Moving home is widely acknowledged as one of the most stressful life events, with studies showing 41% of adults experienced anxiety when getting the keys to their new place.  

In light of Mental Health Awareness Week, it’s important to try to manage and reduce stress during such transitional periods.  

Here, we provide eight effective strategies to minimise moving stress, making the process smoother and prioritising your mental health. 

  

  1. Start Planning Early

Begin your moving process as early as possible. An early start allows you more time to organise, pack, and sort out logistics like utilities and forwarding addresses without a rush.  

Use a checklist to track your tasks to ensure nothing is missed and everything is done in sequence. 

  

  1. Declutter Before You Pack

Packing can be overwhelming, but it’s less so when you have less to pack. Declutter your current home before you start packing.  

Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need, so that you’re travelling lighter on moving day. 

  

  1. Hire Professional Help

Consider hiring a professional moving company. They can handle the heavy lifting and logistics of moving day, reducing physical and mental strain.  

If budget allows, additional services like packing and unpacking can be incredibly stress-reducing. 

  

  1. Keep a Personal Essentials Bag

Pack a personal essentials bag with items you’ll need on moving day and the first 24 hours in your new home.  

Include things like toiletries, medications, important documents, chargers, and a change of clothes. Knowing these necessities are on hand can ease anxiety. 

  1. Stay Connected

Keep in touch with friends and family who can provide emotional support and practical help.  

Whether it’s a listening ear or an extra pair of hands to help pack, maintaining a support network is crucial during stressful times. 

  

  1. Maintain Routine

Try to keep your daily routine as normal as possible. Regular meals, sleep, exercise, and downtime can help maintain your mental health amidst the moving chaos.  

  

  1. Use Technology

Utilise apps and online services to streamline the moving process. From digital floor planners to utility switch services, technology can save time and alleviate stress.  

Additionally, you could download apps which help with your mental health. Here is a list of Mind-approved apps which may be useful depending on your specific needs. 

   

8. Take Time to Settle In

Once you move, it’s important to take time to settle into your new environment. Unpack at your own pace, explore your new neighbourhood, and start turning your new house into a home.  

Remember, this is an exciting new chapter of your life, and you should be proud of the steps you’ve taken to reach this point.  

  8 Ways to Relieve Stress When Moving Home

At OneDome, it has always been our mission to remove the stress from the home buying experience. Remember, it’s okay to seek help—moving is a big task, and there’s no need to do it alone.  

With the right preparation and mindset, you can turn a potentially stressful move into a series of manageable steps and start your new chapter on a positive note.