It’s 8 a.m., the kettle’s boiling, your boxes are half-packed, and your stress levels are rising faster than the steam from your coffee.
You’re excited (sort of), but why does it feel like you’re in a movie where things are about to go horribly wrong?
Welcome to the strange, wonderful, and emotionally charged world of moving house—a rollercoaster ride between anticipation and anxiety.
Why Is Moving So Exciting?
Let’s start on a high note. You’ve likely googled something along the lines of, “Is moving supposed to feel this exciting?” or “Why am I both thrilled and terrified about moving?”
Trust me, you’re not alone. Moving is inherently exciting because it taps into that most primal of human instincts: change.
Our brains crave novelty like a kid craves candy, which is why the thought of new surroundings, new experiences, and new opportunities can give us that thrilling buzz.
Your new home represents a fresh start. Maybe it’s closer to work, has a garden for the dog (or cat, we don’t judge), or it’s in that trendy part of Dublin where the coffee costs as much as a meal.
Whatever it is, this relocation isn’t just about a new set of keys—it’s about the potential for new memories, better opportunities, and maybe even a dishwasher that works on the first try. There’s undeniable excitement in that.
But here’s the catch. Once the novelty of “new” wears off, your brain catches wind of the looming task ahead.
That’s when the stress kicks in. Cue the wild Google search: “Why is moving so stressful?!”
The Stressful Side of Moving: Why It Happens
We get it. The prospect of dismantling your entire life and shoving it into boxes feels like trying to pack a giraffe into a Mini Cooper. Stress comes into play for several key reasons—each of which is entirely justified.
Don’t worry, though. By the end of this, you’ll know exactly why you feel how you do and how you can keep your calm amid the chaos.
1. Decision Overload
Choosing to move is one thing. But once that decision is made, the floodgates of micro-decisions open wide. “Should I keep that hideous lamp from Aunt Edna?” (Spoiler: no).
“Is now a good time to finally get rid of those jeans I haven’t worn since 2015?” (Also, no). Decisions are mentally draining because they require constant cognitive effort, and during a move, you’re making dozens every day.
It’s a type of fatigue that quietly chips away at your excitement, leaving you feeling drained.
2. Fear of the Unknown
Even if you’re only moving two streets over, there’s still an element of the unknown. New neighbours, new routines, new parking spots to figure out—it’s all a little unsettling.
That’s why your brain feels like it’s juggling excitement and panic at the same time.
Psychologically, humans are wired to avoid uncertainty, which is why moving—even to a place you’re excited about—can feel like diving into the deep end of an emotional pool.
3. Loss of Familiarity
Let’s address the elephant in the room: loss. Whether you realise it or not, your current home has been your comfort zone.
You know which floorboard creaks, where the sun hits just right, and how many times you need to jiggle the front door key to unlock it.
Moving strips away that familiarity, and no matter how much you’re looking forward to your new place, your brain interprets the loss of a known environment as unsettling.
4. Packing: The Ultimate Emotional Rollercoaster
Ah, packing. If there were a way to fast-track the emotional spectrum from excitement to stress, it would be packing. You’re reminded of memories you’ve held onto through objects—some you’re ready to let go of, and others that leave you in a nostalgic puddle on the floor.
Your search query suddenly shifts to: “How to pack without losing my sanity.” Unfortunately, no magic spell can pack those boxes for you (but if you ask Expert Removals, we’ll come pretty close).
Packing forces you to confront both the clutter and the emotions tied to your belongings, and that’s an exhausting mix of tasks.
5. Logistics and Time Crunch
Once you’ve got those boxes sealed and labelled, the logistical headache begins. Coordinating dates, setting up utility changes, figuring out who’s going to help you lift that piano without causing a family feud—this is where things get really real.
It’s not just a mental drain; it’s physically tiring too. Suddenly, those initial feelings of excitement are dampened by thoughts like, “Will everything even fit in the van?” or “What if I forget something crucial?”
How to Manage the Emotional Highs and Lows
Now that we’ve dissected the two sides of this emotional coin, you might be wondering: “How do I actually manage all of this?” or “Can moving ever be stress-free?” Here’s where we drop some expert wisdom.
1. Start Early, Pace Yourself
Don’t let the urgency of moving day sneak up on you. Start packing in small increments rather than cramming everything into the week before. Tackling one room at a time can make the process feel far less overwhelming.
By pacing yourself, you’re less likely to face the dreaded burnout that comes from rushing through the process.
2. Lean on the Experts (Hint: That’s Us!)
Yes, you could do it all yourself. But do you really want to? Expert Removals has been through this process more times than we can count, and we’ve seen every situation imaginable.
If you’ve searched for “how to make moving less stressful,” here’s your answer: hire a team who knows what they’re doing. From packing to transport to the emotional support you didn’t know you needed, we’ve got your back.
3. Visualise Your New Space
Here’s a neat psychological trick: visualise yourself living in your new home. Imagine where your furniture will go, how you’ll decorate, and even the routines you’ll create.
This simple act of future-casting helps reduce your brain’s fear of the unknown. You’re not just moving into a mystery; you’re moving into a space you’ve already mentally made your own.
4. Keep a Moving Day Survival Kit
Your search query: “What to pack for moving day to stay sane?” The answer: a survival kit. Keep essential items like phone chargers, snacks, important documents, and toiletries in a separate, easy-to-access bag.
There’s nothing worse than needing your toothbrush after a long day of moving, only to realise it’s buried at the bottom of box #37.
Moving Is a Big Deal—Emotionally and Logistically
At its core, moving isn’t just about shifting boxes from point A to point B. It’s about uprooting your life, stepping into the unknown, and trusting that everything will fall into place (with a little help from Expert Removals, of course).
Yes, it’s both exciting and stressful—like starting a new job or booking a holiday where you don’t speak the language.
But with the right planning, a healthy dose of humour, and a team of professionals by your side, you can come out the other side of this move with your sanity intact. Mostly.
So, if you’ve been frantically googling things like “Why does moving make me feel this way?” just know it’s completely normal. You’re human, after all.
The trick is to find that balance between excitement and stress—and when it feels like the scale is tipping too far towards anxiety, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Give us a call. We’ll handle the heavy lifting—physically and emotionally.
Ready to Move?
Let’s make this experience more exciting than stressful.
