Loss of Control and Predictability
From a neuroscience perspective, the brain thrives on routine and predictability. The prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and decision-making, becomes overwhelmed by too many unknowns or decisions. Moving disrupts your routine, forcing your brain into overdrive to recalibrate everything—from where your toothbrush is to how you commute.
Moving Decision Fatigue
According to psychological science, moving involves hundreds of small and large decisions, such as what to keep, where to live, and which movers to hire. This leads to decision fatigue, which wears down willpower and increases stress and anxiety. Studies on cognitive load support this phenomenon.
Emotional Attachment and Loss
Homes represent identity, safety, and memories. Leaving a familiar home can trigger a subtle grief response. This emotional attachment is tied to the limbic system, especially the amygdala, which processes emotions, and the hippocampus, which handles memory.
Social Disruption
From an evolutionary standpoint, humans are social creatures who rely on community. Moving often disrupts this support system, leading to increased levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone.
Financial and Time Pressure
Uncertainty about finances and timelines activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This biological response leads to a prolonged stress state in the body.
How to Reduce Moving Stress (Evidence-Based Tips)
The science behind moving stress also offers insightful ways to cope with that anxiety!
At Good Move Movers, we want to help alleviate the pain of moving from the very start.
It’s why we deliver EXCELLENT customer service with every single move we make!
Now onto the science…
Create Structure Early
Creating a checklist can help reduce cognitive load while providing small dopamine boosts as you complete each task. Using timelines to block out your move across several weeks can also help distribute the pressure more evenly.
Declutter Before You Pack
Neuroscience research shows that clutter increases cortisol levels. Using strategies like the KonMari Method or a “keep, toss, donate” system can significantly reduce the physical and mental burden of moving.
Outsource Where Possible
Look to hire a trusted moving company like Good Move Movers! Enlist the help of friends, or juse services like TaskRabbit to lighten your physical and logistical workload.
Reducing this burden helps lower mental stress!
Label Everything
Clearly labeling boxes by room and priority—or even using a color-coding system—can help you avoid decision fatigue and confusion during unpacking.
Control the Controllables
Taking actions like touring your new neighborhood in advance, setting up utilities early, and packing a “first night essentials” bag can help your brain feel safer and more in control.
Good Move Movers are pleased to provide our own ways to reduce your moving stress. Good Move has been a trusted Elmhurst moving company since 2010 – and it’s safe to say, we have your back! Check out the following moving articles for helpful hints and tips:
Your 2025 Ultimate Moving Checklist
Big List of Address Change Updates When Moving House
10 Great Tips to Make Moving Less Stressful
8 Important Questions to Ask Professional Movers
Hidden Apartment Moving Fees (2025 Edition)
Unexpected Challenges When Moving to a New Home
Big List of Address Change Updates When Moving House
Acknowledge the Emotional Side
It’s important to give yourself space to grieve or feel nostalgic about the transition. Writing about your feelings or talking them through with someone can help reduce the emotional burden. This process is a form of emotional regulation therapy.
Prioritize Sleep and Nutrition
Although moving disrupts routines, maintaining adequate sleep, hydration, and regular meals supports better emotional regulation and helps keep cortisol levels in check.
Celebrate the Transition!
Reframing the move as a new chapter rather than a loss can have a positive psychological effect. Since the brain is sensitive to how experiences are framed, optimism can act as a buffer against stress.
Get a Free Moving Quote Today!
Good Move Movers would be pleased to offer you a FREE MOVING QUOTE – with no obligation and no commitment! Our simple online moving quote form takes less than one minute to complete, so get yours now!
If it would help to speak with a real live moving expert, please feel free to call Good Move Movers on 630-283-1930.
Make your next move a Good Move with us!
ABOUT GOOD MOVE MOVERS
Good Move Movers are an Elmhurst moving company that serve the entire state of Illinois with the complete range of moving and storage services. We have been in business since 2010.
Good Move are fully licensed and insured, and are proud of or 500+ 5-Star Customer Reviews. We are also the proud winners of the Angi Super Service Award for Moving and Storage in Illinois – our second win in the past 3 years!