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Why is moving so stressful? - Claire Hose, MoveMinder

Why is moving house so stressful!?

Most people have heard that moving house ranks as one of the most stressful things you will have to deal with in life; and they’re right.

A study carried out in the sixties by Holmes and Rahe, ranked 43 of the most stressful life events. ‘A change in residence’ was indeed present on the list, albeit quite near the bottom. However, a surprisingly large number of the remaining events could either provoke a move (divorce, separation, retirement, marriage, new family member) or are related to moving house (major mortgage, change in school, change in social activities, change in living conditions). Using this scale we can see that the bigger the change, the more stressful the move (although we probably didn’t need the scale to tell us that!).

Today’s hectic lifestyle leaves little room for additional stress. If the stress scale was adapted to reflect modern day life, perhaps the one hundred and one extra administrative tasks that go hand in hand with moving would be included. Back in the sixties there were infinitely less people to notify of your change of address; no internet, satellite/cable, insurance, different utility companies, facebook friends etc. And there was probably a wife or mother at home to take care of it all.

Humans are creatures of habit and moving house presents disruptions on a number of levels. As well as getting used to the obvious change in habits and location, moving house generates a variety of emotions; excitement, guilt, apprehension, sadness and anxiety to name but a few.

Psychologists recommend giving yourself plenty of time to consider the effects of moving. Saying goodbye to everyone and everything, being organised, keeping positive and getting back into a regular routine as soon as possible are all helpful ways of coping.

So what can you do to ease the stress?

The best way of easing the stress is to let someone else take charge… but that’s not always an option! There are companies that will take care of it for you to varying degrees, but in most cases it lands squarely on one person’s shoulders. It’s quite rare that moving tasks are split equally between those involved, which inevitably leads to arguments and more stress (If you’re single it might actually be less stressful, despite dealing with it all yourself). Dividing tasks when planning can help reduce conflict (as long as everyone does what they are supposed to).

Often, the thought of it all is more overwhelming than the actual event, but knowing what needs to be done, why, when, how, and by who will save a lot of stress, time, hassle, and potentially money, as the move approaches.

It’s important to use a removal company and other suppliers that you feel comfortable with, not necessarily the cheapest, because you’re trusting them with your worldly belongings. If you are doing it DIY, enlist as many friends and family as possible to help; bribery helps. Even children can be useful with the small tasks like checking cupboards, making refreshments and looking after pets.

It doesn’t stop when you are in your new place. The temptation to leave all but the essential boxes unpacked is high, but the sooner everything is unpacked, the sooner it will start feeling like ‘home’; a place where you can relax, and the stress, goes away (well, the move related stress).

Claire Hose

‘Expert mover’ Claire Hose is Managing Director of MoveMinder Limited (www.moveminder.co.uk). MoveMinder Limited is a move management company which specialises in assisting individuals with all the additional tasks associated with moving house.

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