People move homes for numerous reasons. For a new job that they may have found in another city. To be closer to their family. To feel more connected to nature than their current dwelling allows.
ConsumerAffairs reports that the average American moves almost 12 times in their lifetime. These include residential moves and corporate ones, although the reasons obviously differ.
If you have moved previously or are planning to this year, you are probably not looking forward to the emotional weight of it all. Even the most exciting pursuits cannot always prevent the pangs of relocating from a much-loved space you have long called home.
The ideas below can support you through the transition.
Aim for Closure Before Finalizing the Move
During any significant life event, the lack of closure may be responsible for making you feel bereft. This is true for a primary school, which you had to leave behind without saying goodbye to your friends. It is also true for a home you had to shift from due to personal reasons.
Achieving some semblance of closure before making the final move can help you cope with the situation more calmly.
For example, many people now move to achieve a higher quality of living and a better work-life balance. Life in a city like Gaithersburg, Maryland, can be a better blend of suburban life and urban convenience than one may find in a bigger and more populous city like Baltimore.
However, before you hire moving services in Gaithersburg, MD, try to perform a closure ritual. This could be taking pictures of your favorite parts of your old home. Before you pack and seal everything away, allow yourself to see them in the context of the space they have occupied for a long time.
A New York Times feature reflects that some people crave closure more than others, possibly due to life circumstances or trouble with uncertainty. It also notes that those who value closure may be quicker at decision-making and maintaining order.
Either way, looking for closure does not make you overly sentimental. It only makes you human, and a resilient one who is willing to do what it takes to look ahead without regret.
Hold on to Meaningful Items, Even if Impractical
While moving homes, one of the most distressing tasks is getting rid of objects that donโt serve a functional purpose. That gorgeous glassware your neighbor brought you, which you used for several evening catchups on the patio. Or the oddly shaped floor lamp you used for late-night reading, which wonโt find use in the new apartment with motion-sensing ambient lighting.
Discarding such objects seems the most sensible approach, especially for long-distance moves. What we fail to realize is that by eliminating the presence of these items, we run the risk of overly sanitizing a space. Without these objects of deep emotional resonance, the new place may struggle to have a soul.
โI completely understand how sentimentality can make it really challenging to let go of things that remind us of our loved onesโฆitโs perfectly natural to feel that by letting go, you might also be letting go of a part of them, which can be incredibly difficult.โ โ Katie Hubbard, Professional Organizer, Turn It Tidy.
Some professionals actually recommend holding on to sentimental objects with which we have a positive association. You can also use memorabilia in different ways, such as a curated collage of old Polaroid pictures or a quilt sewn together using old fabrics your grandma gave you.
Modern-day moving services often have special provisions for valuable items, including those of emotional value. According to 495 Movers, transporting fragile valuables, such as glassware and electronics, over long-distance moves can be challenging. A personal moving consultant who can guide you through the process and address any apprehensions can manage this challenge.
Seek Connections in the New Neighborhood
Although the emotional loss of leaving your home often relates to the space itself, many of us also grieve for the connections we will lose.
When you have lived in a neighborhood for a while, you may have bonded with other families over community events. There may be specific shops you go to to stock up on groceries or buy flowers. Leaving behind these everyday connections can be very disorienting.
One solution is to actively seek communities in the new locality. For example, is there a piano class you can consider for your music-loving teenager? They donโt have to miss their avenue for creative expression just because they are relocating.
Hitting up old connections is also a solid way to befriend people anew. You never know how a small effort at rekindling an old friendship can be life-affirming. Of course, exploring standard community hubs in the new area is also a must. Think cafes, libraries, and parks. Seeing other people like you in these settings can reassure you during a sensitive time.
The main takeaway here is that connecting with old friends and making new ones as an adult is key to emotional resilience. Psychology Today acknowledges that adult friendships can suffer because of developmental changes in our personalities and the social media illusion.
Even the long-term consequences of the pandemic have affected friendships. Still, making the investment can be worthwhile, especially during life transitions like moving homes.
FAQs
1. How can I emotionally prepare for moving out of a home I love?
Preparing emotionally for a move starts with acknowledging that itโs not unusual to feel attached to your home. Creating a sense of closure can help ease the transition. You can do this by taking photos of your favorite spaces and allowing yourself to process the change. Staying connected with loved ones and focusing on the opportunities in your new home can also make the move feel less overwhelming.
2. Should I keep sentimental items when moving to a new home or discard them?
You should, to some degree. Keeping a few meaningful belongings can help preserve emotional connections and make your new space feel comforting. Professional movers can help safely transport fragile or valuable keepsakes, making it easier to hold on to items that matter most.
3. What are some healthy ways to cope with the emotional challenges of moving?
Healthy coping strategies include staying connected with friends and family, maintaining familiar routines, and giving yourself time to adjust to the new environment. Try exploring your new neighborhood and joining community activities. You can also personalize your new home with meaningful belongings to create a sense of comfort.
The Emotional Footprint of Moving Homes
| Average number of moves in a lifetime | The average American moves nearly 12 times during their lifetime. |
| Common reasons people move | New jobs, better work-life balance, family proximity, and lifestyle changes are among the top motivations. |
| Importance of closure | People who seek closure may adapt better emotionally by creating rituals before moving. |
| Community involvement benefits | Engaging in local classes, parks, libraries, and neighborhood hubs can improve emotional resilience after relocating. |
| Specialized moving support | Modern moving companies often provide services for fragile and emotionally valuable belongings. |
Hitting a Home Run
Moving homes is undoubtedly daunting and stressful, even for those of us who donโt consider ourselves โsentimental.โ
At this time, it is best to acknowledge the feelings that may stir up in you and act to manage them optimally. It is possible to make the shift a home run when you remember that even away from familiar comfort, you will still be under the same sky.
