We all know that moving to a new home is almost never easy. Quite the opposite, such a big change in your life comes with a lot of moving stress. Even if you are getting ready to move into your new house or to a better than the current area that will allow you to live close to your family and friends, you may still experience moving anxiety. This is completely normal, simpy because moving house is one of the most stressful events in life, as shown in many polls. Some of the most common symptoms of this type of stress-triggered condition include:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea
- Trembling /shaking
If you think you are suffering from a moving anxiety, try not to overwork yourself when planning and carrying out your relocation. Avoid multitasking. That is easier said than done because organising a home move requires expert multitasking skills. But you can make things less stressful by taking a few days off work to focus on your relocation or you can hire trained helpers in London who will assist you during the different stages of your move.
Another way to tackle moving house stress is by creating a detailed to do list, which will help you stay organized. This can include booking a removal company, organizing packing materials, and sorting important documents. If that still does not help you fight your moving anxiety, try some the following coping strategies.
Work out
Keep your body busy so that your mind won’t wander too much. Start to exercise regularly and you will feel refreshed in a matter of days. It is scientifically-proven that working out can make us feel happier and more focused. Plus, you will need the extra strength to handle those big and heavy moving boxes, right? So, sometimes if you don’t want to sweat the small stuff, you must sweat big time at the gym. Regular exercise can also improve your mental well being, helping you handle the physical and emotional toll of moving house stress.
Focus only on the positives for mental well being
The most common cause behind moving anxiety is a brain that is too busy worrying about what-ifs. What if you don’t like your new neighbourhood? What if you can’t keep up with the mortgage payments? What if you end up regretting your decision to move? These are common worries many experience when facing a big life change like moving home. Let go of your worries of tomorrow and focus on the today. All people who move home face similar fears. So, you are not alone in your struggle. Still, you should not give in to your negative thoughts and you should focus only on the positives.
Think about the excitement of settling into your new house and making it your own. If you are moving to a bigger house – smile. If you are about to move out of your parents’ place – celebrate your independence. If you are forced to relocate because of a divorce or a sour breakup – look forward to starting your new life. Focusing on the positive aspects of the move, such as a fresh start, a new space to decorate, or the opportunity to make new friends, can reduce anxiety.
Take breaks during stressful events
Moving home can be very tiring – both physically and mentally. It takes a toll on your mind and body. That is exactly why you must find the time to relax and recharge your batteries. Even if you are in a hurry to move, find a way to enjoy some me time or treat yourself to an evening at your favourite restaurant, or hangout with your friends. By doing this, you will take your mind off your worries and you will be able to see the bigger picture and not overthink about it. Taking breaks is crucial for your mental health and will help you handle the stress of moving house.
Stay healthy during the moving process
No matter how tempting it might be – avoid drinking alcohol or eating high-calorie foods during your moving process. You will need all the extra energy you can get and these things won’t help you with that. Relocating for a new job, for example, can add to the stress and anxiety of moving. Remind yourself to drink more water and to eat your vegetables. As simple and trivial as that may sound, these little and easy steps will give you a significant energy boost and help fight your moving anxiety. Getting enough sleep is also extremely important. Lack of rest can worsen your stress levels, so make sure you’re resting properly during the moving process.
Moving house can be challenging, but with careful planning, emotional support from friends and family, and some healthy habits, you can make it a more stress-free experience. Taking small steps to reduce moving house stress can go a long way in ensuring a smoother and less anxious house move.
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About the Author:
Kim Jacobs
Kim Jacobs is a removals coordinator with over 11 years of experience as part of the Get man and van team and other firms in the home and office relocation industry in London. Before joining our company, Kim has worked in various logistical and transportation companies and institutions such as Transport for London, The Removals Ombudsman, and has coordinated moving projects with some of the biggest suppliers of various goods such as IKEA, HomeBase, Amazon, Sainsbury's and others. While working as a chief removals coordinator, Kim also enjoys sharing her expertise with others through writing in our blog.
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