It’s 11pm. You’re sitting between two half-packed boxes, holding a photograph you haven’t seen in years. The removal van is booked, but you’re suddenly wondering why you decided to move at all.

If that sounds familiar, you’re in good company. With World Mental Health Day on 10 October, it feels like a good moment to talk about the emotional side of moving house. We see it often at JDG, whether someone is leaving a first home in Lancaster, moving across Morecambe, or starting somewhere entirely new.

Why is moving house so stressful?

A move brings decisions, waiting and goodbyes together.

There are practical choices every day: which solicitor to use, what to pack, whether the sofa will fit. Then there’s the uncertainty. You might be waiting for a survey, news from a buyer, or an update from elsewhere in the chain. It can be hard to switch off when the next step is out of your hands.

And even a welcome move can involve sadness. A home holds ordinary memories that matter: meals around the table, children growing up, familiar walks and neighbours you’ll miss. Feeling emotional about leaving doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong decision.

What can make moving feel more manageable?

You don’t need a perfect packing system. A few small habits can take some pressure off:

1. Start with a clear-out. Go through cupboards and spare rooms before you begin filling boxes. There’s little comfort in paying to move things you no longer want.

2. Keep the tasks small. Pack one shelf or book one service at a time. A short, finished job can feel much better than a long list you can’t get through.

3. Prepare a first-night box. Include bedding, medication, chargers, toiletries, the kettle, mugs and something easy to eat. Keep it where you can find it.

4. Make room for normal life. Eat properly, rest when you can and take a break from the boxes. A walk along Morecambe Prom or through your usual Lancaster streets may help you clear your head.

5. Ask for updates. Agree with your agent and solicitor how often they’ll contact you, even when there’s little news. Knowing when to expect an update can make the waiting easier.

6. Let people help. If a friend offers to take the dog for an afternoon or help with packing, say yes.

When does moving stress tend to peak?

Many people find the quiet period after an offer is accepted surprisingly difficult. Survey week can bring fresh worries, and the days before exchange may feel tense because the move is close but still uncertain. Then comes the final fortnight, when packing makes everything feel very real.

If you’re in one of those stages, tell your agent what’s worrying you. We may be able to explain what happens next, chase an update or help you work out which tasks need your attention now.

How can you help children and pets settle?

Give children time to say goodbye to their old room and let them pack a small box of favourite things. If possible, set up part of their new room early so they have a familiar space on the first night.

Keep pets’ routines as steady as you can. On moving day, a quiet room away from open doors and people carrying furniture can help keep them safe and settled.

What if it feels like more than moving stress?

If anxiety or low mood is affecting your day-to-day life or isn’t easing, speak to your GP. Mind also offers information on finding support. If you need someone to listen, you can call Samaritans free on 116 123, at any time. (Samaritans)

Moving house in Lancaster or Morecambe can be exciting and difficult at the same time. You’re allowed to feel both. And if you’re unsure whether something in the moving process is normal, please ask us. It’s part of our job to help you understand where things stand.