Moving house is commonly listed as one of the most stressful milestones an individual, couple, or family can undergo. From the logistics of packing furniture and moving to a new property to the admin involved in having a new address and a new place to call home, it doesn’t really matter whether you move down the road or halfway across the country – the challenges are always there.
As such, we aren’t really surprised whenever we see a web page or article that lists moving as one of the most stressful things you can put yourself through. But that doesn’t mean it has to be an overwhelming or unenjoyable process.
In this article, we’re taking a deep dive into a topic that many removal firms don’t often talk about in much detail, and that’s the emotions behind moving and how to bridge the highs and lows of moving with being prepared and taking steps to ensure a smooth transition.
The Emotional Impact of Moving
Moving house is often celebrated as the day you leave one property and pick up the keys for your new one. However, the process – and the emotions involved – start much earlier than that.
When you find a property that you want to move into, you immediately face a multitude of decisions and considerations. Is it a good area for your family, does it have the amenities and facilities you need, does it allow you to commute to work, etc.
The practical upheaval of new surroundings and the disruption to a routine that you are familiar with can be uncomfortable, and that’s before we consider the impact of leaving somewhere that you’ve already called home. When you move home, you say goodbye to a former home; something that many align with a deep sense of loss.
So, not only are you facing new challenges but you’re saying goodbye to comfort and to somewhere that you may feel emotionally tied to.
The Role of Nostalgia
A big part of an existing and underlying emotional tie to a property or previous home lies in the nostalgia of times gone by.
As you say goodbye to one home and prepare to get settled in another, memories are stirred. Packing and sorting your possessions can remind you of things and times spent in different places, both within your home and in the surrounding area – and can even lead you to question the move and whether it’s the right thing to do.
If we could share one piece of advice to all movers, it would be to celebrate the good times while making sure that you are looking ahead. Use packing as an opportunity to decide what you want to keep and what you don’t need, and don’t let nostalgia get in the way of practical decisions that will help in your new home.
Children and Pets
Children and pets can be a logistical nightmare when moving. There, we said it.
Ensuring a smooth transition while making sure that they feel safe and supported can be difficult – which is why having a plan of action is key to protecting their welfare. Where possible, asking someone to watch or look after kids and pets on a moving day can make the process easier for you and for them – with a ready-to-go space for them in the new home, set up for their arrival.
Another big piece of advice that we share with movers is to keep your children’s and pets’ home comforts to hand during the moving process, so you are never without a few tools and items that will help them to settle and feel at home.
The Positive Side
It’s crucial that throughout the moving process, as you navigate these challenges and psychological stumbling blocks, you never forget the positive side and reasons for your move.
Whether it’s a bigger house, a better area, or a completely fresh start, moving is exciting – and creates tons of opportunity to make a property your own through decorating, refurbishing, and more.
In addition to the excitement of making your new home your own, you also have the chance to discover new favourite walks, a new local pub, and make friends in your new surroundings. While undoubtedly challenging, moving comes with a lot of excitement too!
Tips for a Mentally Smooth Transition
You’ll see countless blogs online that are dedicated to the logistics of moving. Packing according to room, seeking professional help, and sorting out your admin pre-move are all obvious things to add to your list and will make the move easier to manage.
But from a psychological and emotional perspective, we think it’s important to plan ahead and maintain the routines that help to support and underpin your family life. Think about things you can do to make your new house feel like home for kids and pets and revel in the nostalgia of packing and unboxing in your new place, without letting it overwhelm the positives of moving.
Settle Swiftly with the Help of A Swift Move
Here at A Swift Move, we have supported enough clients to know how to manage the logistics as well as the emotions of a domestic move.
Having said that, every situation is different – which is why our service is completely bespoke, offering as much or as little help as you need.
As a first port of call, our advice would always be to prepare for your move ahead of time. Take note of the admin required, contact removal companies like us early to secure the right date, and take your time packing. This is a good opportunity to get rid of or sell things you don’t need, starting life in your new property surrounded by the things that make your house a home.
Finally, never let fear get in the way of excitement and anticipation. A new home is exciting – embrace it!
