How to Cope with the Stress of Moving: Mental Health Tips for Change
Moving is often framed as an exciting “fresh start,” but for many, it comes with a heavy emotional toll. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, the upheaval can trigger anxiety, grief, overwhelm, and exhaustion. As Altium Health prepares for its own move, we’ve been reflecting on the emotional journey involved… and how to do it more mindfully. We’ll explore how moving impacts mental health and share strategies to protect your well-being during the transition.
What the Research Says
One study found that people who moved more frequently report higher stress than those who don’t.
Interestingly, moving to a neighborhood with better environmental or socioeconomic conditions can have long-term mental health benefits (though the transition itself is still stressful).
These findings show a dual truth: the act of moving is a stressor, but the outcome of the move can be beneficial if planned well.
Common Emotional and Psychological Impacts
Loss and grief: You may mourn aspects of the old home—familiar places, community, routines.
Uncertainty and fear: New surroundings, unknown neighbors, adjusting to new logistics.
Disrupted routine and control: Moving often means chaos—packing, scheduling, coordinating—things feel out of control.
Isolation or disconnection: Leaving behind social supports (friends, neighbors) can increase feelings of loneliness.
Physical stress crossover: Sleep is disturbed, diet and exercise routines may lapse, which exacerbates emotional strain.
Practical Coping Strategies
Here are evidence-supported tactics to preserve your mental health during a move:
Plan early and break tasks down
Create a moving timeline.
Delegate tasks.
Use checklists so you don’t carry everything in your mind.
Prioritize self-care rituals
Keep consistent sleep and wake hours.
Eat nourishing meals.
Insert mini breaks for deep breathing, stretching, or short walks.
Stay socially connected
Share your move timeline with friends/family and ask for help.
Stay in touch during the transition (calls, texts).
If possible, gradually visit the new neighborhood before full move to acclimate.
Mindfulness, grounding, journaling
Use short mindfulness or breathing exercises daily to reduce overwhelm.
Journaling can help process emotions (“What am I excited about? What am I leaving behind?”).
Grounding techniques: 5 things you see, hear, feel to anchor yourself.
Set realistic expectations
Accept that not everything will be smooth.
Allow a buffer for “settling in” — don’t expect full normalcy immediately.
Be gentle with yourself: it’s okay to feel a mix of excitement and sadness.
Physical activity and nature exposure
Taking even short walks can reduce stress hormones.
If possible, seek green space or natural surroundings in your new area.
Limit additional life changes
Avoid stacking big changes (like new job, new school) all at once if you can stagger them.
At Altium Health, we’re committed to making this move in a way that minimally disrupts care. We will be creating some temporary additional labeling that will make it easier for patients to navigate as we learn this new space together. While we’re relocating, our focus remains your well-being and continuity of care. If you have an idea for something that will make it easier for you as patient don’t hesitate to reach out.
Tips for People Moving
Here’s a condensed checklist to reference:
Begin preparations early (6–8 weeks ahead if possible)
Label boxes not just by room but by “priority” (what you’ll need day 1)
Pack a “comfort box” — items you’ll want immediately (toiletries, favorite mug, key documents)
Do a “walk through” of the new space (virtually if needed)
Set up small daily routines even before full move
Introduce yourself (or at least explore) the new neighborhood to build familiarity
Use visualization: imagine unpacking, decorating, making it your own
Continue any mental health practices you use (therapy, mindfulness, exercise)
Be patient with yourself — you’re adjusting.
When to Seek Professional Help
If during or after your move you—or someone you care about—experiences:
Persistent sadness, mood swings, or irritability for more than 2 weeks
Sleep disruption or appetite changes that don’t resolve
Intrusive anxiety or panic symptoms
Social withdrawal or loss of interest in previous joys
At Altium Health, even during our move, we remain here to support you; feel free to contact us if you’d like extra emotional support or talk things through during this change.
Change is difficult. Moving disrupts more than your physical space, it tests your emotional resilience. But it’s also an opportunity: for renewal, reorientation, and sometimes for better alignment with your goals. As Altium Health transitions to its new home, we see it as a journey, not just for us, but shared with you, our community.
You don’t have to navigate it alone. With planning, self-compassion, and connection, you can emerge from this transition stronger and more grounded. If you’re feeling the weight of it, reach out. We’re moving — but not away from our mission of supporting your mental health.
