Why is moving house so stressful?

What is it that makes moving house so stressful? Moving to a new home is consistently ranked as one of the most stressful life events people go through. 

From house hunting to packing, to the move itself, to the unpacking, the entire experience is a long and arduous one. It’s no wonder that popular forums like Reddit and Mumsnet are filled with posts asking if it’s normal to be filled with dread at the prospect of moving. 

What is it that makes moving to a new home a source of anxiety and tension? Unfortunately, the moving process is a perfect storm of major stressors that add up together to make some stress unavoidable. However, knowing what’s causing you stress can help you combat these feelings and help your move go smoothly. 

The many factors that make moving house so stressful

Change 

All life changes can be a source of stress, even positive changes you’re excited about. One of the things that makes moving house so stressful is that it changes almost every part of your day-to-day life, from your morning routine and commute to where you shop for your groceries. 

When going through changes, our minds are filled with uncertainty about potential outcomes instead of the familiarity of routine. We also might lose access to familiar sources of comfort, whether that’s a local park where you love to unwind or your favourite coffee shop, or even just the view from your front window. 

One way to combat the stress of change is to protect certain familiar favourites. Drinking your nightly cup of tea from your usual mug can make the new house feel less scary and more like home from your first night. 

Expense

Moving house is expensive, and that comes with its own stress. UK mental health charity Mind recognises money worries as one of the leading causes of stress. Between moving expenses, taking time off work and a potentially higher new rent or mortgage, the pressure on your wallet is one of the things that makes moving house so stressful. 

While moving will always have certain expenses, making smart choices like comparing moving companies, shopping smart for supplies and getting a great deal on your utilities can all save you money and cut down on anxiety. 

Tiredness 

Tiredness and lack of sleep are other factors that contribute to making moving house so stressful. In the lead up to the move, finding time to prepare, pack and make necessary arrangements to set up your new home takes hours, leaving less time to relax at the end of the day and get that all-important sleep. 

Once you move, being in an unfamiliar environment can also impact the length and quality of your sleep. Sleep is split into stages, with lighter sleep giving way to the deeper sleep needed to repair your body and restore your mind. If you find yourself being woken by unfamiliar noises or have a hard time settling down in a new room, you might miss out on this crucial, deeper sleep. 

Though it might be hard while you’re so busy, make sure to set aside time for proper relaxation and sleep to help combat stress. Even a few nights of interrupted sleep can have serious effects on your mood and functional ability, which will lead to more stress as the cycle continues. 

Top tip! The NHS has some great tips to help you fall asleep faster and sleep better here.

How can I make moving less stressful?

Moving will always involve some stress, but there are actions you can take to reduce the impact and make the process as easy as possible. For example, planning ahead and using a moving checklist reduces the number of decisions you need to make and reduces the chance of you missing something important. 

For more ways to cut down on moving stress, check out our 9 top tips for a more relaxed move here. Plus, save yourself time, money and a headache by using our free utility concierge service to get your new home set up before you arrive.