Alter & Cope support Mental Health Awareness Week: 12–18 May 2025.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer purchasing a property in London or preparing to sell a home full of memories, moving can stir up a whirlwind of emotions – and affect your mental health.
It’s exciting, yes – but it’s also known to be one of the most stressful life events. That’s why, during Mental Health Awareness Week, we’re considering the emotional side of moving home, and sharing seven practical ways to protect your peace of mind along the way.
1. Keep perspective
When house-hunting or dealing with viewings and negotiations, it’s easy to let small setbacks feel like major failures. Try to zoom out. Remind yourself why you’re moving and what you’re working towards. Things might not always go exactly to plan, but that doesn’t mean progress isn’t happening. Keep a flexible mindset because it makes the bumps easier to handle.
2. Don’t pin everything on ‘the one’
Found your dream property in London? Great! But don’t stop exploring just yet. Unfortunately, chains break, offers fall through and surveys throw up surprises. Having a Plan B means less stress if your top choice slips away. The same goes for selling – if your first buyer backs out, it doesn’t have to be game over.
3. Lean on people
Whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both, don’t shoulder it all alone. Talk with your estate agent in London, loop in family or friends, and don’t hesitate to ask professionals to explain things more than once. No question is silly when you’re navigating contracts, conveyancing, or mortgage jargon. If you’re struggling emotionally, tell someone. You don’t have to wait until you’ve reached overwhelm to ask for support.
4. Prepare for twists and turns
Rarely does a move go exactly to script. Paperwork can cause delays. Survey results can surprise you. But none of this means you’ve failed – it’s just part of the process. Breathe through the hiccups. A calm head helps you problem-solve more effectively than panic ever will.
5. Celebrate small wins
Buying or selling a property isn’t just one decision – it’s dozens of small steps. So, when something goes right – your offer’s accepted, a valuation comes back clean, your buyer confirms – celebrate it! These wins keep you motivated and mark real progress on your path to moving day.
6. Get organised early
Disorganisation feeds stress. So, whether it’s viewing schedules, legal documents, or packing boxes, keep it all together. Make checklists, use a digital folder, and stay in touch with your estate agent in London and your conveyancing solicitor. Tidy plans lead to a tidier mind!
7. Protect your downtime
Don’t let your home move consume you. Watch a film. Go for a walk. Switch off your phone. Mental recharge isn’t optional – it’s how you stay steady through the chaos. During Mental Health Awareness Week, take it as a nudge to be extra kind to yourself.
Moving Mindfully
If you’re buying or selling a property in London, remember – it’s okay to feel wobbly sometimes. The process isn’t just financial, it’s deeply personal too.
At Alter & Cope, we understand the pressure that comes with moving home and we are always here to help make things clearer, calmer, and more manageable.
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Week 2025 is “community”, focusing on celebrating the importance of strong social connections and supportive communities for mental health and wellbeing. If things feel too much in any aspect of your life, speak with someone you trust or reach out to a mental health professional. You don’t have to do it all alone.
