The Emotional Side of Moving: Tips to Support Yourself (or a Loved One) Through It
By Veronica Stone, Smooth Move Expert
Moving is more than just packing up boxes and changing addresses—it’s an emotional rollercoaster. After moving fifteen times in my life (yes, 15!), I know firsthand how big of a deal it really is. At 35 years old, that averages out to every 2.5 years! No wonder I’ve found my way into this industry. They say we best serve others through the challenges we’ve faced and conquered, and for me, moving is one of those things I’ve come out the other side of—again and again.
As a Smooth Move Expert, I’m here not just to physically help you move, but to guide you through the emotional side of the process. From staging consults and decluttering to packing and unpacking, my goal is to make this journey smoother and less overwhelming. Let’s face it—moving is a BIG DEAL, and it takes time to adjust and feel settled. Whether it’s your first or fifteenth time moving, there’s an emotional toll, but there are ways to ease the burden.
The Emotional Side of Moving: Why It’s Tough
Moving represents more than just a physical relocation; it symbolizes leaving behind the familiar—your routines, memories, and a home you’ve made your own. Even when you’re excited about a new chapter, it’s normal to feel a mix of emotions: grief for what you’re leaving, anxiety about the changes, and sometimes even fear of the unknown. Trust me, I’ve felt it all with every move I’ve made.
The stress doesn’t end when the movers leave either. It can take weeks, even months, to fully feel settled in your new space. Unpacking is just the tip of the iceberg—it’s about re-establishing routines, deciding how to use new spaces, and adjusting to changes in your environment, whether it’s a smaller pantry, fewer closets, or simply getting used to the way light comes through the windows.
How to Support Yourself (or a Loved One) Through the Move
- Acknowledge the Emotions
Give yourself permission to feel everything—excitement, sadness, stress. Moving stirs up a lot of emotions, and that’s completely normal. Take time to reflect on why you’re feeling certain ways and recognize that it’s part of the process. - Start Early
I always advise my clients to start as early as possible. Whether you’re staging your home to sell or prepping for the move itself, the earlier you begin, the more manageable it feels. Decluttering is a great first step, and it can be therapeutic. Letting go of items you no longer need is freeing and sets the stage for a fresh start. - Visualize Your New Space
One service I’m particularly excited about is our Home Sweet New Home package. Once you’ve found your new home, we work with you to review the floor plan and your current furniture, helping you decide what should come with you and what should be sold or donated. This way, you can avoid packing and moving items that won’t fit or serve you in your new space. It’s a huge stress saver! - Create a Plan
When we review your new home, we take into account your lifestyle, family needs, and how you want the space to function. Then we create a space plan and provide advice on which new pieces would work best for the design. Having this plan ahead of time makes the transition smoother and helps reduce decision fatigue, which is something I know all too well—moving comes with so many decisions that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a plan in place, it’s easier to feel in control. - Ask for Help
It’s okay to ask for help. I’ve had clients who, like me, have moved multiple times, and yet it’s always a stressful experience. I’ve seen firsthand how a little help can go a long way, whether it’s hiring movers, a professional organizer, or simply enlisting friends and family. One of my recent clients, for example, was pregnant and had a toddler. They used our services to pack and unpack key areas like their master closet and bathroom. It was a huge relief for them to have support, especially during such a physically and emotionally demanding time. - Focus on New Habits
One of the best things about moving is the chance to create new habits. Studies show that transitions, like moving, are the perfect time to establish routines. Whether it’s setting up an organizational system from day one or deciding to implement daily tidying habits, this is your chance to start fresh and set yourself up for success.
Why Moving Is a Beautiful Opportunity
At its core, moving is a milestone—a chance to start a new chapter. Even though it can feel stressful, it’s also a beautiful opportunity to leave behind old frustrations (like clutter or mismatched décor) and welcome in more of the life you truly want. With our Home Sweet New Home service, we help you create a balanced, functional, and beautifully designed space that meets your unique needs. Whether it’s organizing, staging, or offering design advice, my team and I are here to support you through every step of the process.
If you’re looking to settle into your new home with less stress and more joy, reach out. We offer everything from decluttering and Calgary staging services to unpacking support and personalized design advice. Let’s create a home that reflects the life you want to live!
Veronica Stone
Owner, Happy Place Spaces
Your Calgary Organizer, Decorator and Stager
Helping you move and settle in with ease
