When people are asked about the most stressful experiences of their life, predictable answers emerge – childbirth, bereavement, divorce and major illness are all top responses. But there’s another time which consistently makes this list – home moving.

At first it might seem silly, even trivialising, to compare the difficulties of moving home with divorce or more “significant” events. But people don’t just carry their personalities and “self” within the mind – our home and possessions contribute strongly to our sense of identity. In a famous paper, an academic named RW Belk posited the idea of an “extended self” which includes our most prized possessions which shape our self image.

Whenever you move home, part of the extended self is literally torn down overnight as your possessions are thrown into boxes to be carted off. In the same way (psychologically speaking at least) that job loss or divorce can force someone to redefine their identity; so does moving house.

Of course, it isn’t just the identity element of moving that makes the process so difficult. The entire process is expensive, long and tortuous – and prone to last minute failures if a chain falls apart. So what can you do to mitigate the stress?

Firstly, carefully consider what you’ll need immediately once you’re moved in. A bed, clothing and basic supplies will be priority for the first night – so pack them to one side. Bear in mind it might take days to get your furniture reassembled in the proper locations. If you have concerns, it may even be worth investing in an easily transported Zip & Link mattress, which can be easily dismantled and moved.

It is worth paying a premium for a trustworthy removal firm – ask friends for recommendations or search Yelp if you’re stuck. Once you have narrowed your list down to a few different companies you should call them all and ask what they would charge given the details of your move. Asking for moving quotes is one of the best ways to ensure there are no surprises on moving day. Whoever you choose will be in complete control of your life’s possessions for up to several days – knowing they’re in safe hands will be a weight off your mind.

You’ll also be faced with the immediate challenge of switching your address details for each of the dozens of companies who need it. Your local Post Office should be able to redirect mail to your new address as a stopgap, but its essential to update your details ASAP. Banks, utility companies and phone suppliers will be among your first calls but the tax office, driving authorities and doctor will all need an up to date address.

Before you move its well worth gathering and shredding any documents with personal information to avoid the risk of identity fraud. Criminals have been known to search the trash of recently moved families for identifying documents, which can then be used to take out fraudulent loans in your name. To avoid this risk, ensure any personal documents that aren’t coming with you are shredded or even burned.
Moving home will always be a stressful experience but with planning and forethought you can avoid some of the worse possibilities. Last minute packing crises, lost possessions and identity fraud can turn a nightmare move into a genuine tragedy, so plan in advance and don’t fall into those traps!