How to Deal with Moving When You Really Don't Want to

Moving to a new place is a challenge — especially when you don’t want to move! Packing boxes, changing utilities and registering for a new school are enough of a chore without the added stress of moving anxiety. Not sure how to manage a move that you aren’t excited about? Here are some ideas for how to deal with moving resistance.

Stay positive
One of the most important things to do when you hear yourself saying “I don’t want to move” is to maintain a positive attitude. Sure, it’s easier said than done, but there are some techniques you can use to push yourself in a positive direction.

How you talk to yourself is a key element in this process. Instead of focusing on how unhappy you are about moving, remind yourself of the positives. Make a list of the benefits of the move and post it on the refrigerator so you can see it every day. If you are moving for a better job or to be closer to family, remind yourself how rewarding that will be. Try repeating positive statements such as “I’ll take up a new hobby,” “there will be new museums and walking trails to explore,” and “I’ll get to try new cuisines and restaurants I’ve never been to.” It might sound silly, but the little things will help you get by.

Positive thinking also helps when you are moving with children. Share your list of good things about the move and ask them to add to it. Be honest about your concerns, so they understand that they aren’t the only ones with moving anxiety. Ease their fears of moving by letting them know that you are always available to answer any questions they have. You can even set aside time to discuss worries about the move, and then come up with solutions.

Moving is a stressful thing to consider, and it can take a while to warm up to the idea. Be patient with yourself and your family.

Do your homework
One way to get excited about moving even when you don’t want to is to research your new home. Think of activities that you enjoy and investigate how you can do them in your new town. If you love yoga, go online and look up yoga studios in the area. Explore new activities like a local running group, museum membership or supper club.

Meetup.com is a great site to see what people are up to in your future home. Online versions of local newspapers are another great place to scope out events and news. If you are moving with children, get them involved by asking them to research places they would like to go. Look for water parks, sports venues, local soccer and baseball leagues, museums and amusement parks.

Make a list of all the things you want to try when you get to your new home. By investing a little effort to get to know more about the place to which you are moving, you can make sure you feel at home more quickly.

Throw a going-away party
Now that you have some strategies for dealing with your resistance to moving, it’s time to prepare for your move. Saying goodbye to your friends, family and favorite places may well be tough. You can soften the blow and celebrate the relationships and memories you have created by hosting a going-away party. This gives you a chance to remember the good times and let your friends and family know how much you will miss them.

Put out a special address book at the party, so everyone can write down their contact information and a bon voyage message. This is especially helpful for kids during a move, so they can feel connected to the friends they are leaving. You may even want to go ahead and make plans to come back for a visit or invite friends to come see your new place.

Stay positive and remind yourself of the good things about your move, even if you don’t really want to be moving. Look back on a time in the past when a move went well, and remember how great that felt. Visualizing a successful move that will lead you toward new adventures and activities can make the experience less stressful and more like something to look forward to!