Emotional Impact of Moving
By Isabella Kidd

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Moving house is considered to be one of the five most stressful situations we may experience in our lifetime. We develop attachments to our home, possessions and communities that we live in. These connections to a community can be as strong as our relationships with family and friends. Being mentally prepared for a house move can significantly assist with surviving the changes and reactions we experience.

We encourage you to be as psychologically prepared as you are physically for your move.  It is important to accept that when you move, you may encounter anxiety you hadn’t anticipated as the unknown approaches.  At times we resist change, as it often feels forced or is unpredictable. To counter this when you move, view the experience as a transition. Often, moving is the realisation of purchasing your dream home, moving away from a nightmare neighbourhood or a change of town or state. Nonetheless, the move is often about a choice to seek a fresh environment, an adventure or life change.  It is important to keep your focus on the things you value the most and remember, these move with you - memories, experiences and possessions. Your home is simply bricks and mortar, memories and friendships are forever.

When you move, remember you are not leaving friends and neighbours behind, simply expanding your friendship group as you meet new people. Your friends are always a text or phone call away.

We move for a multitude of reasons. Death, change in relationship, expansion of a family or a move for work. Make your next move more enjoyable by following these steps:

• Bring your old life to your new life. Involve family and friends in the move and resettling.

 

• Start new memories. Go to restaurants and cafes. Explore the area you are moving to and meet your new neighbours.

 

• Say goodbye. Have a farewell party or gathering at your old home to celebrate with those you have bonded with.

 

• Get organised. Plan six to eight weeks ahead of time [if possible]. Delegate tasks so you do not feel overwhelmed.

 

• Self-care. You must care for yourself during this time. Make time to rest and don’t overdo it.

 

• Adapt and be flexible. If things don’t go to plan that is okay! Hurdles and obstacles may pop up. Put some plans in place to overcome these and enjoy the adventure.

When you plan for the emotional impact of moving, you have the power to remind yourself why the move is important.  Allowing yourself to have a short grieving period is normal. We have all moved house and know the emotional attachments we can create. Always remember that everything you value is with you either mentally [memories] or physically [possessions].