When you first move into your new home, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all that your new area has to offer. You’re likely getting set up in your new location trying new restaurants, meeting your neighbors, checking out fantastic sights, and settling into a new job. The go-go-go mentality of learning your new city can be overwhelming for the first few weeks after your move.
Then, reality sets in.
Relocating is by far one of the most stressful life events. A survey showed that most people find moving more stressful than a divorce, with more than half noting that moving was the most stressful thing they’ve ever done in their lives.
It’s clear: moving isn’t easy. It’s physically demanding, emotional, and it can take time to feel at home in a new place.
Manhattan psychoanalyst Ronnie Greenberg told The New York Times, “Panic can really set in around your home and your apartment. It’s a matrix of safety, so moving is incredibly stressful, and people don’t realize it — they mainly talk about the packing and the external part of moving.”
If you’re feeling down before, during, or after a move, know that it’s normal to feel this way. However, if the feeling continues for more than a few weeks, you may be suffering from relocation depression.
A 2016 study showed that moving creates what researchers dubbed “a perfect storm of unhappiness.” Many people amid a recent move feel lonely due to leaving the people they used to interact with daily, but they’re also too stressed out and tired to put forth the effort needed to get to know people in their new environment.
If you think you may be suffering from relocation depression, it’s essential to work closely with a therapist and your doctor to develop a treatment plan that can help you begin to thrive in your new home.
If you’re not depressed but still feeling down in the dumps in your new place, it’s important to put yourself out there. Know that at first, it’s unlikely that you’ll enjoy social outings as much as you did with your old crew. It can take time to develop the deep, meaningful friendships that you left behind. While making new connections is important, it’s also wise to stay in touch with those in your old city, and thankfully, technology makes that more accessible than ever. Setting up FaceTime friend dates to watch a movie together, enjoy takeout, or simply chat about your day can help you feel connected to those you love.
Moving Is Hard — We’re Here To Make It Easier.
Moving is always tough on a family, and we’re here to help make the transition to your new home a little bit easier. Reach out to us today for a quote on how our professional moving services can take some of the stress out of leaving your home and settling into a new area.