Moving-related stress is inevitable; and it doesn’t matter whether you’re moving to a new school or a new job, escaping the chaos of the city, or running away from the unsettling quiet of your town.
More than half of Americans say moving is more stressful than planning a wedding, according to a recent survey by storage unit company Sparefoot. The report, released by PR Newswire, delved further into the taxing effects of moving. For example, it stated that over 31% of people who move in with their partners tend to have more arguments with them. The report, entitled “The SpareFoot Moving Season Survey” collected data from 1,000 American adults about moving and their experiences with it.
Moving and Well-Being
Moving can be especially stressful for children. A 2010 study, “Residential Mobility, Well-Being, and Mortality” found that frequent relocating during childhood can lead to poorer psychological well-being and life satisfaction as a person grows up. These links are stronger when an individual is neurotic or introverted, the paper stated.
Introverts already find it hard to make new friends. The constant relocation only adds to the stress. The study also found that neurotic people are often overwhelmed by the process of moving itself rather than keeping and making new relationships. The researchers kept track of the number of childhood relocations of over 7,108 American adults and their wellbeing. They were first surveyed in 1994 and 1995 and were examined again 10 years later.
There’s no doubt that moving can affect your psychological wellbeing as well as your relationships with other people. Here are suggestions on how you can deal with the stressful effects of moving.
Accept the Goodbyes with a Smile
Saying goodbye to your loved ones is never easy, especially if you’ve been with them as early as you can remember. Your farewells, however, don’t have to be sad. Plan a small moving party a few days before your big day. Take your time to thank every loved one present. If you want literally to kick your moving event into high gear, go on a last drive around town with your buddies. Visit your hangout spots and relive old memories, even if it’s as childish as enjoying the soft serves on the parking lot of your favorite convenience store. And if your party does end in tears, you’ll leave with a heart full of love. (Plus, there’s always social media to keep you connected.)
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Though you don’t want to bother your family and friends when you’re moving, the physical and mental stress of organizing and carrying everything can take a toll on you. Don’t be afraid to ask them for help. Even if you only have one person assisting you, the company they bring is more than enough. If you’re leaving on a weekday, however, and all of them are busy, you may need to enlist the help of a reputable long distance moving company. This way, you don’t have to worry as much about the heavy lifting and how everything will fit in your car’s trunk.
Embrace the Hellos
When you’re in the new place, it can be daunting to meet new people and form new relationships. Taking time to adjust to the city or town you’re in is perfectly fine. However, you shouldn’t keep yourself in isolation for long. Say yes to the night out with your coworkers or classmates. Take a stroll around town and immerse yourself in its culture by participating in events and tasting the local cuisine. It’s these small but significant interactions that make independent living more bearable.
Apart from the planning and heavy-lifting, the emotional stress of being miles away from your loved ones induce a significant amount of stress. Make your moving experience better by involving them in every step of the way, from your farewell party to the big day. Take it as a journey towards independence. Pretty soon, you’ll feel like you never left home.
