The Fear of Moving Out: How Can You Cope With It? (2024)

FOMO has long been a buzzword to describe the fear of missing out, a type of anxiety that canaffect people of all ages. But what if we told you that there was another kind of FOMO?

Picture this: you're packing up your belongings and picturing your life in a new home. At first, you feel happy and excited. Suddenly, you're struck by a bout of nerves you weren't expecting.

If this has ever happened to you, you may have the less talked about but widely experienced kind of FOMO: fear of moving out!

Moving marks a big transition in your life, and there are a lot of little details you have to take care of along the way. Experiencing anxiety about your next move is normal, but it isn't impossible to overcome! Read on to learn how you can cope with your fear of moving out.

Why Do We Experience This Fear of Moving Out?

First, let's take some time to talk a little more about this fear of moving out. Sometimes, the first step to overcoming a fear is understanding why you feel the way you feel--and recognizing that you're not alone!

Moving Is Often Accompanied by Other Big Changes

When we feel big emotions (like joy and excitement, but also fear and anxiety), it can be difficult to determine the exact source. As a result, we may pinpoint a specific aspect of our lives as the source, when really, it's a little more complicated.

Moving is often accompanied by other big changes.

Maybe you're moving out of your parents' house to start college or a career. Maybe you're taking the leap with a partner and moving in together. Maybe you're helping your elderly parents move out of their home and into an assisted living facility.

Big changes require us to face the unknown. It's natural to feel uneasy when things feel like they're outside of our control!

Renting or Buying a New Home Can Be Overwhelming

Sometimes, the fear of moving out starts as early as the moment you go hunting for a new home. This is also an understandable source of stress. Finding a new place to live, whether you're renting or buying, can get overwhelming quickly.

Renting or buying a new home tends to require several steps. You may have to research neighborhoods, think about your budget, and do some comparison shopping online. Once you find the right place to live, you have to make some negotiations, fill out a lot of paperwork, and determine what items you’re moving to your new home.

Packing and Moving Your Stuff Can Be Stressful

The literal and physical act of moving can be stressful. Trying to decide what comes with you and what doesn't, can seem like a never-ending task, especially if you've never had to do it before. Trying to make sure that all your valuables are packed safely--and even just getting all of those packing materials--can feel like a complete headache.

What Can We Do to Ease Your Anxiety About Moving?

Now that we've looked at some of the reasons moving may cause you feelings of fear, we can figure out ways to address those causes. Let's talk about a few simple steps you can take to alleviate your anxiety and feel a little bit lighter!

Remember What This Move Will Bring You

Did you know that thinking positive thoughts can actuallyease some of the symptomsof stress? Positive thinking won't put all of your belongings in boxes or sign your new lease, but it will help you handle the overall process of moving in a healthier way.

If thinking about moving out of your current home brings you anxiety, remember why you're doing it. Focus on what you are going to gain from this move, whether that's the opportunity for new experiences, the chance to go to school or start a career, or whatever it may be. By shifting your thinking, you'll notice that some of that fear doesn't feel quite as unruly anymore!

Talk to Someone with Renting or Buying Experience

Reach out to someone who’s experienced in what you're going through! Maybe that's a real estate agent who can narrow down your search for a home, or maybe that's a friend who lives in your new city that knows a thing or two about the best neighborhoods.

Or it could simply be someone you trust who has moved recently and can assure you that your fears are normal, but they'll dissipate once you get settled in. The biggest objective is to find someone who you can lean on that knows how to lighten your moving burden.

Call In the HUNKS to Help

Let's face it: packing, renting a truck, hauling everything out of one house and into another--it's no small task. That's why you shouldn't do it alone!

Take a look at some of themoving servicesoffered by your favorite HUNKS. Whether you're moving down the street or across the country, we're ready to get you there. With the HUNKS, you can rest assured that your belongings will get packed well and show up in one piece in your awesome new home!

College HUNKS Are Here to Make Moving Easier

FOMO doesn't always mean the fear of missing out. Sometimes, FOMO means the fear of moving out! Feeling stress or anxiety about your next move is totally normal, and it's something we can help you cope with.

To start alleviating some of that stress,book your very own team of HUNKStoday. Remember, we're also available for junk removal, so if you've got some big stuff that needs to get tossed out, we can help with that, too!

Certainly! The fear of moving out (FOMO) can indeed be a significant source of anxiety for many individuals. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and topics mentioned in the article:

Fear of Moving Out (FOMO)

Understanding the Fear

  • Transition Anxiety: Moving represents a significant life transition, triggering both excitement and nervousness.
  • Common Experience: It's highlighted that this fear is widely experienced but less discussed compared to the general fear of missing out.

Reasons Behind FOMO

  • Associated Changes: Moving often accompanies various substantial life changes like starting college, a new career, living with a partner, or transitioning elderly parents to assisted living.
  • Fear of Unknown: Big changes entail facing uncertainties, which can cause discomfort and anxiety.

Stress Points in Moving

  • House Hunting: The stress can start from the search for a new home due to the overwhelming nature of the process, whether it's for renting or buying.
  • Packing and Moving: The physical act of deciding what to move, ensuring safety for valuables, and managing packing materials can be highly stressful.

Coping Strategies

  • Positive Thinking: Shifting focus towards the positives of the move can help alleviate stress and anxiety associated with leaving the current home.
  • Seeking Guidance: Connecting with individuals experienced in the process, like real estate agents or friends in the new location, can provide valuable insights and support.
  • Professional Assistance: Hiring moving services like 'HUNKS' can significantly reduce the burden of packing, moving, and even junk removal, ensuring a smoother transition to the new home.

By acknowledging the various stress points and addressing them through positive mindset shifts, seeking support, and utilizing professional services, individuals experiencing FOMO can better manage their anxiety associated with moving out.

The Fear of Moving Out: How Can You Cope With It? (2024)

FAQs

The Fear of Moving Out: How Can You Cope With It? ›

Make plans back home. Having something to look forward to back home might help with the move – especially if you're feeling isolated. Put some get-togethers with friends and family in your diary before you leave – but try not to go back too soon, as it could make your homesickness worse.

How do I get over my fear of moving away? ›

Below, you'll find six ways to overcome the fear of relocation and start to enjoy and embrace this wonderful opportunity.
  1. Focus on the Benefits of this Move. ...
  2. Research the Local Area as Much as Possible. ...
  3. Start Making Friends Before You Go. ...
  4. Begin Saving Money Early. ...
  5. Purchase Travel Insurance.
Feb 16, 2022

How do I cope with moving out of my house? ›

Here are some strategies to help you adjust:
  1. Find new ways to communicate. ...
  2. Plan ahead. ...
  3. Get involved. ...
  4. Create your own space. ...
  5. Work out some coping strategies these are unique things that make you feel better and more in control. ...
  6. Give it time.

Why am I so afraid of moving out? ›

Relocating to a new home can be a challenging process that can make people feel like they are losing control over their lives. There are many unknowns involved in the relocation process, such as the quality of the new housing, the local community, health insurance in another state, and the job market.

How do you deal with moving anxiety? ›

Mental health & moving house - 7 ways to reduce the stress of moving home
  1. Get organised. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your move, and start the process as early as you can. ...
  2. Give yourself time. ...
  3. Prepare the essentials. ...
  4. A box of comfort. ...
  5. Be kind to yourself. ...
  6. Get help.

Is moving out good for mental health? ›

Conversely, a healthy mind and emotional stability grant you better relationships, a career you love, and a positive outlook on life. There are many ways to improve your mental health, but moving to a new location is at the top of the list.

What is the fear of moving out called? ›

Agoraphobia is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with agoraphobia is afraid to leave environments they know or consider to be safe. In severe cases, a person with agoraphobia considers their home to be the only safe environment.

Is it normal to cry when moving out? ›

Changing homes can be very disruptive. This disruption to your routine — as well as the anxiety associated with the move and adapting to a new space — can trigger deep but temporary sadness. In some cases, moving might also mean losing your support network, experiencing culture shock, and feeling isolated from others.

Why am I so emotional about moving house? ›

Some of us feel happy when we move - maybe it's the first time, or we're moving in with someone new, but some people feel sad or nervous because they don't know what's going to happen next. This can make you reminisce on past events and, in extreme cases, result in relocation depression.

How much money should I have saved before moving out? ›

A general rule of thumb is to have three to six months' worth of living expenses saved up in case of an emergency. As movers with 30 years of experience, we can say for sure that sticking to your budget is crucial when living on your own for the first time. We've seen many people overspend and struggle financially.

Is it normal to be scared to move out of home? ›

You've decided to leave home and take a big leap, but you might still be scared to move away from family. Take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Worrying about what life will be like on your own is a normal reaction.

Why does it feel weird to move out? ›

Leaving home is not always easy. Homesickness, loneliness, stress and anxiety are all common feelings that may come up during your transition to independence. Even the happiest and most confident young people can struggle.

What is the most stressful life event? ›

Death of a close family member

The loss of a loved one is often difficult to comprehend and cope with. The death of a close family member, such as a sibling, parent, or child is considered one of the most stressful life events.

Does moving anxiety go away? ›

While you likely won't be able to eliminate all stress from your move, there are some things you can do to help make the process easier: Expect stress eventually. Even if you feel fine – or downright excited, even – ahead of your move, expect stress or anxiety to bubble up at some point.

How long does it take to adjust to moving out? ›

Give yourself at least a year to get comfortable to your new life. Experiencing the weather and seasons, learning the traffic patterns, and mastering your daily routine is vital to your comfort, and that can take a while. Nevertheless, a positive attitude will do wonders for all those nerves. Enjoy the adventure!

How long does it take to feel settled after moving? ›

They say it takes about 6 months to really feel settled. Embrace it. It's better to take your time and mindfully put together your home than to rush and feel the need to change everything in two weeks.

How long does it take to recover from a house move? ›

How long does it take to settle after moving? You will need a few days to unpack your items and arrange your new house or apartment, but it may take you several months to really settle in and feel at home in your new place.

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