Moving home.

[Johan71]

I’m incredibly anxious about moving house. I’m retired. We live in a large home and moving to an apartment. Typical downsizing. The process of selling one home and moving into another is stressful and unsettling. I can’t help but think of the things that could go wrong. Will we sell?  Will I like the apartment etc etc. 

[indigo22]

Hello Johan71,

Welcome, I am glad you have come here to get some support. I don't have a lot of experience with anxiety, my forte is depression, however, I saw your post and wanted to do my best to support you until someone sees your post that does have more experience with anxiety. I have had a lot of experience with moving and it is one of the more stressful events in life. I know it is hard to leave somewhere where you feel safe and comfortable and take a leap into the unknown, I can only imagine that it is even more so for you. Yes things can go wrong when moving but 9 times out of 10 things will go smoothly so it may help to think of yourself as one of the 9 and try not to imagine the worst case scenario. I moved 360km from where I lived just a few years ago. I am on my own and bought a house that I had seen for about 10 minutes and I moved to a town where I did not know a soul. But the I knew the first morning when I woke up that I had made the right decision. Take your time and find an apartment that feels right to you, feels like home when you walk into it, then look forward to your retirement with much less area to take care of and more time to do the things that make you happy.

I wish you all the best.

indigo22

[Johan71]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. It is very much appreciated. I was initially sceptical about the forum but you have given me optimism about its value.  I really don’t understand why the anxiety has taken control of my negative thoughts. I’m only moving from an outer suburb to an inner suburb, perhaps only 15 minutes drive. Hardly 360 km! It seems that I’m simply scared that my so far perfect retirement will be upended. I know its simply irrational. Regards

[quirkywords]

Johan71

Thznms fir your honesty. People will read your words but not reply. They will feel less alone. Moving house is one of the stressful life events. You  are acknowledging how you feel and that is a good start. 
are you a list maker. I make lists and that helps me. 

[Dean07]

Moving can be stressful.  I’ve moved 5 times in my life and can’t say I enjoy any of the moves.  All I can say is that I settled into each new places very quickly. 

Hope all goes well for you. 

[Johan71]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’ve moved several times as well but this is the first time the anxiety has affected me. Perhaps as we get older the less we like change. 

[Johan71]

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I’ve moved several times in my life, including interstate but this is the first time anxiety has affected my life. Perhaps as we get older change is less and less manageable. 

[Johan71]

You know, I think about my parents. They moved from post WW2 Europe to Australia. No family, no friends, no job, no English. Endured the German occupation of their homeland. Can’t imagine anything more stressful but they survived and prospered. It makes me think I’m pretty selfish that I’m having trouble handling this move.

[indigo22]

You are not at all selfish, please don't put that label on yourself. You are just feeling unsettled at the moment and we can all understand that feeling. Just be gentle and kind with yourself, it is a big step and you are right, things effect us more the older we get. Try to not let that negative voice get the better of you.

Sending you a hug.

indigo22

[Johan71]

Thank you again for your thoughts. My old home goes on auction this weekend. Nervous time! Best wishes