Why is moving so stressful ? Moving is always a challenge and as we get older it seems even more of a challenge. We accumulate so much “Stuff” over the years. Things from our family, friends, furniture, kitchen appliances and dishes, etc. Just “things”. And if you are like me, getting rid of “ Things” is hard to do. Now the younger generations are more of a disposable generation. They don’t hang on to all the memories of objects like my generation does. Maybe we’ve inherited our “holding on” from our parents and grandparents who went through the depression years. And we know with all that is going on in the world today that the next generation may be more like minded to us…who knows!
A Lot Goes Into Making A Move Of Any Kind.
A lot goes into making a move of any kind. Years ago before my children were born I did a lot of traveling, moving around from state to state and country to country with my husband’s work. (up until my children started to elementary school and some after) Those were wonderful years but moving was different then. Moving as we did every few months we didn’t accumulate “things”. Once we settled down more it seems those “things” just started piling up. Memories through keepsakes of places we visited, furniture, clothes, toys and athletic gear, etc.
And moving wasn’t as stressful then because at that time company’s paid to move you sending in packers and unpackers, buying your home so you could move to the new location sooner, renting your apartment for you, etc.
Why is Moving So Stressful ?
This Move And The Stress of Moving
This move after 21 years of living in my home was not only the longest period of living anywhere since living in my parents home and hometown growing up. It was also the home I bought on my own after my divorce, so not where my children grew up but my home alone. (the children were grown and on their own) I put in a pool, the landscaping, remodel, etc. on my own in this home. I had great neighbors in front and behind me for 21 years in this older, yet safe neighborhood .
If I had any complaints it would be the holidays and Sunday traffic from the church on the corner of our street and parking in front of my house. But again those are minor to the happiness of living there for all those years.
The Clean Out for the Move…
It took two months of daily “cleanout”, donations, tossing, boxing and packing. Daily trips to GoodWill and Salvation Army, pick ups from other organizations, selling online, pickups, trips to storage every other day. And of course trash pickup. Just some of the stress of moving. Scheduling moving dates, closings, leases to sign (if not buying) are all stressful.
Moving Day Arrives
Then comes the moving day. Getting things moved into the new location. There are always “things” that you need to buy for a new location no matter how much planning you do. Things you thought you wouldn’t need and disposed of but then you do need to replace them. Moving is an expensive,tiring, and stressful time no matter how large or small !
In my situation this move was EXTREMELY HARD. I didn’t want to buy after selling my home for at least a year, if ever again. For the first time I moved into an apartment. I wanted somewhere I could have a small yard with direct access for my dogs. Which proved to be a challenge in itself.
Finding The Best Location
Kara researched for days on days for me somewhere to move. They offered for me to move in with them but no dogs, they discussed building a mother-in-law suite on their land but Covid shot the cost up to unreasonable rates and time to build. Finally Kara located a new complex with direct access yards in Denton. This community was under construction. It was a new 62+ community. We were allowed to move in our rushed timeline. to get my house on the market.
I was # 4 in the 212 unit complex. Needless to say they were still very unfinished units but I have one of the biggest yards on the first floor near the pool area.
Initial Challenges
Since there was no internet, set up in the building initially (2 months) , no post office boxes,assigned (3 months) no garbage pickup (2 months) it was kind of like camping out..and VERY quiet as I was only 1 of the 2 on the first floor the other 2 people were on floors 2 and 4.
You didn’t see each other often either. I am near the front of the building so I did see the office staff. This building will be like living at a resort once it is finished and full of active people. However, in the beginning it certainly wasn’t my home and was very stressful.
We had to order a doggie door to be put in by a glass company (a cost much greater than planned but needed ) We tried two spring loaded ones that did not fit the patio door tracks(would have been a lot less in cost ) but didn’t work. (the glass will need to be replaced if and when I move out !!! $$) The doggie door then required taking down the patio blinds and putting up curtains because the blinds didn’t open where the doggie door had to be installed. More stress !!!
Moving is Stressful…. Even the Dogs Were Stressed Out
Everything is different. for my dogs. Izzy scratched the front door on night 2 from being scared and stressed out. Libertybell gets out of my backyard and into the adjoining yards going 3 yards away. Scared by construction workers who left the gates open. There is a leak from sprinklers which flooded part of my yard, and has standing water, construction everywhere, and fire alarm tests over and over again scares them to death ! And because of all the stress they were more gassey than usual ! Great there food didn’t agree with then !!!!
Starting to Settle In… Then more moving stresses
Finally, as I think things are just starting to get settled and we are adjusting….Kara and John sell their home and announce they are moving in a few months to Colorado Springs !!!!! Although they had talked about it for years and had been looking, I was told it was on hold one week….well not so. The next week it all changed. The housing market being what it is currently they had an offer they could not refuse….and they found a house under construction that they liked in their budgeted plans.
More stress for them and me as Kara has never lived more than 20 minutes from me. I rely on Kara and John for so many things both as my friends and family.
Stormy being in Houston and traveling the world as he does, I do not see him as often but he is at least in the state. There isn’t much left of my immediate family, a few cousins here and there, the grandchildren scattered and married , Kara, John and Stormy.
So yes, these are stressful times. So many changes all at once are hard as you age but downsizing isn’t all bad. Cleaning out and getting rid of “stuff” we collected before we die is better for the family left behind…and even for me now. I won’t miss t most of those things once things settle down, I feel sure. Of course, I will miss some things but the majority I didn’t need to keep.
Watching for Signs of Excess Stress when moving out of a home or Apartment
How to combat the stress of moving. Moving to a new location can be exhilarating for some people but it can be overwhelming for others. Even a pretty positive person like me, may feel intense stress before and during a move. There are many reasons this can happen. Things like unfamiliar location, unfamiliar home layout, new job and moving can be a big expense. You will need money to cover the moving c
Even the process of moving can bring stressful. The planning and packing take time. Don’t forget to take needed time for relaxing and sleep ! It is tiring leading to mental and physical stress. You need to stay hydrated and eat properly which is easy to forget to do while moving.
Symptoms of Excess Stress
Some common symptoms of stress can occur when moving.
- Emotional symptoms when moving
- Behavioral symptoms of depression
- Physical symptoms of stress like chest pain and other unusual pains (not just sore muscles)
- Cognitive symptoms, memory issues
- Poor Sleep and insomnia can lead to mental issues
- Feeling overwhelmed and loss of control
How to Combat the Stress of Moving
First it is important to remember that stress is a natural reaction to change. And remember that children can have stress too.
CONCLUSION TAKING ACTION
- Recognise symptoms of stress
- See a clinical psychologist for mental issues if needed
- Get Medical advice if needed
- Adapt sleep techniques
- Learn relaxation techniques to reduce stress
- Remember that a new location brings benefits
- Say goodbye to your old life
- Look forward to your new adventure and hello to creating new memories.
I look forward to my new friends, adventures and memories ahead for me. I do not know that I am blessed to have been able to enjoy my home of 21 years, and now to move on to a new chapter in my life. Not sure what is to come, but I am open to enjoying life.