#updatecast - 4 Lessons Relationship Lessons

Moving house can unleash a whirlwind of chaos, excitement and the odd nostalgic moment. In the latest episode (player at the top of the page), I share my own misadventures packing up boxes, deciding what to keep and reflecting on old memories. At the core, it’s about recognising the patterns that come up each time I relocate and what I’m learning from them.

The biggest takeaway? Even if you’ve done something 25 times, unexpected lessons love to pop up. Whether it’s rediscovering that dusty old book you’d forgotten about, or realising your mindset matters more than you thought, each move can feel brand new. I hope these reflections spark your own thoughts on change and moving forward.

Why We Resist Change (Even When We Want It)

Change, even a positive one, can trigger some strange anxieties. You look forward to a new home or new space, but your brain sometimes rebels. It’s as if your head is saying, “Why leave the comfort zone?” We know it’s not quite comfortable, but it’s familiar. And that familiarity is powerful.

During the episode, I highlight how familiar environments create routine. Routine provides a sense of safety, so making a shift—literally or figuratively—can feel risky. But here’s the surprising part: resisting change isn’t always conscious. Often it bubbles up as procrastination, unexplained irritability or mounting to-do lists that never get tackled.

• We hesitate because the unknown feels huge.
• Old belongings become excuses to stall progress.
• Even good changes can stir up stress or worry.

Being aware that resistance may be an underlying force can help us see moving (or any transition) as a growth opportunity instead of a burden.

Learning What to Keep and What to Toss

I’ve realised there’s a big difference between items you truly treasure and those you keep out of habit. Perhaps you’ve held onto stacks of books from school, clothes you’ve not worn in years or your weird collection of souvenirs from that trip abroad. It’s easy to let these things pile up because they’re “still good.” That’s what I tell myself anyway. But are they still relevant to who you are now?

I spoke about that in the episode and admitted I’m a champion hoarder—yes, I’m trying to reform. As I packed up box after box, I noticed which items gave me that genuine spark of joy and which left me shrugging. As one listener pointed out recently:

“I’ve moved houses so many times, but I’m still surprised by how each move feels brand new.”

This quote sums up a truth we often ignore: even if you think you’ve done it all before, every life shift catches you off guard a bit. Our needs change, so holding onto what no longer serves us just creates clutter.

Being Reminded to Slow Down

It’s tempting to rush moving tasks or power through them because, let’s be honest, nobody likes living in a half-packed flat for too long. But going too fast can mean making hasty decisions you’ll regret later. Filling up a box just to say it’s packed might lead you to wrap up junk you’d have thrown out with a bit more time to think.

In the podcast, I shared how taking a moment to breathe has saved me from hauling around utterly pointless items. Rushing can also trigger more stress than necessary, which is never a good combo if your brain already drifts easily. Sometimes we just need to slow down, even for a few minutes, to ask ourselves:

• Does this object have a real place in my life?
• Am I holding onto it out of guilt or nostalgia?
• Would I be happier if I let it go?

That short reflection can make a huge difference to what makes it into the boxes and how confident you feel about your new space.

Being Open to Surprises

No move is ever perfect. Something always breaks, someone forgets something or a box gets lost in transit. You might also discover the new place isn’t as flawless as you pictured. At first, these surprises can feel like the universe is out to get you, especially if you’ve got a busy mind prone to overthinking.

In the episode I admit I’m not always the best planner. I like to keep it flexible and see what happens. That approach has upside, but it also means I sometimes end up in a bit of a mess, rummaging for the basic utensils on day one because I packed them too deeply. The trick is to accept that stumbling is inevitable. Over the years, I’ve learned not to see these hiccups as failures but as part of the ride.

This mindset shift feels minor, but it calms me when I’m staring at a cracked mug or realising I’ve just taped the last open box without labelling it. There’s comfort in knowing I can handle surprises, even if I’m not thrilled they popped up.

Finding a Moment to Celebrate

It’s easy to assume that celebration is reserved for crossing major finish lines. But each time you fill a box or uncover something meaningful in the move, that’s a tiny victory worth acknowledging. Staying motivated is easier when you pat yourself on the back for big and small milestones. It also helps you remain positive and more patient with yourself (and others) during a hectic transition.

Let’s be honest, we can forget to cheer ourselves on in the middle of normal life. That’s doubly true when we’re scattered or dealing with tasks that don’t excite us. Yet these little moments of accomplishment, like carefully labelling a box or making the tough call to give something away, can keep you going when the process starts to drag.

• Take a minute to smile at what you’ve done right.
• Share a laugh about whatever mishap just happened.
• Stay grounded by focusing on progress, not perfection.

Key Takeaways

• It’s normal to resist change, even when it’s a positive step.
• Moving’s a chance to see what you treasure and what holds you back.
• Slowing down lets you make better decisions and reduce regrets.
• Surprises are inevitable, so embrace them rather than fight them.
• Celebrate small wins to keep motivated and sane.

If you’re ready for more stories, a bit of humour and deeper discussions, jump into the full episode at the top of this page. I dive into the messy details of moving house, share my crash-test-dummy moments and remind you that no matter how many times you’ve done something, it’s never too late to learn again.