Tips to Manage Moving Stress - Make the Most of a Stressful Situation

Surely, you've experienced anxiety at least once - the heart starts beating faster, sweat starts dripping, and an engulfing worry overcomes you. It’s not always relocation-related, however, moving stress is a common unwanted side effect of the process. Almost everybody goes through it since there is so much to keep track of, not to mention the weight of the change creeping up. We are here to help you deal with it.

Why Is Moving so Stressful?

If you look at the statistics, you will notice that relocation is among the three most distressing experiences in one's life. Along with losing a loved one and experiencing a divorce - it's right there at the top of the list. But why is the process so anxiety inducing? Well, to begin with, any significant life change is hard. Even deciding on where to live can be troublesome, not to mention going through the process. When you are figuring out a move, your routines get completely messed up because you are bound to change your schedule.

You Might be Stressed Out Because a Move Disturbes Your Normal Schedule

Humans are creatures of habit, so any type of change can shake you up and make you feel as if you are losing control. Multiple other reasons can cause worry. If you are relocating because of a divorce or a break-up, the relocation anxiety can mount up and make the experience genuinely overwhelming. Even a joyous occasion such as starting to live with a new partner for the first time can cause some jitters.

Are Big Changes the Only Trigger?

It doesn't even have to be a significant change, you could just be packing to move in a hurry. It's completely valid that going through such a grand undertaking in a hurry can leave you feeling overwhelmed. On top of that, if you are not the only one relocating to a different home, you could be worrying about someone other than yourself, for example, your kids. Even if you are planning to move with pets that cannot comprehend the process and for whom a change is hard, it might get you feeling down.

What Is the Most Stressful Part of Moving?

One survey, which encompassed 1000 Americans, researched this exact question. They found out that the most anxiety-inducing part of the move was packing one's belongings. Following it in close second place was the process of decluttering and figuring out how to downsize, as well as which items to keep. The third place in the research went to dealing with the expenses of the move, as even those who created a detailed relocation budget were unnerved by the unexpected costs that came up during the process.

How Does Relocation Anxiety Affect Your Body?

Research shows that the amount of information one has to store in their brain not to forget to do anything when relocating and the sheer number of details you have to keep track of releases a large quantity of cortisol - stress hormones. Your whole body then enters a state of alarm, and your ''fight or flight'' response is triggered.

Although this evolutionary tactic aims to get you to react quickly or shield yourself when in danger, we can all agree that sometimes it is completely unnecessary. And when cortisol is fired up each day you organize and prepare for the move, your body creates storage of it that could have a significant impact on your mental health, as well as your general wellbeing, given that tension does things like weakening your immune system.

How to Know You Are Under Moving Stress?

There is an assortment of symptoms you can experience when under the stress of moving. To overcome them, you must first be aware of the state you are in. Here is a list of telltale signs to look out for:

●     Feeling helpless, overwhelmed, or fearful you won't manage to deal with your relocation obligations,

●     Incapability to relax through your usual self-care regimens,

●     Getting annoyed over little stuff and lashing out,

●     Anxiety or panic attacks are expressed through physical symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, heightened heart rate, insomnia, or stomach pain,

●     Dizziness, disorganization, and inability to focus,

●     Changes in eating habits such as overeating or not eating enough,

●     Avoiding tasks and responsibilities,

●     Self-medicating or abusing substances,

●     Avoiding people or avoiding being alone.

How Do You Relieve Stress From Moving?

If you wish to have a stress-free relocation, you need to dedicate yourself to organizing the move. Taking out a few hours to arrange everything will have you feeling more in control of the process. There are a few simple relocation tips that will help you get and stay on top of everything. And with our relocation hacks, you indeed will be.

It's Best to Plan Promptly and Create Adequate Lists

As already mentioned, to plan a move is life-saving. You are the one relocating, so arrange the process according to your own needs and preferences. Before you even begin doing anything, create a packing list that will allow you to organize packing for a move. On it, incorporate all the things you wish to move. Simultaneously, you will be able to figure out what to get rid of in a timely manner. Get the people you love to help you make these decisions. They can give you an outsider perspective, as well as take some of these items off your hands.

Next, create a relocation to-do list. It should ideally have a detailed schedule that will follow the month leading up to the move. Adequate planning can do a lot for you. Start with things you should do a month before, then three weeks before, and so on. You can also turn it into a checklist to get a tiny serotonin rush whenever you check off a box. It works, trust us.

Say Goodbye Properly to Your Old Place

As you know, relocating is a process that influences your emotional life. Even if you are relocating down the block or to a different part of town, meaning that your social life won't suffer, you still are closing one chapter. It is essential to recognize this and take some time to reminisce and feel thankful for everything you experienced in this home. Let's turn to science once again - expressing gratitude relieves dopamine and serotonin, the two neurotransmitters that make you experience happiness. There is no better way to fight anxiety than by doing things that will make you feel better.

Don't Forget to Take Care of Yourself

One of the most common relocation mistakes is neglecting oneself. And it is normal - you get so caught up in trying to move as efficiently as possible that you forget that you're still a person who has needs. That means that you have to remember to maintain a healthy diet, work out daily or go for walks in fresh air to clear your lungs from dust and your head from worry.

Your sleep schedule might also get shaken up due to worry and caffeine. In that case, try meditation and listening to calming music or the sounds of rain before going to sleep. Going to bed at the same time each night will also allow you to sleep better if experiencing insomnia. 

Once You've Moved, Give Yourself Time to Get Settled Into the New Home

So the whole process is done, you've moved and unpacked, and yet you still find yourself experiencing some leftover anxiety. How do you calm moving anxiety after the move? First of all, know that leftover pressure is entirely normal. If your cat or even your plant need to get used to the new home, what makes you think that you are exempt from this? Even if this is your first apartment, one you've been looking forward to for years, it is still completely valid to have some lingering anxiety. After all, we are all only people, and change is inherently stress-inducing.

Don't rush yourself to get used to the new space. Experience it on your own terms - spend some alone time or invite friends and family over to hang out at the new place. Some support and validation will do you good. Try to also create new routines in this space to get back on schedule. You might feel out of place or have trouble figuring out how to decorate your new home. That's all okay, and it can even be exciting since so many opportunities are in store for you! Home is where the heart is - yours just needs to get back into the rhythm.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Professional Help to Deal With Stress

Sometimes, lingering anxiety can be an indicator that you should get professional help. If the change is a lot for you and has influenced you so much that it affects your overall ability to function daily, find a therapist. Asking for some professional assistance will be a lot better for you to get through this phase of your life than just ignoring your feelings. Therapy is fantastic, and there is no reason to be ashamed of requiring it. Just like you would treat a broken leg, you have to take care of your mental health.

Find the Right Moving Company to Help You Relieve Anxiety Through Our Moving App

Let's revisit statistics once again. Remember that research with a thousand Americans from the beginning of the article? Well, some of them hired a relocation company, and the rest moved on their own. Out of those who moved on their own, 43% said that they would never do it again as it was too trying. On the other hand, 94% of those who hired one of the moving companies in their area said that it was worth every penny and that they would do it again.

Of course, the relocation industry has its challenges and issues, so it's crucial to choose a relocation company wisely. That's where our app for moving comes in. By using our Mod24 features - our app to compare moving companies, you will be sure you'll avoid any relocation scams and find the best movers in your area. All you need to do is download the moving company app, create an account, find suitable dates and fill in your relocation info, and the rest is up to us. We'll give you the top choices in your area of professional and fair companies. For any further information, feel free to contact us, and we will happily assist in any way we can.