How different generations deal with the stress of moving 

Jane Wilson shared with Healthy Lombard that whether you are a frequent mover or not, change is hard for everyone. That’s a fact of life, simply because of how our brains are built. We like having routines, while the unpredictable and the unfamiliar upset us.

On top of that, relocating is more than just moving day. It’s a complicated process that triggers all kinds of emotions, all symptoms of stress.

Whether you’re young or old, there are specific things you can do to reduce any negative feelings to a minimum.

Let’s dive in and find out how!

Moving is stressful for all ages

Moving anxiety is something to be expected and is completely normal. After all, you are leaving the comfort and familiarity of your old home, and moving into a completely new place, in an often unfamiliar neighborhood and environment.

On top of that stuff like packing, planning, hiring movers, cleaning, and setting everything up can be anxiety-inducing and a bit overwhelming. That’s why it’s best to start a couple of months prior, work from a list, and do a little every day.

Relocating is also expensive and can cause additional financial stress. Whether you’ve chosen to hire professional movers, a moving truck, or you’re going to do everything by yourself, money has to be spent wisely in order to carry out a successful move.

And last but not least, the loss of familiarity can be traumatic to some and even lead to depression. That’s why it’s important to take as many steps as possible to reduce stress, meet new people, and familiarize yourself with the new neighborhood. 

Top 5 stressors during moving

According to a recent survey by Fantastic Services, the most frequent thing people worry about is packing. Sorting through all of your possessions and deciding what to take, and what to leave or throw away can sure be anxiety-inducing. On top of that, finding all the proper package materials, as well as proper padding, can add up to the daily stress and decision fatigue.

Safely transporting all your belongings is another top cause of stress. Not only are you expected to pack all of your possessions, but you also have to plan how you’re going to transport everything and also ensure nothing gets damaged along the way. That all requires planning, as well as physical effort, which only adds up to anxiety levels.

Finding a trustworthy removal company is another thing people frequently worry about. No one wants to open their boxes and find one of their favorite possessions damaged. That’s why finding trustworthy movers is so important. With some preliminary research and assessment, it’s quite likely to find and book the services of professional movers, who are not only going to pack all your belongings but safely transport them as well.

Not damaging your home during your relocating is another fear, and quite rightly so. Most people plan and organize all the steps of the process, but they often neglect that both homes need protection too. Opting for doorjambs and floor protectors, especially in high-traffic areas, as well as that everything fits through the doors and the stairways is a must. This will also protect against occasional bumps and reduce the likelihood of slips and injury.

The costs of hiring a removal company are also something people worry about. However, if you are planning to do some work yourself, and you are willing to be flexible about the moving date, you can significantly reduce the price. Use your own insurance company (instead of the moving company’s) and make sure there’s available parking space in front of both properties on moving day will speed things up and reduce costs as well.

How different generations handle the stress of moving

Everyone experiences stress differently, but when it comes to moving different generations worry pretty much about the same stuff.

Millennials and Gen Z seem to be under the most stress. 67% of young people report that packing has been the most stressful part of moving, while 63% have found they fear damaging their possessions during the relocation process. 59% worry about damaging their new home, while 46% fear damaging their old one.

The stress also manifests in having more arguments. 19% of young people report having some kind of conflict with the partner they were living with, while 16% with the partner they were moving in with. The other types of arguments were with family members in (14%) and not in their household (13%), as well as the new neighbors (12%).

Adults (35-54) seem to be most stressed about having too much stuff to move (37%) and whether to get rid of some of their belongings prior to or after moving (26%). They are also the most self-reliant when it comes to relocating, with 37% reporting they’ve used their own vehicle for relocating or enlisting the help of friends and family (36%) to help them out.

13% of adults report having some kind of argument with their significant other and 7% with family members. They also find packing to be the most stressful among, the highest number among all age groups (76%).

Older people (55+) are more dependent on routine and familiarity, that’s why the loss of both can be particularly stressful for them. According to the data, the most common causes of anxiety were about having too much stuff to move (34%) and whether to get rid of some of it prior to or after the relocation process (27%).

They are also the age group where conflict is least likely to occur. They seem to be most stressed about packing (63%), finding a removal company they can trust (48%) and not damaging their belongings (46%).

Top tips to reduce moving stress

When you’re planning a relocation, it’s best to be prepared and take steps to reduce as much stress as possible.

Here are some of the best tips for doing so:

• Start the planning process as early as possible. Two months prior is best.
• Make a plan. You will not only get a feeling of progress when you are checking off items on your “to-do” list, but you will also feel more in control.
• Do something small every day. You will not only achieve better results if you do so, but you will also avoid getting overwhelmed or burnt out;
• If you need storage space, book it well in advance;
• Research lots of moving companies and have at least 2-3 options a month prior.
• Start amassing packing supplies (boxes, bubble wraps, newspapers) as early as possible;
• Have friends and family help you out, at least with some work.

Another good piece of advice would be to hire the services of a trustworthy removals company. Not only will they help you pack everything and ensure safe transportation, but doing so will eliminate a huge chunk of the stress, as well as free up time for more important things, such as family.

If you are doing everything yourself, talk things over with your partner. When you make a plan, go through everything together and make sure you’re both on the same page prior to moving day. Research various techniques for safely packing all your belongings, and make sure you do a check-up of the vehicle, at least a week or two prior to relocating to avoid any unpleasant surprises. 

Conclusion

When it comes to changing homes one thing is for sure: moving remains an intensely emotional experience. Being under high stress doesn’t help anyone. That’s why it’s best to plan as much of the process as we can, and also delegate when we can afford to. Not only will this reduce any negative feelings to a minimum but also ensure a more pleasant and smooth transition for all parties involved.

The main photo is from pixabay.com