The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving—And How to Stay Sane Through It

The Emotional Rollercoaster of Moving—And How to Stay Sane Through It 🎢
Moving is exciting, stressful, overwhelming, and freeing—all at once. It’s one of the biggest life transitions you'll go through, and it’s completely normal to feel a lot of things at once.
The key to staying sane? 👉 Understanding the emotional stages of moving—and having a solid game plan to navigate each one.
Let’s break it down.
1. The Excitement Phase: “We’re Doing This!” 🎉
You’ve made the decision to move—cue the excitement!
✅ Daydreaming about your new home
✅ Browsing listings or imagining renovations
✅ Feeling ready for a fresh start
💡 How to Make the Most of This Stage:
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Start a Pinterest board or vision list for your new space.
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Make a moving checklist to stay organized.
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Enjoy the moment—this is the fun part!
2. The Overwhelm Phase: “What Have We Gotten Ourselves Into?” 😬
Reality sets in. Packing, paperwork, home showings, and logistics—it all starts to feel like a lot.
😰 Common stressors:
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Prepping your home for sale while house hunting
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Packing up years’ worth of belongings
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Feeling uncertain about where you’ll land next
💡 How to Stay Sane:
✔ Break it into small tasks – One room at a time.
✔ Declutter as you go – Donate, sell, or toss what you don’t need.
✔ Ask for help – Friends, family, or pro movers can make a big difference.
Pro Tip: Start packing early and label everything clearly to make unpacking a breeze.
3. The Doubt Phase: “Are We Making the Right Choice?” 🤔
Leaving behind a familiar space, neighbours, or routine can bring on some serious second-guessing.
😟 Common doubts:
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“Will we love our new home as much?”
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“Are we making a financial mistake?”
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“What if the kids don’t adjust well?”
💡 How to Push Through:
✔ Focus on your why – More space? Better location? New adventure? Keep your reasons front and center.
✔ Talk it out – Share your worries with someone who understands.
✔ Zoom out – Transitions can be bumpy, but growth always involves change.
4. The Chaos Phase: “Moving Day Madness” 📦
It’s here. The truck is on the way. You’re caffeinated and maybe a little frazzled.
😵 Common chaos moments:
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The moving truck is late
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Half the boxes aren’t labeled
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Your new home isn’t quite “move-in ready”
💡 How to Make It Smoother:
✔ Pack an essentials box – Toiletries, chargers, key documents, and a change of clothes.
✔ Have a game plan – Assign who’s directing, unpacking, and managing kids/pets.
✔ Order takeout – Moving day is not the time to cook. 🍕
Pro Tip: Keep your sense of humour—moving mishaps make for great stories later! 😆
5. The Adjustment Phase: “This Feels… Different.” 🛋️
Once you’re in and unpacked, things still might not feel quite right. That’s totally normal! Remember—moving isn’t just physical, it’s emotional.
💡 How to Feel ‘At Home’ Faster:
✔ Unpack sooner than later – Don’t live out of boxes.
✔ Stick to your routines – Morning coffee, evening walks, family dinners.
✔ Get to know your new neighbourhood – Say hi to neighbours, explore the local spots, find your new go-to café.
Pro Tip: Give yourself grace—settling in takes time.
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This 💪
Moving is a journey full of ups and downs. But when the dust settles? You’ll have a fresh start, a new space, and new memories waiting to be made.
📩 Thinking about moving? We’re here to guide you every step of the way—from "just thinking about it" to handing over the keys. Let’s chat!
#YourMoveElevated 🚀
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