7 Most stressful moving tasks and how to overcome them

Ask anyone on the street, and they’ll tell you that moving to a new place is never easy. With housing costs climbing across the US, many people find themselves facing significant relocations. So, it’s no surprise that moving stress is a common experience for many Americans.

Use this guide to understand the seven most stressful moving tasks and get tips on how to cope with the stress of moving to keep your anxieties at bay. From decluttering to booking trusted movers, you’ll find what you need below.

1. Decluttering and deciding what to keep

Decluttering is often the first and toughest hurdle when preparing for a move. Psychologists explain why it’s among the most stressful experiences: it forces you to face past purchases, sentimental heirlooms, and the overwhelming mountain of belongings collected over the years.

While decision fatigue is real and often paralyzing, there are ways to ease it. Remember that you’re bound to make new memories and positive experiences in your new home, so don’t be afraid to discard old stuff. If you’re struggling with sentimental items, try taking photos of them before parting ways so you can keep the memory without the clutter.

2. Budgeting and booking movers

Expert movers safely and efficiently handling large furniture. (Source: iStock)

Few other things add to moving house stress, like trying to set a budget and lock in a dependable professional who fits your timeline and price range. If you’re one of the people who move from place to place, you probably know that moving costs are often unpredictable, as quotes fluctuate depending on the day or season.

Financial uncertainty can also build up anxiety, especially when you’re trying to juggle rising consumer costs while ensuring each item is carefully handled.

3. The actual day of loading and unloading

The actual moving day of loading and unloading puts a heavy physical and mental strain on anyone. You need to be strong enough to safely move all furniture and boxes from your old home to your new one. Using improper heavy lifting techniques can cause injuries, muscle strains, scratched walls, and damaged belongings.

There’s also the pressure to get everything done in a single day, especially if you’re managing a DIY move with a hired truck. The clock’s ticking, the truck rental has time limits, and the exhaustion builds quickly.

4. Transferring utilities and changing your address

Transferring utilities online to a new address. (Source: iStock)

Next on your list of things to do when moving house is transferring your utilities and updating your address. Expect long phone waits, multiple websites to navigate, and the worry of arriving at your new home without essentials like electricity, water, or internet.

It’s a daunting process, which is why many people delay it. But putting it off can lead to unnecessary complications and extra stress. Set up mail forwarding early through the USPS Change of Address service, and make sure to update key records with your doctor, dentist, the DMV (for your license and vehicle registration), the IRS, and your local municipality for property taxes if needed.

5. Cleaning the old place

After managing endless moving tasks, cleaning your old home is probably the last thing you want to deal with. With most of your energy spent making sure everything goes smoothly at your new address, the thought of a thorough end-of-lease clean can feel downright exhausting. Plus, there’s the pressure to leave the property spotless to secure a full return of your deposit.

In most US rental agreements, you’re required to return the property in the same condition you received it, which often means a professional-standard clean. This includes carpets, walls, windows, appliances like ovens and refrigerators, and even the grout between bathroom tiles.

6. Unpacking and setting up

Unpacking boxes and organizing items in a new space. (Source: iStock)

Unpacking and setting up your new home is also among the top life stressors. You’re surrounded by a pile of boxes, with everything still wrapped up and nowhere fully sorted. Finding essentials can quickly become a real headache, so you might put off unpacking. But when days turn into weeks, something has to change if you want to finally relax.

Remember, settling in takes time. It’s completely normal if your new house doesn’t feel like home right away, so try not to be too hard on yourself if progress is slow.

7. Moving with kids and pets

Managing children and pets while moving home adds an extra layer of stress because their routines get disrupted, which can make them anxious or unsettled. Your kids may become clingy, especially if changing schools, while pets may hide or act out due to their new surroundings.

All these signs require constant attention when you have none to give, and can potentially lead to a sense of loss of control and relocation depression, according to research.

Make your move simple by hiring experts

Moving house is one of the most stressful life events many Americans face, often taking a toll on both physical and mental health. But did you know? By spotting the stress points and taking action, you’ve already taken a big step toward making it all easier!

Make your move even simpler and minimize moving stress by hiring trusted pro movers on Airtasker. Whether you’re preparing for a short or long-distance move, you can find Taskers near you who fit your budget and schedule.