Moving to a new location involves packing and making decisions that can add up to a lot of stress. On top of planning the logistics of your move, you might also be sad to leave your old home behind. Taking a few simple steps can help you protect your mental health throughout the moving process by making it easier to adjust to your new lifestyle.
Try to Maintain a Routine
Routines tend to fall apart once you have so many extra chores on your to-do list. While you might not be able to follow every part of your normal routine, it helps to establish a few essential things you do each day. Waking up at the same time every morning, eating regular meals and exercising can all help life feel less chaotic.
Research Your New Location
Relocation depression is a mental health condition that arises during moves. Depending upon the circumstances of your move, you might not be happy about being in the new location. Doing some research might help you to discover aspects of living in the new city that you can look forward to enjoying. Finding a new favorite coffee shop or discovering that there’s an amazing hiking trail near your new home can make the move feel more like an exciting adventure.
Allow Yourself to Grieve
Leaving behind your friends, neighbors and other special people in your life is hard. Moving often involves losses that are difficult to overcome. Giving yourself time to grieve and acknowledging your emotions clears the path for healing. If you are feeling intense feelings of grief, then make sure to talk to someone. Sharing your feelings helps you to feel less burdened by strong emotions.
Delegate Stressful Tasks
A large part of stress during a move comes from having a heavy workload. Going through all of the items in your house might feel overwhelming, or you might be worried about how you’ll ever fit everything onto the moving truck. Professional movers are available that can help knock the stressful items off of your to-do list. Finding someone to handle the furniture assembly or driving the big truck allows you to relax and focus on the easier aspects of your move.
Establish a Support Network
If you’re struggling with poor mental health right now, then you may also need to reach out to several important people in your life. If you have a close family member or friend, then let them know how you are feeling. You may also need to talk to a professional therapist if your negative emotions are overwhelming or aren’t relieved by your normal methods for self-care.
Living through the chaos of a move can cause some temporary mental health challenges. Fortunately, you have many ways to improve your mental health and begin to look forward to establishing your new life in a different location. Once you arrive at your new home, make sure to set up your favorite space first. Whether you feel your most comfortable in an organized kitchen or enjoy a spa-style bathroom, creating a space that feels like home helps you to ease any mental health symptoms faster.