The Stress of Moving House: 8 Effective Ways To Handle It

The stress of moving house can be a nightmare, especially when you are moving delicate things like packing wall art, plants when moving house and owning fairly big possessions such as a boat or a caravan. And it is no wonder why such an extensive process stresses Australians. However, the reality is that there are many steps one can undertake to ensure their relocation goes smoothly, from packing, organising, and hiring removalists that also offer boat storage and caravan storage in Perth to setting up new utilities and settle into the new home.

However, the stress of moving house can easily take over and make a move more complicated than it needs to be. So we’ve put together a list of our best essential tips on how to cope with the stress of moving house.

Is Moving Stressful?

Moving to a new place down the block or across the country is one of life’s most stressful events. To make matters worse, there’s usually no single major cause for this stress. Instead, many smaller factors add up and contribute to making moving such an arduous undertaking.

Some common causes include sorting through years worth of clutter and belongings (an actual test of detachment), disassembling furniture for moving, saying goodbye to friends/neighbours at your old home, and facing complex logistics-related packing & unpacking boxes in limited time frames… the list goes on!

Here is a list of reasons moving can be one of the most stressful times.

Changes

Every move brings with it significant life changes. Long-distance relocations, for example, moving from Perth to Melbourne, can disrupt anyone’s life significantly. Whether you’re changing your address, adjusting to a new home environment, or your job is shifting – these can add extra stress and anxiety, even if the change is for the better.

Finances

Moving can be costly and an intimidating financial burden for many people. Whether you’re downsizing or needing to purchase all new furniture, the costs associated with relocating usually mean added stress on your wallet, often leading to feeling overwhelmed during the process.

Time

Relocating – no matter the distance – is an immense undertaking and shouldn’t be taken lightly. From unpacking boxes to organising your new space, there’s much work you’ll have to do before settling in just right. So, sometimes it can feel like getting settled in takes forever.

Moving is anything but a relaxing time – you’ll likely be driving, carrying heavy loads and spending hours unpacking. Even though the changes seem overwhelming, taking the proper steps will help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.

Logistics

A looming sense of overwhelm comes with the intricate planning and organisation required for a move. A reason why moving house is so stressful. It’s not just about haphazardly tossing things into boxes. You’re faced with many tasks: meticulously sorting through years of accumulated belongings and deciding what to keep, donate, or discard.

Then comes the logistical dance of finding reliable movers who fit your budget and schedule. Don’t forget the labyrinthine world of utility transfers, ensuring a smooth transition from your old place to your new one. And as if that’s not enough, there’s the seemingly endless task of updating your address with every bank, subscription service, and loved one in your contact list.

Physical strain

Packing and lifting boxes can be a brutal assault on your body. Bending, crouching, and contorting to reach forgotten treasures in the back of closets turns into an unexpected workout session. Each box you fill feels heavier than the last, and soon, your arms ache with a dull throb.

But the physical strain doesn’t stop there. The cleaning that precedes the packing is another beast entirely. Scrubbing floors on your hands and knees, hauling furniture to dust forgotten corners, and wrestling with grime accumulated over the years takes its toll. By the time moving day arrives, you might feel more like a sore and weary warrior than someone embarking on a new adventure.

Emotional Strain

As you pack up your place and go through all your stuff, it’s normal to feel all kinds of emotions. Homes are like treasure chests of memories, so it’s no surprise that those feelings start bubbling up as you prepare for the move. Going through your stuff can send you down memory lane.

Now, if you’re moving to a different state or even another country, it might mean saying see-ya-later to your buddies and fam for a bit. That’s going to be tough, no doubt about it. But believe you’ll make new pals and find a groove in your new digs. It’s all part of the adventure!

Inconveniences

Little hiccups happen, even if you’ve mapped out every detail of your move. Moving is just one of those things with so many moving parts that it’s hard for everything to go off without a hitch. Maybe the removalist shows up late, you can’t find a box, or you run out of packing tape. None of these are total disasters, but they can get on your nerves and stress you out.

Now, those inconveniences start to bite for those dealing with more significant problems. For example, the truck breaks down or something gets damaged. It’s not going to ruin your whole move, but it sure can mess with your timing and put a damper on the entire experience.

How To Handle The Stress of Moving House?

Stress can drag on our well-being, so let’s look at some practical ways to navigate it while you’re moving. But with some thoughtful planning ahead of time on how to move – like starting early. You can dramatically reduce move-related anxiety while turning over that exciting “next page”.

Here are a few ways how to minimise stress and handle the stress of moving:

Embrace a Positive Outlook

Stress can quickly turn into negativity, but having a positive outlook during challenging moments will help you keep your focus and ultimately reduce the stress that’s weighing on you. Make it easier to move through challenging transitions by cultivating an optimistic attitude.

Broaden your horizons and take a positive spin on new beginnings. Connect with the people around you, explore unfamiliar surroundings, or seek fun activities. Even little things like dining out in a restaurant can make all the difference.

Moving may seem daunting, but remember that this is only temporary. Embrace the challenge and settle in quickly. You’ll be comfortable sooner than you think. After all, once upon a time, your current home was new to you too. Keep that experience of success in mind as motivation for getting through it again now.

Do Your Research

Moving is a stressful experience, especially when it’s to a place where you lack knowledge of the area. To help make the transition more accessible and less intimidating, doing some research before your move is essential—that way, instead of leaping into unknown territory upon arrival at your new destination you will be somewhat familiar with your new surroundings.

Get a jump start on feeling comfortable in your new home before arriving! Research the best routes and top local spots like grocery stores and restaurants. This step will give you the advantage of having all the knowledge necessary to feel at ease when starting, helping keep your positive vibes strong during relocation.

Another good tip, is to research what your move is going to cost you. Check out our guide on moving interstate costs or international removal prices to get a better understanding of what to expect. Can’t move all the things with you? Then also look at our comprehensive storage price guide.

➜ Download our Moving Checklist

Get Yourself a Moving Checklist

Moving can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but you don’t have to feel powerless against the chaos.

A definitive guide on how to move interstate in Australia is an invaluable tool that helps make your move more organised and realistic – plus, it’s incredibly satisfying as you check off each item! While every moving house checklist will vary depending on individual needs, some essential steps should always include:

• Ensure your items stay safe and secure throughout the big move with enough moving boxes or other storage solutions. Avoid packing nightmares by ensuring you have enough containers to fit it all.
• Secure your lease with any required payments for your new home. By making the initial down payment and security deposits, you are taking essential steps in putting a roof over your head.
• Start planning your move. To make the most of it, map out the best routes for multiple trips and note exciting places along the way. Then, outline all you need from points A to B so that nothing passes you by.
• Planning ensures an efficient and stress-free move. Start packing for your relocation a few days or weeks before moving day to avoid the last-minute rush.
• Whether you need more or less space, a storage unit is a perfect way to transition your belongings. Make room for change by storing what’s necessary and removing anything that no longer serves its purpose.

Declutter

Moving day can often surprise many of us; you wouldn’t believe how much stuff accumulates when it’s time to pack up. Unfortunately, you’re not alone if your boxes seem bigger than they did on move-in day. It is an unfortunately common occurrence. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by all these belongings, though — take comfort in knowing that others are dealing with similar issues.

Decluttering your home before a big move saves time and stress. Start the process at least two to three months ahead of schedule, so you have enough time to be thorough without feeling rushed. Doing this will ensure that moving day goes as smoothly as possible.

Prepare in Advance

Leaping into a move unprepared can be the ultimate source of moving stress. Doing something as significant and intense as relocating across the country in only 24 hours? That would leave you feeling overwhelmed before you’ve even begun! So instead, plan to ease your transition. It’s worth the short-term investment for long-term peace of mind.

By decluttering and packing your items ahead of time, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the stress-inducing tasks associated with moving. Take it one step at a time – start by getting rid of what isn’t necessary weeks or even months before you move, then slowly start packing dishes for storage or any additional belongings over a few days or weeks until just essentials remain for last-minute transport. Planning ensures that everything will go as smoothly as possible regarding heavy lifting and communicating with movers!

Seek Help

Moving doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Invite friends and family members to help you pack up, move heavier items or bring some snacks — then show gratitude by buying them dinner or drinks. It’s one small way to thank the people helping make this significant change more accessible.

If moving furniture interstate and other bulky items seems overwhelming, it might be time to hire a professional mover. With experience in dealing with large items like couches and refrigerators, as well as having access to helpful tools such as packing tape or blankets that you may have yet to consider — hiring professionals is often the most efficient option for your move!

Say Goodbye

Saying farewell to particular people, beloved spots, and a cherished home can be challenging. But it’s also an essential part of starting anew. If your move takes you away from friends and places that may not come around again, make sure those last memories are fond by giving them the kind of goodbye they deserve.

Take a Deep Breath

Moving house stress is an overwhelming experience, with seemingly endless tasks to complete. To ensure your mental health during this process, it’s essential to make time for self-care activities to help you take much-needed breaks away from the stressful reality of moving.

Beat the pre-move blues with active and social stress relief. Get your heart rate moving by working out, taking a stroll outdoors or playing catch up with friends. Then cosy up to some quality time spent catching a movie night at home. It’s just what you need before tackling that big move.

When Moving Stress Turns Nasty

When the stress of moving house gets the better of you, here are some negative things that might happen:

• Injury: Rushing to pack heavy boxes or lifting awkwardly in a stressed state can lead to muscle strains, back pain, or even more serious injuries.
• Poor decision-making: Under pressure, you might make hasty choices about what to keep or discard, leading to regrets later or forgetting essential items you need.
• Strained relationships: Moving stress can make you short-tempered. Snapping at friends or family who are trying to help can damage relationships.
• Arguments with movers: Communication breakdowns during the move due to moving stress can lead to arguments with movers, making a hectic day even more unpleasant.
• Accidents: Feeling overwhelmed can cloud your judgment, increasing the risk of accidents like damaging belongings or forgetting to close the garage door at the old place.
• Missed deadlines: Important tasks like transferring utilities or updating your address might slip through the cracks under stress of moving house, causing delays and inconveniences.
• Exhaustion: Running on adrenaline and neglecting proper rest can lead to physical and mental exhaustion, making it harder to cope with moving demands.
• Sickness: Moving house stress weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to catching a cold or other illness during the chaotic moving period.
• Unfinished tasks: Feeling overloaded can lead to cutting corners or leaving things undone in a rush to move out, creating extra work for you later at the new place.
• Settling-in blues: The move’s stress can overshadow the new place’s excitement. Feeling drained can make it harder to adjust and settle into your new surroundings when you finally arrive.

Tips for a Stress-Free Family Relocation

Moving can be a stressful experience, but it can be even more stressful when you have little children and pets to take care of. For children and pets, the most challenging aspects of moving are saying goodbye to their familiar surroundings and adapting to new surroundings. As a parent, seeing your children and pets get stressed can add to your already experiencing moving house stress.

Moving House with the Children

As a parent, you want to shield your kiddos from moving stress, especially when they’re still little. But sometimes, moving is just something the whole family needs for a better life overall. So, it’s super important to prepare your kids for the significant change ahead of time. And don’t forget to give them lots of love and support during the move and when they’re settling in.

Now, we all know kids can be pretty attached to their friends and the comfy routine they’ve got going on. It’s going to be tough to finally talk about moving. But it’s best to be straight-up with them about why we’re making the move and how it will be great for everyone. Be ready for their questions and any not-so-happy feelings they might throw your way, like being mad or bummed out.

Getting your little ones involved in the planning can help them get excited about the move. Show them pictures of the new place, chat about the cool new furniture, and, if you can swing it, let them pick out their future room!

Lastly, throwing a goodbye bash for your kids and their buddies can really mean the world to them. It’s a chance for closure and shows that you understand how tough it can be to leave friends behind. Plus, it makes the whole moving thing a bit easier on everyone.

Moving House with Pets

When moving house with pets, it can be stressful for them, with disrupted routines and unfamiliar environments causing anxiety. To minimise their trauma, plan! Introduce your pet to their carrier early, maintain their usual schedule, and pack a “pet essentials” bag with familiar items.

Create a calm, designated space in your new home with familiar belongings. Use calming sprays or diffusers, and give your pet extra love and attention. If your pet has travel anxiety, consult your vet and consider gradual desensitisation techniques. By prioritising your pet’s well-being, you can ensure a smoother move for both of you.

Other Simple Techniques for a Peaceful Transition

Here are other simple yet effective techniques to help you navigate the transition smoothly and keep the stress of moving house at bay.

Permit Yourself to Feel

Change isn’t always easy for humans, so if you’re feeling jittery, cut yourself some slack.
Moving can stir up a whole bunch of feelings, from nervousness and uncertainty about the change to questioning if you’re making the right call to feeling a bit bummed about leaving behind all those memories and connections in your current hood.

Feeling anxious, upset, or just distraught is part of the course.

Pack a Little Each Day

It’s not the most exciting task, but it can be less stressful if you sift through your stuff before tossing it in boxes.

Why lug around stuff you don’t really need? Start decluttering as soon as you decide to move and tackle it bit by bit each day.

Make Your Boxes Work for You

If you can swing it, give yourself plenty of time. Start at least a week before moving day, and make sure you’re labelling those boxes properly. Top, front, back—wherever you look, you’ll see what’s inside.

Consider:

• Packing the stuff you won’t need right away first, so they sit at the bottom of the boxes.
• Opting for larger boxes for bulky items like blankets or clothes, reserving smaller ones for heavy or delicate items such as books and glasses.
• If you’re dealing with only large boxes, “pack weight with volume”; for instance, load the bottom layer with books and the top layer with softer items like pillows, clothes, or toys. This method makes lifting boxes more manageable.

Don’t Forget the “Day One Essentials” Box

Do not forget that special box for moving day. It’s the one with all your must-haves, like the phone charger and shampoo. You’ll thank yourself later.

For the kids, throw in some snacks and comfort items to make the transition smoother.

Familiarise Yourself With Your New Neighborhood in Advance

Feeling a bit daunted by the idea of your new neighbourhood? Take some time to explore it before the move. Grab a coffee, hit the local shops, and get a feel for the vibe.

If you’re outgoing, take the lead in meeting your new neighbours. Join some online groups, find a playgroup for the little ones, or convene with fellow dog owners at the park.

Remember, settling into a new place takes time. So be patient with yourself. It usually takes about six months to a year to feel at home and make new friends in the area.

Leave Your Stress to Professional Movers

Moving to a new area can bring about many emotions for both exciting and challenging reasons.

However, it’s important to remember that whatever your motivation is behind the move, hiring interstate removalists in Perth is ultimately beneficial in some fashion! We hope these tips assist you as you adjust — stay positive and calm during this transition process.

Moving house in Australia is stressful, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by adjusting to new surroundings, cultures or even languages. However, you don’t have to face this challenge alone; seeking professional help from experienced removalists in Perth is an excellent way to cope with moving stress effectively.

No matter the size and scope of your move, our experienced professionals at Relocations WA can help make it as stress-free an experience as possible. Our friendly team is ready to assist with any questions or concerns — get in touch! Remember our free quotes for added peace of mind; investing in a worry-free transition has never been easier.