moving-interstate-during-adulthood-mental-health-tips-and-what-to-expect
Sep 19, 2025
Relocating to a new state in adulthood can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re chasing career opportunities, moving closer to family, or seeking a change of scenery, the emotional toll of packing up your life and starting fresh can be significant. You’re not just moving boxes — you’re uprooting routines, social connections, and familiar surroundings.
If you’re wondering how to cope with moving interstate as an adult, you’re not alone. Many Australians face relocation stress, feelings of anxiety, disrupted sleep, and uncertainty about making new friends in a new city. The good news? With preparation, emotional support, and practical strategies, you can make the transition smoother and healthier.
At Slip Psychology, we understand that moving isn’t just a logistical challenge — it’s a mental health one. Our telehealth psychology services are available no matter where you are in Australia, meaning your emotional support doesn’t have to stop when you cross state lines.
Understanding the Emotional Impact of Interstate Moves
Moving house ranks high on the list of life’s most stressful events, right alongside major illness and job loss. When that move also involves crossing state borders, the stress factors multiply.
Relocation stress can manifest in different ways:
Heightened anxiety in the weeks leading up to the move.
Sleep changes due to uncertainty or excitement.
Emotional exhaustion from managing logistics and decision-making.
A sense of loss as you say goodbye to familiar places and people.
While a new city offers the promise of adventure, the early weeks can feel disorienting. You may experience anxiety relocation, homesickness, or self-doubt, especially if you haven’t yet established social connections. These feelings are normal — they are part of your mind adjusting to change.
Common Challenges Adults Face When Moving Interstate
1. Breaking Established Routines
Adults often have deeply ingrained daily habits — morning coffee spots, regular walking routes, favourite supermarkets. Moving disrupts these small but comforting patterns.
2. Building a New Social Network
Making friends in a new city as an adult can feel daunting. Without built-in opportunities like school or university, you may need to be more intentional about meeting people.
3. Navigating Job Changes
If your move involves starting a new role, you’re dealing with two major life adjustments at once. Even if your work remains the same, remote arrangements may change your day-to-day experience.
4. Sleep and Wellbeing Disruptions
Changes in environment, stress, and physical exhaustion from packing can lead to sleep change moving. Poor rest can impact mood, focus, and energy levels.
5. Balancing Emotional and Practical Tasks
It’s easy to focus on logistics and neglect your mental health. But both deserve equal attention.
Coping Strategies for a Smoother Transition
The key to handling relocation stress is planning for both the practical and emotional sides of the move.
1. Create an Emotional Adjustment Plan
Just as you plan your packing schedule, create a plan for your mental health. This might include scheduling regular calls with friends, booking a few telehealth psychology sessions with Slip Psychology, and setting personal goals for exploring your new city.
2. Maintain Continuity of Care
If you’ve been seeing a psychologist, check whether they offer online therapy for relocation. With telehealth, you can continue sessions without interruption, ensuring you have ongoing support.
3. Acknowledge the Loss and Celebrate the Gain
It’s okay to grieve what you’re leaving behind — familiar streets, community groups, or a local beach. At the same time, look forward to the opportunities your move brings.
4. Prioritise Sleep Hygiene
When your surroundings change, so can your sleep patterns. Aim to set a consistent bedtime, avoid screens before sleep, and create a comfortable environment in your new home.
5. Be Intentional About Social Connections
Join local community classes, volunteer programs, or sports clubs. Say yes to invitations, even if they push you out of your comfort zone.
The Role of Telehealth in Supporting Your Move
One of the greatest advantages of modern mental health care is telehealth interstate support. Whether you’re in a bustling city or a remote regional town, you can access professional help from licensed psychologists without needing to find a new local clinic immediately.
Through Slip Psychology’s telehealth services, you can:
Continue seeing your current psychologist before, during, and after your move.
Access flexible appointment times that work around unpacking and settling in.
Discuss anxiety, stress, and adjustment strategies from the comfort of your new home.
Maintaining continuity of care during a move is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of prolonged stress or emotional burnout
Values-Based Transition: Moving with Purpose
A move is more than a change of postcode — it’s a chance to reassess your values and life direction. Using values transition move techniques, you can approach your relocation as an opportunity to align your life more closely with what matters to you.
For example:
If community is a core value, seek out local groups early on.
If career growth is important, connect with industry networks in your new area.
If wellbeing tops your list, explore local walking tracks, gyms, or yoga studios.
Working with a psychologist via online therapy can help clarify your priorities and make intentional choices about how you live in your new location.
Practical Checklist for Emotional Wellbeing During a Move
While this is not an exhaustive moving checklist, these steps focus specifically on maintaining your emotional wellbeing:
Book telehealth sessions early — don’t wait until stress peaks.
Plan social activities within the first month to reduce isolation.
Pack a comfort box with items that make your space feel like home immediately.
Establish routines quickly — meals, exercise, and sleep patterns.
Give yourself grace — adjusting takes time.
When to Seek Professional Support
Relocation stress is normal, but it shouldn’t overwhelm your life. If you notice:
Persistent sadness or anxiety weeks after the move.
Difficulty sleeping that doesn’t improve.
Withdrawal from social activities or loss of interest in hobbies.
Trouble focusing at work or completing daily tasks.
…it’s time to reach out for help. At Slip Psychology, our team specialises in helping adults navigate major life changes like interstate moves. Through evidence-based therapies, we can help you manage anxiety, build resilience, and adjust with confidence.
Long-Term Adjustment: Beyond the First Few Months
The first six months after an interstate move are often the most challenging. By the one-year mark, most adults feel more settled. However, ongoing emotional investment in your new environment can make the difference between simply adapting and truly thriving.
Continue to:
Check in on your mental health regularly.
Deepen social connections.
Explore new hobbies or revive old ones.
Use telehealth for occasional sessions to maintain emotional balance.
Final Thoughts
Moving interstate during adulthood is a major life event — one that impacts your mind just as much as your body and surroundings. By understanding the emotional challenges, preparing with intentional coping strategies, and maintaining access to psychological support, you can turn relocation from a stress-filled disruption into a valuable growth experience.
Whether you’re weeks away from your move or already settling in, remember that you don’t have to handle the adjustment alone. Slip Psychology is here to support you every step of the way, no matter which state you call home.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to adjust after moving interstate?
Adjustment time varies, but many adults start feeling settled within 6–12 months. The process is faster if you actively work on building routines and connections.
2. Can telehealth really help with relocation stress?
Yes. Telehealth allows you to access ongoing psychological support before, during, and after your move, providing continuity of care.
3. What’s the best way to make friends in a new city?
Be proactive — join local groups, attend events, and consider volunteering. Even small interactions can build into lasting friendships over time.
4. Is it normal to feel anxious about moving interstate?
Absolutely. Anxiety is a natural response to change. The key is managing it through preparation, self-care, and professional support if needed.
5. How can Slip Psychology help me after I move?
Through online therapy, our psychologists can guide you through emotional adjustment, help manage stress and support you in building a fulfilling life in your new location.