Why moving home is stressful and how you can beat the blues

A survey of a thousand homebuyers in the UK conducted by a leading London-based finance company last year revealed that 57% of the respondents considered moving home as the most stressful life event. Ranking above other nerve-racking events, such as having a child (32%) and divorce (30%), a change in address causes financial strain, as 40% of the people anxious about moving dread not having the budget to cover unexpected expenses.

While moving in itself can be stress-inducing, other significant life changes like divorce or losing a loved one can be a reason for having to move homes in the first place. Whether you are relocating to add more space, downsizing after a divorce, or managing the complexities of inheritance following a death, the process can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll explore why moving is such a challenging experience, delve into the specific stressors related to different life events, and offer solutions to make this transition smoother.

What are some of the difficult situations for people to move homes?

Moving in with a partner or a change in scenery and lifestyle are positive reasons people look to relocate and are generally better planned as they are in a happier state of mind. However, having to shift because of space issues, divorce, and death are the not-so-good reasons for moving and can be difficult.

Upsizing for space

Whether you are about to have a baby or need to accommodate a work-from-home setup, upsizing is the most common reason for moving homes. Even if the funds for a bigger property are secured, expenses like higher mortgage and maintenance costs, property taxes and increased utility bills can be worrying as they eat into the household savings.

Moving after a divorce

After a marriage has ended legally, moving out is often a necessary step. Divorce not only affects your emotional well-being but also brings significant financial strain. Splitting assets, negotiating who keeps the family home, or finding affordable housing on a single income are just a few of the many pain points. In some cases, selling a jointly owned property and dividing the proceeds is the only option, which can lead to drawn-out legal proceedings and financial burdens.

Death and probate

The loss of a loved one is a deeply emotional experience, and when property is involved, the situation becomes even more tricky. If the deceased did not leave a will, probate proceedings may be required, which can delay the sale or transfer of the property. The grieving process, combined with the added legal and financial responsibilities, can make moving especially difficult in these situations.

What makes moving homes so stressful?

Coordinating with movers and packers or sorting out the boxes are not the only things playing on the mind. There are financial pressures to pay for other services like solicitors, estate agents and removal companies. Time management is another challenge, especially if you have to align the sale of your present home with the purchase of a new one. Arranging or going for viewings and getting all the paperwork together can be energy-sapping. Moving homes can also be an emotional moment for many as they leave behind a home full of memories. If the move is due to circumstances beyond your control, such as divorce or death, concerns over settling in and the possibility of unforeseen issues like property chain delays only add to the anxiety.

How do you beat the blues of moving homes?

While moving is undeniably stressful, there are some proactive steps you can take to make this process easy. Here are some practical solutions we have to offer.

Create a plan with budget

A checklist of all the tasks with deadlines helps you stay organised and coordinate the move smoothly. Prioritising tasks and planning for them in advance keeps you on top of things and reduces last-minute hiccups. Budget for all the additional payments you need to make in advance. It’s always good to have a little more than what the estimates suggest.

Get all the help you need

This is very important, as good, hardworking and honest professionals can swing the entire mood when it comes to moving homes. Whether it is instructing an experienced and reputed estate agent to manage the sale and purchase or hiring a solicitor to manage the legal paperwork, these professionals can handle all the property chain complexities that could arise.

Seek financial advice

If you’re dealing with a divorce or inheritance issues, a financial advisor can help you navigate your options. They can guide you on dividing assets fairly, managing mortgage repayments, or handling probate, ensuring you make informed decisions during a challenging time.

Declutter and move light

Moving is a perfect opportunity to reassess what you really need. Decluttering before the move reduces the amount of packing you have to do and helps you settle into your new home faster. Selling, donating, or recycling items you no longer need can help take care of smaller expenses.

Self-care is crucial

Managing a move should not stop you from looking out for yourself. It’s ok to take breaks, seek support from friends and family, and give yourself time to rest. Remember that moving is a significant life event, and feeling overwhelmed at such a time is normal. Prioritising self-care during this period can help you manage stress better.

Moving home in the UK is one of the most stressful life experiences, especially when it’s tied to major life changes like upsizing, divorce, or bereavement. The financial, emotional, and logistical pressures can take a toll, but careful planning, professional assistance, and self-care can make the process more manageable. When it comes to taking away the stress of buying and selling a house or even finding a good rental home for temporary residence, we are happy to help you and can offer a range of services to make this transition easy. Contact us for more information.