The Emotional Side of Moving Interstate: How to Cope with Change

For some people, the prospect of moving interstate represents a fresh start and an exciting opportunity to explore new places, make new friends, and embrace what the universe has in store for them.

However, for others, it can bring on feelings of sadness, stress, anxiety, and even grief at the people and life they are leaving behind.

Many blog posts talk about the process involved in moving interstate, such as packing boxes, coordinating the move, and doing administrative tasks like arranging for your electricity and internet to be turned off from your existing place and switched to your new home.

But few explore the emotional side of moving interstate and, more specifically how you can cope with the change.

Well, this one is designed to do just that. So, if the prospect of upping sticks and moving to another part of the country has you on a bit of a downer, here is how you can manage and reduce these feelings.

1. Own Your Emotions

If you are planning on moving interstate and, in particular, far away from people and places you like, it is understandable that you'll be upset on some level. However, it is important to own these emotions because the quicker you do, the sooner you'll be able to come to terms with them.

Let yourself be sad about the prospect of leaving. Be scared by the fear of the unknown. Toss up whether you have made the right decision to go.

It doesn't matter if it takes a few hours or a few months to process these feelings. Once you do it, you will be able to focus more positively on embracing your move.

2. Understand why you are leaving

There is a reason why you are leaving where you currently live. Perhaps it is for love or work. Or maybe it is because you want to live somewhere more affordable or just fancy a sea or treechange.

Whatever the primary reason for you deciding to move, the more you can understand why you are doing it, the easier it will become for you to do so.

3. Emotionally Prepare for the Move

Much of the emotional burden of moving can be eased with simple preparation, and while this will, in large part, take the form of packing boxes and organising logistics, you should set aside some time to prepare mentally for it.

One of the best things you can do is make a conscious effort to spend as much time with your loved ones as possible before you relocate.

Additionally, you should make plans for regular catch-ups, either in person or via web chats and instant message exchanges once you've gone. Building your support network in this way will help you to realise that even though you might be far away from them, they can be easily contacted if you want to.

4. Get excited about where you are moving

If you don't let go of your past, you won't be able to embrace your future. So, while you might have plenty of memories and reasons to stay in your current neighbourhood, it is vital you start to get excited about moving to a new destination.

It is a good idea to thoroughly research the town or city where you will be moving, to find out what sporting clubs and recreational activities you can take part in, where some great bars and restaurants are and what local attractions you can see.

The more you familiarise yourself with all the highlights of your new home town, the more excited you will get at the prospect of moving there.

5. Practice Self-Care

In all aspects of life, it is vital to prioritise looking after your mental and physical health, and the prospect of moving away from loved ones is no different.

Try to take the time regularly to manage stress and maintain a good emotional balance before your move by doing a range of activities that make you feel good.

These include exercising regularly, eating nutritious food, getting between 7 and 9 hours of quality sleep every night, and treating yourself to things that lift your soul, such as a delicious toasted marshmallow hot chocolate.

Focusing on these activities will go a long way toward staving off the negative feelings that you might be experiencing about your impending move.

6. Seek professional support if needed

If the emotional toll of moving really starts to weigh you down, you should consider seeking support from a counsellor or therapist.

There may well be deeper reasons and emotions that are making you feel this way, and they can help you process complex emotions and develop coping strategies that may help you put things into a brighter perspective.

7. Understand you can always come back

While you might be moving far away from your current suburb, it is important to note that it doesn't have to be final.

There is no shame in deciding that the move is not right for you. So, you should not be afraid to return to your old neighbourhood if things don't work out for you.

Once you wrap your head around this idea, you'll be amazed at how much more open you'll be to relocating to another part of the country.