Moving house stress can lead to a variety of mental health issues such as an increase in anxiety or depression.
Research shows that “more than 1 in 6 people” will experience “a disabling anxiety disorder at some stage in their life” and moving house can help worsen these disorders.
The un-order and the uncertainty that surrounds a move can instigate underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD, and depression. Today we will be discussing how we can hopefully help you reduce the anxiety you’re dreading.
It’s not just a case of moving/changing your home and getting settled in the new one, you may be in a new area, you have to find new schools for your children, find a new GP and dentist. All of the above are potentially hard to juggle whilst moving. Although simple things like starting earlier than you perhaps needed to, making a list, or even just simply allowing people to help you.
Starting Early
Leaving such a big milestone to the last minute will most likely heighten your stress and anxiety. Start by packing and decluttering all of your belongings early. So when it comes to unpacking it’s a breeze. If not having enough storage space is a worry, now is the perfect time to arrange a storage solution for your move.
Making a List
A really effective, yet simple way to reduce anxiety whilst moving is to create a list. Lists allow you to physically see what you have left to gather/complete, putting your mind to rest. This maintains organisation and helps to prevent potential anxiety due to the lack of order.
Allowing People to Help
Firstly remember you are never alone, whether you are moving into your first home singularly or with your family of 10. Accepting help is not a weakness and is particularly important in times you need it most. Hiring professionals to assist with your life is also an option. The help will allow you to physically and mentally relax and perhaps even enjoy the house-moving experience.
Symptoms of Anxiety or Stress
A little amount of stress is a natural and human instinct, sometimes pushing us positively to be more productive. However, moving stress and anxiety if not acknowledged can be unhealthy. Here are a few symptoms to look out for:
-Lack of ability to relax
-Feeling overwhelmed
-Headaches/migraines
-Sudden spurts of anger.
Take a look here for more detailed descriptions of the above.
Along with relationship break-ups and the loss of a loved one, moving house is seen as one of life’s most stressful events. However, for others, it may seem like a breeze, whatever the truth of one’s personal experience, moving can undoubtedly be a time of great anxiety.
Moving house is already a stressful life event, never mind when you have to factor a global pandemic into the equation. But don’t worry it is not against current guidelines and you are still allowed to move house during the lockdown. But you must take precautions to make sure you do so as safely as possible. Not just for your sake but for your family, friends and the public too.
This means you should not ask anyone outside your household or support bubble to help you unless absolutely necessary. This can be another daunting experience for people who may need that extra support from their loved ones.
We really hope this was helpful and put your mind at ease.
