Why Moving Feels So Stressful (and 5 Ways to Stay Motivated Through It)

If moving has ever left you feeling drained, you’re not imagining it. Psychologists have long ranked moving among life’s top stressors, often compared to divorce or the loss of a loved one. A 2025 survey confirmed the overwhelm is very real, with homeowners citing stress over logistics, identity, and uncertainty as major triggers (Olympia Moving & Storage Blog). The good news is that while you can’t eliminate the stress entirely, you can manage it with smart strategies that keep you motivated along the way.

Why Moving Feels Overwhelming

At its core, moving disrupts your sense of stability. You’re juggling countless tasks, parting with familiar routines, and facing a major life transition. Jon Patrick Hatcher explains in Psychology Today that the combination of endless to-dos and emotional weight makes moving uniquely exhausting. It’s both a physical project and a psychological challenge, which is why even the most organized people can feel stretched thin.

5 Ways to Stay Motivated Through the Move

1. Break It Down Into Small Wins

Instead of staring at your entire home and feeling paralyzed, divide tasks into manageable chunks. Focus on one room, or even one closet, at a time. Experts note that crossing off even a small item on your checklist gives you a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum (FirstSession).

2. Set Clear Goals and Rewards

Give yourself (and your family) targets like “pack five boxes by Saturday.” Then celebrate with something enjoyable when you hit the milestone. Whether it’s takeout after a long packing session or a family movie night, small incentives keep motivation alive through the grind.

3. Maintain Routines and Self-Care

Skipping meals, staying up late, or abandoning exercise makes stress worse. Hatcher emphasizes that staying nourished, hydrated, and rested is part of your moving toolkit (Psychology Today). Think of these habits as fuel for the project rather than luxuries you can ignore.

4. Ask for Help

You don’t have to do it all alone. Invite friends to help pack, hire movers for the heavy lifting, or arrange childcare to give yourself focused time. The Olympia Moving & Storage Blog highlights that seeking support is a smart way to protect both your energy and your mental health.

5. Keep the Big Picture in Sight

When the process feels endless, remind yourself of the payoff. Post a photo of your new home or write down what excites you most about the change—more space, a shorter commute, or a fresh start. Keeping your eyes on that vision helps turn fatigue into determination.

Turning Chaos Into Structure

Ultimately, moving is part project management and part mindset. You need tools that help you organize details while also making space for self-care. Some people swear by moving binders and checklists, others by apps that sync across family members. If you’re looking for a way to combine both the structure and the motivation side of things, a planning app like Neuralist can help. It’s designed for life transitions like moving, giving you a clear system for breaking down tasks and staying focused on what matters.

A move may never feel effortless, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to feel crushing. Keep tasks small, celebrate progress, and lean on tools and people who help lighten the load. You’ll get through it—and the reward of your new home will be worth it.