Why is moving overseas so stressful, and what can be done about it?

Relocating overseas can both feel like an adventure and sometimes the most stressful experience you’ll ever have. Why is there this duality? We’ve teamed up with a psychologist as well as a serial expat and author to dig deeper. 

Digging deeper into the psychological aspect requires an explanation of the concept of "place attachment." This psychological concept is crucial not just for making the move itself a success, but also for those around you. 

Place attachment is the bond between individuals and places. One that is deeply rooted in the comforts of our environment and the relationships we build there, think friends, family, schooling and even just the physical landscape. It is part of our identity. When people ask you where you’re from, you’ll usually respond by telling them where you grew up, and that’s a good illustration of it.  

But it's not just about the physical space; it's about the memories, experiences, and sense of security that a place provides. 

When we relocate, especially across borders (and we’ve been moving people internationally for nearly 60 years as of 2024), we are not just moving belongings; we are also leaving behind these emotional anchors. This detachment can lead to feelings of loss and disorientation, commonly known as "relocation stress syndrome" or "transitional anxiety." There has been significant research on this subject, whether it is international students moving back home or expatriate workers. 

Moving internationally amplifies all this. The excitement of a new job comes with the stress of adjusting to unfamiliar landscapes, different languages, and new social norms. This adjustment period can often feel overwhelming. It can lead to feelings of isolation or alienation. In fact, this failure to adjust, particularly among an expatriate’s “accompanying family” (your spouse and children, for example), can lead to a failure of the assignment itself, with the expat/assignee returning home. Over the decades, we've become well-versed  in helping movers like you  alleviate this moving stress. 

What exactly prompts this anxiety and stress about a place? Firstly, expats might find the difference in work culture and social interactions challenging, and they may struggle with not being able to be understood in a culture that feels ostensibly “alien”. This experience is often placed in the context of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory, which compares countries according to six dimensions, such as hierarchy and power distance (something particularly important when it comes to moving for work!)

That’s why this initial excitement can quickly give way to frustration if the cultural distance is vast. Everyday tasks that were once straightforward may become exhausting hurdles, contributing to the stress of settling in.

Preparation is key, perhaps the keystone, to mitigating the emotional impacts of moving abroad. Here are some aspects within our own research that we found can help make things easier:

Despite the challenges, relocating internationally can have enormous long-term benefits. It often leads to significant personal growth, from increased cultural sensitivity and adaptability to improved problem-solving skills. 

According to research published in Human Research Management (2023), expatriates are more likely to experience career success following their overseas assignments and, more broadly, are more likely to develop “career capital” moving forward with their colleagues internationally. 

On a more personal level, many find enjoyment in a new culture and place, leading to a more fulfilling and broadened life experience. Establishing new routines and recreating a sense of place is a reward in  itself for them. Perhaps they discover they really love Mahjong in Hong Kong or Falconry in the Gulf. 

Our experience and the broader research we’ve looked at show the psychological impacts, particularly the effects of losing and rebuilding place attachment, so those moving internationally can better navigate the challenges of moving. Preparation, cultural immersion, and social engagement are crucial in making it successful.