help you stay organized:

Weeks Before Move	Key Tasks
8 weeks	Begin sorting belongings; research moving companies
6 weeks	Book movers; pack non-essential items
4 weeks	Pack one room at a time; set up utility transfers
2 weeks	Finish most packing; confirm moving plans
1 week	Pack essentials; gather important documents

Once your timeline is set, shift your focus to managing your belongings.

Sort and Remove Items

Sorting through your belongings can make your move easier and less overwhelming. Start with rooms or areas you don’t use frequently to build momentum.

"Decluttering before moving ensures you're only bringing the things you love and need to your new place."

Set up labeled sorting areas to organize items:

• Keep: Things you use often or have personal value
• Donate: Items in good condition that others can use
• Sell: Items of value you no longer need
• Recycle/Trash: Items that can’t be reused or sold

To avoid burnout, try 20-minute sorting sessions. Arrange donation pickups as soon as you finish to keep the process moving smoothly.

After decluttering, it's time to secure reliable movers.

Find Movers with MOD24

Finding trustworthy movers can be challenging, but MOD24 makes it easier. This platform connects you with licensed and insured moving companies, all in one place. With a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 370 reviews, MOD24 offers features like:

• Comparing moving quotes instantly
• Reading live customer reviews
• Verifying insurance and licensing details
• Booking online in less than 10 minutes

"We know how stressful it is. That is exactly why MOD24 was created."

Just enter your move details - such as date, size, and locations - to get accurate quotes. Their customer support team is also available to help with any changes or questions about your move.

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Staying Calm on Moving Day

With everything planned out, the next step is staying calm and collected on moving day. Here are some practical ways to manage stress and keep the day running smoothly.

Use Stress Relief Techniques

Moving day can be overwhelming, but simple breathing exercises can help. Diaphragmatic breathing, highlighted in a 2020 Healthline.com meta-analysis, is a great way to reduce stress. Here's how to do it:

• Find a quiet space.
• Sit or stand in a comfortable position.
• Place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly.
• Inhale deeply through your nose, letting your belly rise.
• Exhale slowly through pursed lips.

"Your breath is a powerful tool to ease stress and make you feel less anxious." - Paige Fowler, WebMD Writer

Pair deep breathing with calming music or sounds from nature to create a relaxing environment. Taking short breathing breaks throughout the day can help you reset and stay focused.

Rest and Take Care of Yourself

Looking after your well-being is crucial on moving day. Stick to a simple self-care routine to stay energized and avoid burnout:

Time	Self-Care Activity	Duration
Morning	Light stretching	10 mins
Every 2 hrs	Water and snack break	15 mins
Lunch	Full meal and rest	45 mins
Afternoon	Short walk outside	10 mins
Evening	Relaxation or cool-down	20 mins

"Whatever encompasses your self-care, commit to making it a priority, as it will help prevent burnout." - Hillary Schoninger, LCSW

Keep snacks and water within easy reach, and pack a "Moving Day Essentials" box with items you'll need throughout the day.

Maintain a Positive Mindset

A good attitude can make all the difference. It's normal to feel stressed, but remember it’s temporary. As Nicky Lidbetter, chief executive of Anxiety UK, notes:

"It's one of life's most stressful experiences, and it's because it involves having to cope with change... Most of us like familiarity, routine and order. When you're moving, you have none of those. Plus, it causes a ripple effect of change throughout your life."

Try these tips to stay positive:

• Put up a picture of your new home to stay motivated.
• Share laughs and good moments with friends or family helping you move.
• Celebrate small accomplishments, like finishing one room at a time.
• Play an upbeat playlist to keep the energy flowing.

These approaches can help you tackle moving day challenges while staying calm and focused.

Setting Up Your New Home

Smart Unpacking Order

A well-thought-out unpacking plan can help ease the stress of moving. Start with your essentials box - items like medications, toiletries, chargers, and basic food supplies. These will cover your immediate needs.

Here’s a suggested unpacking order:

Priority	Room/Area	Key Items to Unpack First
1	Bedrooms	Beds, bedding, nightstands, lamps
2	Bathrooms	Shower curtains, towels, toiletries
3	Kitchen	Coffee maker, dishes, essential cookware
4	Living Room	Seating, TV, electronics
5	Storage Areas	Seasonal items, decorations, extras

"Having a place to relax and rest while adjusting is important. Arrange the furniture and set up any electronics in the new sanctuary. Adding throw pillows and blankets will make the area feel cozy."

Once the main areas are organized, focus on building routines to make your new space feel like home.

Create Daily Patterns

After unpacking the essentials, establishing daily habits can bring a sense of order and comfort. As Sachiko Tate, LMSW, explains:

"Routines can mean the difference between feeling totally frazzled, frustrated, overwhelmed, or angry and having a sense of empowerment, confidence, and control over your life."

Here’s a simple daily schedule to help you settle in:

Morning Tasks:

• Make your bed as soon as you wake up.
• Open the blinds to let in natural light.
• Empty the dishwasher from the night before.
• Fold and put away laundry.

Evening Reset:

• Wipe down kitchen counters.
• Run the dishwasher.
• Prep the coffee maker for the next morning.
• Choose clothes for the following day.

Dr. David Tzall highlights the importance of sticking to a routine, noting that "Consistency is most important" when building new habits.

Get to Know Your Area

Familiarizing yourself with your neighborhood can make a big difference in feeling at home. Laura Mueller from Moving.com advises:

"The most simple piece of advice is also one of the most effective. If you want to know what your neighborhood has to offer, go see it for yourself."

Here are a few ways to connect with your new community:

• Take purposeful walks: Visit a local coffee shop or hardware store to get a feel for the area.
• Engage locally: Check out your community center and participate in activities like neighborhood cleanups.
• Claim your spots: Find a go-to diner for breakfast or a favorite local store.

Getting Help When Stressed

Moving can be stressful, but you don't have to face it alone. Support is available from family, friends, peers, and professionals.

Ask Family and Friends

Your loved ones are often ready to help - you just need to ask. Instead of feeling guilty, show appreciation for their support.

Here’s how to make your requests clear and effective:

Type of Help	How to Ask	Example Request
Practical	Be specific about tasks	"Could you help pack the kitchen on Saturday from 2-5 PM?"
Emotional	Share your feelings and needs	"I'd love to talk through my concerns about the new neighborhood."
Logistical	Provide clear timeframes	"Can you watch the kids during the movers' arrival on March 15?"

"I started to recognize that by distancing myself from those around me, I wasn't doing myself or them any favors. To some degree, I was discounting my relationship with them out of fear that they wouldn't step up to the plate. That's when I decided to take action and reach out." - Shelly Jackson, Writer, Chronic Pain Coach, and Producer of Painiac: The Podcast for Mindful Pain Management

If family and friends can't provide all the support you need, there are others who understand what you're going through.

Connect with Other Movers

Joining a community of people who are also navigating the challenges of moving can be incredibly helpful. Look for local groups or online forums where you can share experiences, get advice, and even swap moving tips. Platforms like MOD24's community section are great places to start.

But if stress continues to weigh you down, it might be time to seek professional help.

Talk to a Counselor

Sometimes, moving stress can feel overwhelming. A counselor can offer guidance and tools to help you cope, especially if you're dealing with:

• Anxiety that interferes with daily life
• Trouble sleeping for an extended period
• A persistent sense of being overwhelmed
• Difficulty concentrating on moving tasks

When choosing a therapist, consider these factors:

1. Experience with relocation stress: Ask if they’ve worked with clients facing major life changes.
2. Practical approach: Look for evidence-based treatment methods.
3. Accessibility: Check their location, hours, and whether they offer virtual sessions.

Conclusion

Feeling anxious about moving is completely normal when facing major life changes. As Heather Brasseur, LMC, LPC, puts it:

"Focus on taking actionable steps instead of getting caught up in all the 'what ifs.'"

Take a moment to reflect on the practical tips, mindset changes, and support systems mentioned earlier. By breaking tasks into smaller steps, you can approach your move with greater ease and confidence, knowing that change often brings new possibilities.

Consider using tools like MOD24's platform to simplify the process of finding trustworthy movers. With a 4.6/5 rating from 370 reviews, platforms like this can take much of the stress out of organizing your move. While technology can handle the logistics, emotional support from friends, family, or professionals can help you manage the mental challenges.

Nicky Lidbetter from Anxiety UK explains it well:

"It's one of life's most stressful experiences, and it's because it involves having to cope with change."

Combining practical planning with emotional support can make moving less overwhelming. Don’t hesitate to reach out to loved ones or professionals when needed - this can turn a daunting experience into a more manageable and even rewarding transition.