Is Moving Traumatic – How to Handle Relocation Across the World

Posted How-to / October 23, 2024
Milly Andrews

Born and raised in Portland, Milly has had a lot of experience moving and writing about the relocation process.

Relocating internationally is more than just packing boxes. It’s about leaving behind the familiar and stepping into uncertainty. So, is moving traumatic, then? For many, it certainly feels that way. Uprooting your life and venturing into the unknown can stir up a storm of emotions. However, with the right mindset and strategies, relocating abroad can be an empowering experience. Let’s dive into how you can turn this seemingly traumatic event into an exciting new chapter in your life.

Is Moving Traumatic for Adults?

Relocating, especially abroad, can indeed be traumatic for adults, as it involves more than just changing locations. It’s about disrupting routines, leaving behind familiar faces and places, and facing the emotional toll of starting over. The psychological resistance to change, paired with the uncertainty of a new environment, often triggers stress.

However, the experience doesn’t have to be entirely negative. By preparing mentally, taking small steps like building support networks before the relocation, and embracing the adventure ahead, adults can manage the emotional impact. Moreover, they can turn what feels like a daunting challenge into an opportunity for growth.

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Why Moving Can Feel Like a Roller Coaster for Your Emotions

Relocating across the world isn’t just a physical journey. It’s also an emotional one that can feel like navigating a whirlwind of excitement, fear, nostalgia, and uncertainty. It’s easy to get caught up in the logistics – finding a new home, hiring movers, making travel arrangements – but what often gets overlooked is the emotional toll that comes with saying goodbye to the life you’ve built.

Relocating to a new home abroad also means parting ways with the familiar. After all, you’re not just preparing for a new chapter; you’re closing an old one – and that can stir up feelings you didn’t expect. Even if you’re not moving out for the first time, this process doesn’t get much easier.

The Science of Why Moving Internationally Can Be Emotionally Taxing

Humans are naturally resistant to change, and that resistance is hardwired into us. It’s simple: when we know what to expect in our environment, our brains can relax. That’s why breaking out of a routine, whether by switching jobs, ending a relationship, or moving overseas, feels so emotionally taxing.

Relocation, in particular, disrupts the very foundation of our daily lives. In essence, international relocations strip away the comfortable, known aspects of life and replace them with the unknown. Even if you’ve chosen some of the best places to live abroad, the thought of relocation itself can provoke a sense of unease and anxiety about the move.

How to Mentally Prepare for an International Relocation

When preparing to relocate to another country, it’s easy to get caught up in the logistics, such as gathering documents needed to travel abroad, booking flights, or packing boxes.

However, the key to a smoother move starts in your mind. The right mindset can make the difference between a chaotic, stress-filled experience and one that feels more like an adventure.

The first step is shifting your outlook. Instead of focusing solely on the monumental task of relocating, try reframing the experience as an opportunity for growth and excitement.

Think of it as a fresh start and consider all the relocation benefits it brings. Remind yourself of the new experiences, people, and places waiting for you on the other side.

Younger generations often think about relocating overseas to improve their quality of life

Practical Ways to Ease the Emotional Toll of Relocating

Moving abroad is not just a logistical challenge; it’s an emotional one. From the stress of packing to the uncertainty of settling into a new environment, the emotional toll can be significant. But with the right approach, you can ease some of the burdens and make the transition smoother for yourself and your family. Here are some practical strategies to manage the emotional weight of relocation:

Create a Moving Timeline to Stay on Track

Create a comprehensive moving checklist and focus on completing one small thing at a time. This will help prevent feelings of overwhelm and give you a sense of accomplishment as you check off each step. Remember – the logistical steps will naturally fall into place when you’re approaching them with a clearer, calmer mind.

Take Packing One Room at a Time

Choose the least-used room first – this will allow you to make progress without feeling like you’re disrupting your life entirely. As you pack, categorize items into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” piles, which can help you feel more organized and in control. Taking it step by step keeps the process from becoming too overwhelming.

Build a Support Network Before You Even Relocate

Relocating to a new city abroad can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Before you even move, start building a support network in your new destination. Join online groups, expat communities, or social media platforms dedicated to people living in your future destination.

These virtual networks can help you connect with people who’ve been in your shoes. Apps like Meetup or InterNations are great tools for finding local events and making new friends, so you can already have familiar faces waiting for you when you arrive.

Get Help From the Professionals for a Smooth Transition

One of the best ways to ease the emotional burden of relocating is by getting help from a reliable overseas moving company, such as Sunset International Shipping. Relocating across the world comes with its fair share of logistical challenges. Booking professional international moving services allows you to focus on the emotional aspects of the transition while experts handle the heavy lifting.

Whether you want packing services or need help shipping and navigating international regulations, professional movers can make the process far less stressful. Plus, knowing the logistics and your belongings are in safe hands will give you peace of mind and significantly reduce the relocation stress you’re feeling.

Prioritize Self-Care During the Process

Amid the whirlwind of relocating, it’s easy to neglect your own well-being. Prioritize self-care by setting aside time each day to decompress. Whether it’s going for a walk, meditating, or simply spending time with loved ones, maintaining routines that bring you peace can help mitigate the emotional strain.

Is Moving Traumatic for Kids? Helping Your Children Get Through the Change

If you’re relocating with kids, know that the process can be particularly traumatic for children. Their sense of security and stability is often tied to familiar surroundings, routines, and relationships. Uprooting them from their home, school, and friends can create feelings of anxiety, confusion, and fear. Children may struggle to understand why they have to leave behind everything they know. Here is how you can help them cope with the change better:

  • Communicate openly – talk to them about the relocation early on and explain what to expect,
  • Involve them in the process – let them help pack, choose items for their new room, or even explore the new neighborhood together,
  • Maintain routines – keep bedtime, meals, and family activities as consistent as possible to provide stability,
  • Stay connected – help them keep in touch with old friends,
  • Explore the new environment – make the new place feel exciting by finding parks, schools, or activities they’ll enjoy.

Post-Move Blues – What to Do When Homesickness Hits

No matter how exciting your new adventure may be, homesickness can hit hard after the initial thrill of moving wears off. You’re in a new place, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and routines, and the longing for the comfort of home can creep in unexpectedly.

One of the best ways to cope with nostalgia and homesickness is to establish new routines that mirror the familiar aspects of your old life. Start by recreating small daily habits from your previous life, whether it’s your morning coffee ritual, a daily workout, or a weekly trip to a local market. These activities help create a sense of normalcy in your new surroundings and give you something consistent to look forward to.

Using Technology to Stay Connected With Loved Ones

In today’s digital age, homesickness doesn’t have to mean feeling disconnected from loved ones. Technology makes it easier than ever to stay close to family and friends, even from thousands of miles away. Many apps allow you to video call or message loved ones, offering a sense of presence even when you’re not physically together.

If you want to keep in touch with friends and family, set up regular video calls with them to check in and share updates about your new life. Scheduling these calls at the same time each week can create a comforting routine, helping you feel more connected. Social media platforms are also great for sharing photos and experiences with your network, keeping them updated on your new adventure while maintaining a sense of closeness.

Moving Doesn’t Have to Be (That) Traumatic – Here’s Why

With the right mindset and support, relocating can actually be the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. Sure, there are challenges along the way, but they also come with opportunities for growth, exploration, and new connections. Shifting your focus from what you’re leaving behind to what lies ahead can make all the difference.

You’ll have the chance to explore new places, meet new people, and immerse yourself in different cultures or communities. Each day is an opportunity to discover something new, from trying local foods to finding hidden gems in your neighborhood. While it’s natural to feel a sense of loss when leaving behind the familiar, focusing on the excitement of new experiences can help shift your perspective from anxiety to anticipation.

Everything Is Easier if You Know When to Ask For Help

Of course, part of making your move less stressful is knowing when to ask for help, and sometimes, that help needs to go beyond friends with trucks or online packing tips. A well-coordinated relocation allows you to be more present, soaking in the thrill of a new beginning instead of worrying about the details of getting there. That is why, when planning a relocation to another city abroad, hiring a top-tier overseas shipping company is your safest bet.

Experienced movers know the ins and outs of international relations, and they can anticipate challenges you might not even think of. With their help, instead of juggling a thousand tasks, you can focus on the exciting parts of your move – and make it a far less traumatic experience.

Leave the Stress Behind With Sunset International Shipping

Beyond just packing boxes, movers bring peace of mind, allowing you to focus on adapting to your new surroundings and adjusting to a new country. Instead of stressing over the logistics of shipping overseas, you can turn your attention to the journey waiting for you. And for a seamless experience, all you have to do is hire the best – and there’s no better than Sunset International Shipping.

With our expertise and dedication to handling every detail of your relocation, we’ll make sure your move unfolds smoothly and without unnecessary stress. Let our international moving company take care of the hard part! Contact us and book your move.

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