It’s a known fact that moving house ranks among the most stressful things you will ever do in your life. The process can be daunting and even overwhelming at times as there is so much to plan and organise.
Besides making time to pack all of your belongings, there are many important questions you need answers to. In this article, we share some helpful advice on how to effectively manage your stress and anxiety when moving house.
Why Do We Get Anxious When Moving House?
The reasons for moving anxiety may vary but it’s mostly the result of unfamiliarity to our new surroundings. Anxiety is often worse when moving with children or pets as there is a lot more at stake than just looking after yourself. It’s also often attributed to the sadness of leaving a long-time family home, neighbours, job and school.
Considering everything you have to do, it’s no surprise that stress levels are high. Just look at the list of questions you need to ask when moving house:
- What are the local schools like?
- What are the local health services like?
- How long will my commute to work be?
- Is there good public transport?
- Are there good childcare facilities nearby?
- Is my new house close to a gym or sports clubs?
What Are The Symptoms Of Anxiety?
No matter how experienced or tough you think you are, there will always be stress and anxiety when moving house. It’s important to know the signs of anxiety or stress so you can manage it carefully. Some of the main symptoms include the following:
- Becoming easily agitated or frustrated
- Trouble trying to relax
- Inability to focus
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Forgetfulness and disorganisation (certainly not helpful when moving house)
- Quick or sudden anger
- Aches, pains and muscle tension
- Chest pains and rapid heartbeat
- Low levels of energy
- Headaches
How To Manage Anxiety When Moving House
Trying to declutter and organise your belongings for a big move to can be tiring, time-consuming and incredibly stressful. If you suffer from moving anxiety, there are ways to manage it better by making a few small changes, starting with a positive attitude. Think about all the good things about moving, like meeting new friends and finding new activities in your new area.
Research And Planning
A major cause of anxiety is the sense of change that comes with moving home. Most of us don’t like the unknown and struggle with big change, especially if you are starting over with a new job. Put your mind at ease by researching the new area properly by finding things to do, where the nearest doctors are, your nearest shop and anything else you might find useful.
Never leave anything until the last minute, especially not moving house as this will most certainly heighten your stress levels. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to declutter, pack your boxes, and arrange any services early on. If you don’t have enough space for your furniture, clothing or valuables, find a self storage facility to help simplify (and organise) your move.
Don’t Go It Alone
Moving house can be exceptionally challenging, whether you are relocating on your own or with the entire family. A big move will always be stressful but having friends or family to help will speed up the process while turning it into an activity rather than a chore. Accepting help is part of the process and with the right people, you could even enjoy the experience. Naturally, you can hire a professional moving company or a man with a van if the job is too big, even with friends.
Work With A Reputable Moving Company
Whilst you can move everything on your own, it’s almost always better to hire a reputable moving company. It may cost a little more but you get peace of mind knowing your belongings are being handled, transported and stored properly. When choosing a removal company, keep the following in mind:
- Find someone that will suit your budget and moving schedule
- Ask what services they offer, i.e. some offer to pack and load boxes and furniture as well as unpack on the other side
- Get at least three quotes for a clear indication of costs
- After an initial evaluation of your move, the company will present you with a quote
- Once accepted, a date can be set and your moving can begin
- On the day, a moving team will prepare your belongings for transport and deliver to the new location
How To Declutter And Pack Your Belongings
Moving house may not be the easiest thing in the world but it is an ideal opportunity to declutter. By clearing out your house for a move, you can finally get rid of things you forgot you had in the first place. If you haven’t used something in the last year, it’s time to get rid of it. This often leads to big savings on removal costs. Here are a few simple tips to help you get started:
- Declutter room-by-room
- Make a list of everything you are moving
- Put all your belongings into four piles – donate, sell, recycle or throw away
- Pack one room at a time and be methodical
- Label all the boxes according to room numbers to make unpacking easier and more organised
- Don’t overfill boxes
- Use bubble wrap, paper or foam chips for fragile items
Recommended: ‘Packing Tips Professionals Swear By’
Storage Solutions When Moving House
Never underestimate the amount of physical and mental organisation it takes to move. People often forget how much effort it takes to organise, pack boxes and transport everything from A to B. Then comes the real risk of running out of space for all of you belongings, especially if you are downsizing and need more room.
In all our years in the storage business, the majority of customers choose a storage unit when moving house or business premises. At Space Centre, you can rent a short-term self storage unit to keep your things safe until you have organised your new home. Our units in Stroud, Bristol, Gloucester and Stonehouse are clean, dry, secure with many having drive-up access for your convenience.