Moving stress is something we’ve all had to deal with at one point or another. Moving signifies a noteworthy change in our lives. When the brain finds that a change may be threatening, it produces a response that activates stress hormones. Although the change is necessary, there are some ways to reduce the amount of stress you feel throughout the process.
The Stress of Moving
Whether this is your first move or your tenth, you’re bound to encounter some stress along the way. Even when you’re as prepared as possible, there are always uncertainties ranging from weather events to last-minute changes in possession dates. As professional movers who have been right there with our clients for all those hiccups and surprises, we know that the pressure can feel intense, not only on moving day but in the days and weeks leading up to the move.
How Stressful Is Moving?
Moving is often ranked among the most stressful life events, alongside major career changes and financial transitions. The reason is the combination of logistical pressure, decision fatigue, time constraints, and emotional attachment to your current home. Even positive moves, like upgrading to a better space or relocating for an opportunity, can trigger stress responses because they disrupt routine and familiarity.
What makes moving particularly challenging is that multiple stressors happen at once: packing, coordinating timelines, managing budgets, and adapting to a new environment. Recognizing this is important, it helps you understand that feeling overwhelmed isn’t a sign of poor planning, but a natural response to a high-demand situation.
How to Cope with Moving Stress
Give Yourself Time
Procrastination is your biggest enemy when it comes to moving. It’s easy to underestimate how much stuff you have accumulated over the years or how long it will take to put it all in boxes. Get things done early if you can – it will result in far less weight on your shoulders when you’re close to the moving day! Plus, you can spread out the workload and feel good each time you accomplish something.
Make a Moving Checklist
Staying organized is a great way to keep motivated and keep stress at bay, and moving checklists are one an absolute necessity. When you know what’s been done and what still has to be done, you’ll avoid becoming overwhelmed or forgetting something important. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than checking off a task on your to-do list. This also boosts relaxation hormones to counter those pesky stress hormones!
Do Your Research
Whether you’re moving across the city or to an entirely new province, it can be difficult to get used to a new location. The best way to combat this is to arm yourself with information about your new location. Where is the grocery store? Which roads are best, and which should you avoid? What nearby shops or restaurants should you check out? Taking some time to learn these tidbits can be a great way to maintain normalcy during the chaos of moving, in addition to showing you everything your fantastic new location has to offer. Once you’ve done some research on your own, join a local group on social media to ask questions and start getting to know the locals.
Get Some Sleep
When you’re enveloped in the chaos of moving, sleep might be the last thing on your mind. However, it’s crucial that you get plenty of rest during the entire moving process. When you’re in the moving mindset, it drains you both physically and mentally, which makes sleep incredibly important. When you’re well-rested, you’ll be more efficient, far less stressed, and in a better mood overall.
Accept Help
Trying to handle every aspect of a move on your own is one of the fastest ways to increase stress levels. Accepting help from friends, family, or professionals allows you to distribute the workload and reduce decision fatigue. Even small contributions, like someone helping pack a few boxes or watching pets during moving day, can make a meaningful difference. Delegating tasks doesn’t mean losing control; it means managing your energy more effectively so you can focus on higher-priority decisions.
Practice Self-Compassion
Moving rarely goes exactly as planned. Delays, misplaced items, or last-minute changes are common, and being overly critical of yourself only adds unnecessary pressure. Instead of focusing on what didn’t go right, shift your attention to what you’ve accomplished. This mindset helps regulate stress levels and keeps you mentally resilient throughout the move.
Hire Professional Movers
Nothing takes the pressure off during a move like hiring professional movers. With an expert moving team by your side, there’s no need to worry about lifting, protecting, or transporting your possessions; your movers have it under control. If necessary, many moving companies in Edmonton also offer packing services, so you don’t even have to worry about packing up your home!
At Eager Beaver Moving, we want your moving process to go off without a hitch. That’s why we offer our expert moving services in and around the Edmonton area. Contact us or get your free moving estimate today!
