How stressful is moving house

Measuring the stress of moving house

Moving can be extremely stressful, and Dr. William Cheung from the University of Auckland Business School set out to understand just how much. Using an original method of investigation, Dr. Cheung, along with his co-author Daniel Wong, studied micro-level data from various households in the Auckland region. Their study, published in the open-access journal Urban Science, looked at the effects of moving house on mental well-being and stress. They examined the stress levels of homeowners, renters, and a control group of non-movers. Interestingly, the average stress level was found to be significantly higher in homeowners compared to renters, with frequent movers experiencing even more stress.

The data also revealed that individuals who are already dealing with high baseline stress tend to be predisposed to moving house. While acute stress might result in a one-off movement, chronic stress often leads to frequent movement. The study also highlighted that social housing tenants experience much higher stress levels than both homeowners and renters. Over time, stress levels seem to decrease for those who don’t move, suggesting that staying put may help improve overall well-being.

Buying a house involves constant decision making

When you’re thinking about moving house, it’s a huge decision that can feel overwhelming. You might not be fond of your neighbours, or the lockdown may have shown you need more space. Deciding to make the move can be daunting because it often feels like “better the devil you know.” Once you start the process, you’re immediately bombarded with choices. You need to figure out where you want to live, what your budget is, and what type of house suits you. As you explore property portals like Rightmove and Zoopla, you may find your dream location doesn’t fit your budget, leading to compromises on location or facilities.

Throughout this process, you’ll also need to assess the affordability of your choices. Working with a Mortgage Broker or Independent Mortgage Adviser will help you get a Mortgage Agreement in Principle and ensure your numbers add up. Once you have your finances in order, it’s time to decide if you NEED to move or if you just WANT to move. Your decision will impact when and how you market your current home. This phase involves working with an estate agent, considering offers, and choosing a solicitor to manage the surveys. Each of these decisions adds another layer of complexity to the already challenging house moving process.

You are not in control of the house buying process

When it comes to property buying, it’s easy to feel like you should be in control, especially if you own your own business or are used to managing everything yourself. But in the house moving process, there are so many moving parts and interested parties involved that you need to sit back and relax. You’ll deal with estate agents, buyers, sellers, solicitors, conveyancers, surveyors, removal firms, and Mortgage Advisers. Each of them has multiple clients demanding their attention, and you can’t control how slow-moving the paper trails and hiccups will be.

Unexpected issues can arise, such as a mortgage survey revealing problems with the property, or your buyers pulling out last minute because it doesn’t meet lending criteria. The process is unpredictable, much like a game of snakes and ladders where you can be close to finishing, only to slip back to square one. It’s essential to stay positive and accept that things may not go as planned, but patience and persistence will get you through the process.

Moving house is life-changing.

Whether you’re moving locally or further afield, a house move can be truly life-changing. While the idea of spending more time with your family or being closer to nature is appealing, the reality often brings everyday stress. For instance, moving to a new area means finding a new family doctor, dentist, and familiarizing yourself with shops and suppliers that you were used to in your old home. If you have children, it’s even more complicated. You’ll need to consider schools, clubs, and childcare options while setting up a completely new system in your new home.

Aside from settling in, there are other responsibilities like signing up for utilities, making repairs and improvements to bring your house up to standard. This could mean everything from decorating and carpeting to installing new kitchens, bathrooms, or even reconfiguring the layout. These tasks can be stressful for months after you get the keys. For first-time buyers or those looking for their forever home, the house buying process can be an emotional rollercoaster. You may have already envisioned your future, picking out colours, dreaming of the garden, and browsing photos on Rightmove, but remember, things like a sudden bump in the process or even the passing of a vendor can delay completion and add to the stress. It’s important to keep everything in perspective, take it one day at a time, and not get too attached until you’ve officially exchanged contracts.

House Buying Involves Lots of Waiting

When comparing the process of buying cars and houses, it’s clear that purchasing a house takes much longer. According to the Home Owners Alliance, it can take around six months from listing your property to the completion of the sale. During this time, many things can go wrong. For instance, your mortgage offer could expire, or your buyers might face a change in their situation and decide not to move. Additionally, anyone in the chain can pull out, causing the entire process to collapse. This waiting period can feel endless, and it’s why many rely on Mortgage Advisers for support and guidance.

Choosing the right offer is also key. Cash buyers with no property to sell are considered the best option because they have fewer moving parts and usually complete in less time. The second-best buyers are those who may need a small mortgage but have no house to sell. However, the least desirable are buyers in a long chain who require a large mortgage. These situations increase the chances of problems and delays, making the process more stressful and prone to collapse. In the end, every sale has its challenges, and you have to weigh the risks carefully.

Surveys are full of surprises for home buyers and sellers.

Moving day can be one of life’s most stressful events, filled with unexpected surprises for both home buyers and sellers. From the moment you decide on moving to a new home, the stress and anxiety can quickly mount, especially as you organise your belongings and prepare to unpack in a new place. The stress of moving homes often leads to moving stress that can affect your entire family’s well-being. It’s shown that moving house is so stressful that many people feel overwhelmed by moving house stress.

However, you’re not alone in this stressful experience. Many find that hiring a moving company can help reduce the stress and handle the stress effectively. It’s essential to find ways to cope with the stress and take the stress out of the equation. Remember, moving may be one of life’s most stressful events, but with the right approach, you can make moving a smoother transition. Once you’ve moved, the journey to settling into your new home can begin, making the stressful thing a distant memory.

Moving house can cost a fortune.

Moving house can cost a fortune, especially during a relocation that many consider one of the most stressful life events. For individuals dealing with high stress levels, the logistics of transferring a person’s entire life to a new location can be overwhelming. Stress can quickly escalate, manifesting in various ways, from anxiety about finances to choosing new furniture for the new space.

In urban areas like Auckland, where individuals aged 19 to 54 are common, moving stress and anxiety can take a toll on mental health. High stress levels are predisposed to acute stresses that seem to result in one-off movements or even more frequent relocations. This cycle of dealing with high stress levels can make the entire experience of moving even more stressful, prompting many to consider hiring a professional mover to mitigate some of the burden.

It’s not over until you have the keys in your hand

Moving to a new home can be an incredibly stressful time, especially when you reflect on the parts of moving house. Research by Cheung and Wong scrutinises stress levels among adults, noting that stress can manifest in various ways. For those aged between 19 and 54 living in urban Auckland, the big move can result in acute stresses that seem to result in more frequent movement, especially between 2013 and 2018. On the day of the move, with bubble wrap and boxes everywhere, it can feel overwhelming as you realize all the tasks you need to get done.

However, there are strategies to cope with moving stress to make your home move less stressful. While chronic stresses can lead to anxiety, feeling at home in your new place is achievable. By managing your time and stress with the home, you can transform the experience into something positive. After all, it’s not over until you have the keys in your hand.

Organising a professional mover

Organising a professional mover can significantly alleviate the stressful experience of relocating. The reality of moving is that many adults in the Auckland region face acute stresses that seem to result from the logistics of moving things and planning the transition to a new home. In fact, chronic stresses result in more frequent relocations, as individuals with higher stress levels are predisposed to move more frequently. To reduce anxiety associated with moving, it’s essential to prepare for the move as soon as you know where you’re going to be living. A well-structured moving house checklist can help you put together a list of tasks, ensuring a stress-free move.

If you developed an original method for planning your move, you may find it easier to navigate the huge life changes that come with relocating. By enlisting professional movers, you can enjoy a stress-free transition and focus on finding a home that suits your needs.

Packing (and unpacking)

Moving stressful situations are often a significant source of anxiety for many. In Auckland, acute stresses seem to result from the overwhelming tasks of packing and unpacking. As adults juggle their daily responsibilities, the prospect of a move can feel particularly daunting.

To ensure a stress free experience, it’s essential to take a systematic approach. Planning ahead and organizing belongings into categories can streamline the process. Consider enlisting the help of move specialists who can offer valuable assistance and expertise.

Despite the best preparations, the chaos of moving can still be stressful enough to unsettle even the most composed individuals. Remember, however, that a well-executed plan can help make your move smoother and more manageable, transforming a challenging task into a more enjoyable experience.

The reality of moving

The reality of moving can be both exciting and daunting, especially among adults in the Auckland region. Transitioning to a new home often involves a whirlwind of logistics, from packing belongings to securing new utilities. For many, the emotional toll of leaving familiar surroundings and friends can be just as challenging as the physical act of moving.

As residents navigate the bustling real estate market, they may face rising costs and competition for desirable properties. The stress of coordinating schedules, hiring moving services, and unpacking can feel overwhelming. Yet, amid these challenges, there lies the potential for new beginnings and fresh opportunities.

Ultimately, the experience of moving is a complex blend of anticipation and anxiety, shaped by personal circumstances and the unique environment of Auckland. Embracing this reality can lead to personal growth and a richer understanding of what it means to create a home.