Moving house is a notoriously stressful experience that can affect our mental well-being.
Our team has contacted industry-leading experts across various fields to explain why moving is tricky and provide helpful tips for homeowners and renters.
In this article, we will explore their insights and advice, focusing on key factors that make moving stressful and expert recommendations that home buyers can follow for a smoother transition.
Understanding the Stress of Moving House
Moving home is a significant life event that often ranks high in stress levels. And with approximately 309,000 people thinking of moving house in the UK, according to the latest data, it’s impacting a huge portion of the population.
The upheaval and disruption of your usual routine can throw you out of your comfort zone. Unexpected issues outside your control can arise throughout the process, requiring prompt attention.
Managing everyday responsibilities, such as work and family, and moving demands can be overwhelming. The complexity of certain tasks, like applying for a mortgage or moving with children, can add to the stress.
Even the little things like putting yourself on the electoral roll, finding your new local supermarket, constantly contacting your estate agent, and organising your water bills can all add to the stress of moving home.
With so many factors at play, it’s no wonder that moving house is considered a stressful life event.
Expert Tips to Reduce Stress when Moving House
To help you reduce stress during their upcoming change of address, we’ve sourced tips from experts in a number of different field, giving you the information and guidance you need to get moving without the added anxiety.
1. Create a moving house checklist
Marcin Markiewicz, Owner of Removal & Storage Experts, recommends organising your home removal well in advance to alleviate the stress of physically moving belongings. Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions, limited availability, and added stress.
By starting early and creating a moving house checklist, you can stay on top of tasks and ensure a smoother transition.
Henry Paterson, Marketing Executive at Housekeep, confirmed the importance of a checklist, adding that you should ensure you have a checklist of all the important tasks and dates you need to stick to.
2. Create a realistic budget (with excess for the unexpected!):
Securing a mortgage can be a significant stress factor when moving. Creating a realistic budget and allowing for unexpected expenses is crucial to reduce anxiety, says the Mortgage Advice Bureau.
You can better prepare financially by carefully considering the costs of buying a property, such as legal fees, stamp duty, and removal costs.
Giving yourself some breathing room in your budget can help alleviate stress during the moving process, too, so don’t underestimate the power of a bit of leniency.
3. List out all of your possessions, and all of your tasks
Jorge Santos, Director of Fantastic Services, recommends creating a comprehensive list of tasks that must be completed during the move.
This includes listing all your possessions, from significant furniture items to smaller household items like spoons. Such a list ensures you remember everything and helps you organise and pack efficiently.
Being organised and having a clear plan can reduce stress and ensure a smoother moving day.
Nick Vassilev, Founder and CEO of Anyclean, agreed with Jorge’s recommendation of listing tasks and taking inventory, adding that you shouldn’t forget the importance of cleaning inside your cupboards and appliances, such as the fridge, freezer, and washing machine before leaving the property.
4. Try to find a better mortgage deal
Nicholas Mendes, Mortgage Technical Manager at John Charcol, suggests exploring the opportunity to find a better mortgage deal when moving. Moving home is a great time to reassess your mortgage and consider if there are better options.
By involving your mortgage broker early on and reviewing your mortgage deal, you may find better interest rates or reduced monthly repayments, which can ease financial stress.
David Hill, Area Director at Marsh & Parsons, offered a couple of further tips on the topic of mortgages and expenses, highlighting the benefits of gaining pre-approval during the mortgage application process. This not only reduces stress but gives buyers the confidence to proceed with the purchase of their new home.
David adds that buying a home can be a stressful time for anyone, from first-time buyers to experienced movers, so it’s important to seek support during this complex and emotional process.
5. Measure your spaces before buying furniture
To tackle stressors related to furniture fitting and overwhelming piles of cardboard boxes, Katherine Blackler, Certified Professional Organizer at SortMySpace, advises measuring your table and plotting its dimensions on the new floors using masking tape.
This way, you can assess whether your furniture will fit in your new home and identify any dismantling needs.
Labelling your boxes clearly as you start packing, including the destination room in your new home, will help you stay organised and reduce stress during unpacking.
6. Use this chance to declutter
Chrissy Halton, Expert from Organise My House, encourages viewing the decluttering process as an opportunity to curate what goes into your new home.
Grantham-based counsellor, Buick Hamblin, says to “consider it an adventure, not a chore. See it as an opportunity for decluttering, for rediscovering forgotten items, and for creating new memories. When you approach it with a sense of curiosity and excitement, the stress naturally diminishes.”
Moving is a chance to reassess your belongings and remove unnecessary items. By being selective and only taking what you truly need and love, you can create a clutter-free and stress-free living space in your new home.
7. If you can’t let go, place some items into storage
Patryk Panczuk, Manager at Storage X, suggests utilising a reputable storage facility with secure and climate-controlled units for those who struggle to let go of valuable items.
If you’re not ready to part with certain belongings, placing them in storage can provide peace of mind. Choose a storage facility that meets your needs and offers a safe and controlled environment for your items.
8. Find good, reliable local broadband
Graeme Oxby, CEO of Community Fibre, emphasises the importance of researching and selecting the right broadband package to meet your household’s needs.
Having a reliable and high-speed internet connection in your new home can significantly reduce the stress of setting up utilities and staying connected.
You can find the best deal for your household by researching local broadband providers and comparing packages.
Key Takeaways
Moving house is undeniably a stressful experience, but with the right strategies and expert tips, you can minimise the stress and ensure a smoother transition.
Start planning early, create a realistic budget, stay organised with checklists and labelling, declutter effectively, and seek assistance from reputable service providers like removal companies and storage facilities.
By incorporating these top tips for moving house, you can navigate the challenges of moving house with greater ease and make your big day a more enjoyable and exciting event that doesn’t take a toll on your mental health.
If you’re looking for storage in London during your big move, contact our friendly team today! In a short chat, we’ll help you find the proper storage solution for your needs and arrange a collection at a time that suits you – it couldn’t be easier!