Dealing with Stress & Anxiety of an International Relocation

Relocating to a new country marks a period of excitement and fresh starts. However, moving stress is a common reaction to the planning and packing it takes to get to your future home. When anxiety rises, it can be hard to see past it. 

Fortunately, it's possible to have a successful relocation with minimal strain, and it starts with understanding why moving causes stress in the first place. Once you know where the anxiety comes from, you can find a solution that helps you cope. With the right strategies and a little assistance from Atlas International, your overseas move will be smooth sailing. 

Why International Moves Cause Stress and Anxiety 

Relocating overseas draws you outside your comfort zone. While this can be a great source of excitement, enthusiasm is often overshadowed by anxiety. Moving stress can be caused by the following factors: 

• Struggling to organize tricky moving logistics 
• Overwhelming to-do lists 
• Reduced leisure time and a loss of routine 
• Concerns about adapting to a new culture and language 
• Financial uncertainty 
• Worries about the success of your moving plan 
• Leaving behind the familiar in exchange for something unknown 

Coping Strategies for Moving Anxiety 

With a better understanding of what causes stress when relocating, you can take steps to minimize its effects. The following strategies can help you cope with international moving stress. 

Stay Organized and Plan Ahead 

Staying organized is key to tackling the heavy workload of an international relocation. By making and sticking to a plan, you can stay on track to have everything done by moving day, which can reduce stress along the way. 

Moving checklists can be a great organizational tool. You can start by creating a simple checklist that includes your bigger goals and break them down into a more detailed list. For example, "packing" can be split into manageable pieces, such as picking up supplies from the store or boxing up a single shelf. A quick glance at your list can give you a good sense of how much remains to be done, and checking off items offers a sense of accomplishment. 

Adding a timeline to your checklists can also keep you on track to be finished on time. If one of your overarching goals is to declutter your home, consider scheduling small blocks of time to tackle it in small portions. Whether it's the spare room over the course of the weekend or a single kitchen drawer in the evening before bed, assigning a timeline assures your checklists move along steadily. 

No matter how you structure your moving plan, start early. Stress from moving often comes from the perception that there's too much to do in too little time. Planning ahead can help alleviate timeline anxiety. 

Establish a Routine 

When you're focused on relocation, it's easy to abandon your normal routine. But knowing what to expect from each day, even a little bit, can provide a much-needed sense of normalcy. 

Try to maintain as much of your usual lifestyle as possible during this transitional period. This might mean staying focused on your work during work hours or keeping up with the regular activities you and your family have scheduled. Prioritizing self-care habits, such as exercise, sleep and healthy eating, can also minimize stress and give you the energy you need to handle moving tasks when the time is right. 

Find Your Support Network 

For many, moving overseas means leaving behind a beloved social network. However, maintaining existing relationships as you prepare to move, even if you think there's not enough time, can ease your relocation anxiety. 

Consider devoting some space in your schedule to spending time with friends and family in your current area. If your moving date is just around the corner, this might mean inviting loved ones over to help you pack or chatting on the phone when you have a few spare minutes. When you're settled in your new country, you'll likely be glad you made the effort to reach out. 

For some, the greatest support comes from a relocation professional. International moving services, such as Atlas International, can help you organize your move's logistics, further reducing your stress throughout the experience. 

Embrace the Unknown 

An overseas relocation is the start of a brand new adventure, but it can be easy to lose sight of this fact when moving stress piles up. Try to focus on the positives during your move, such as the excitement of beginning anew in another country and the plans you'll be able to make when you get there. 

This can be a good time to learn more about the culture in your new home country. Whether it's local traditions, a unique cuisine or the thought of building a daily routine, knowing what you have to look forward to can make the process of getting there easier to tackle. 

Practice Stress Management Techniques 

Moving anxiety can creep up when you least expect it. If you get caught up in the stress, the following techniques can help you relax: 

• Spend a few minutes meditating to clear your mind 
• Take a break for some physical activity, such as a walk outdoors 
• Practice mindfulness in the present moment 
• Listen to soothing music 
• Make a list of things to be grateful for 
• Concentrate on relaxing the muscles in your body 

Celebrate Small Victories 

Moving overseas is quite a feat, and acknowledging your progress can help you find joy in the process. Take a moment to celebrate the completion of a task and observe how close you are to realizing the goals you've set. 

Giving yourself rewards can also make the moving experience more enjoyable. This can mean taking a long bath at the end of a packing session or scheduling an evening of reading time once the day's to-do list is all checked off. Having something to look forward to is motivating and can help you find satisfaction amid a monumental task. 

Atlas International Is Here to Help 

It's a common assertion that moving causes stress, but that doesn't have to be the case. The strategies above can help you see past the to-do lists and feel the excitement that lies ahead. If your move is causing you stress, turn to Atlas International. 

Leaving the logistics to us can alleviate some of the relocation anxiety that comes with an international move. We'll channel decades of expertise into your relocation to simplify the process at every stage, from packing and shipping to clearing customs. With our guidance and resources at your fingertips, you'll arrive and adjust to your new home with minimal stress. 

Relief from moving anxiety is within reach. Get started today with a free quote.