The process of moving is filled with mixed emotions. In one sense, it represents the beginning of an exciting new journey. The move can be a great opportunity to explore a new location and meet new people, depending on your circumstances. Conversely, moving entails a lot of changes in a short period. So what is the best way to manage the stress of moving? Glad you asked! Here are seven great tips to help you.
Even if you are moving only a few blocks away, every move is a big deal. The stress associated with moving cannot be overstated. Moreover, if you are experiencing anxiety and stress due to your move, you are not alone. An article in the New York Post reported that 64% of respondents considered their recent moving endeavor to be one of the most stressful experiences of their lives.
Manage the Stress of Moving
Let’s jump right in with the best tips to help you during the moving process.
1. Hire Professional Movers
Nothing helps to manage the stress of moving more than hiring a professional moving company to literally take care of the heavy lifting. A mover can also assist you with packing up your things and safely transporting hard-to-carry items like lamps and art. It’s crucial to hire a reliable and trustworthy moving company. Otherwise, you could get more stressed out.
If you’re moving to another country, it is even more critical to hire a company that provides all the necessary services to make the relocation easy and trustworthy enough to move your precious cargo overseas.
For instance, Solomon & Sons is an international moving company that handles every aspect of international moving. From packing to handling all the unique shipping requirements internationally, they make the moving process less stressful and hassle-free.
2. Make a Checklist
Moving checklists can make the chaos of moving more manageable. Organizing your move into easy steps will make it seem more feasible and easier to handle. Besides that, checking off items will also give you a sense of satisfaction.
Each moving checklist will vary from one mover to another, but the majority of them will include things like:
- Acquiring sufficient packing materials for your belongings
- Paying any applicable security deposits or down payments for your new location
- Putting together a travel itinerary that includes the best routes and prospective rest stops
- Packing every item – preferably a few days before your relocation
3. Start Small
If you’re overwhelmed by the stress of moving or uncertain about where to start, begin with a small task. Whether it’s packing a single kitchen drawer or placing all of your books into a box, making progress, no matter how small, is essential for managing your stress levels.
Instead of stressing over the logistics of moving your possessions to a new location and unpacking them, focus on completing tasks individually.
4. Declutter
You may find yourself caught in a common predicament while packing and moving your belongings out of your current dwelling – feeling as though you own more than you initially thought. It’s a typical experience, and it is advisable to start decluttering long before the moving day arrives.
While unexpected moves may happen, it is recommended to organize and discard unused items before the move to save time and minimize stress. Begin the decluttering before you move process at least 2-3 months before the move-in date provides ample time to thoroughly assess your belongings and make informed decisions without feeling rushed.
5. Take The Help of Your Family and Friends
The most important thing to remember while relocating is that you don’t have to do it alone. It’s fine to ask friends and family for assistance with packing, moving bigger items, or even getting you some food on your hectic moving day.
Just keep in mind to return the favor. A typical way to express gratitude for all they have done is to buy beverages or supper for their assistance.
6. Have The Right Attitude
Excessive stress can lead to a pessimistic outlook, which can cause you to lose focus on the task at hand and increase stress levels during a move. So, to avoid this, it’s essential to maintain a positive attitude throughout the process. Focus on the positive aspects, such as exploring new areas, meeting new people, and finding enjoyable activities in your new location. Remember, even small things like having an interesting restaurant nearby can make a big difference. Reframing your perspective and keeping a positive attitude will help manage the stress of moving.
Another helpful mindset shift is to remind yourself that the move is temporary. You only have to move your possessions once and can eventually settle into your new home. Think back to when your current home was new to you, and remind yourself that you’ve successfully navigated this situation before and can do it again.
7. Leave Time for Goodbyes
Although leaving might be painful, saying goodbye to your friends, favorite locations, and former home is a necessary step for moving on. Take the time to say a genuine goodbye if you’re going far away, and there’s a chance you won’t see many of these people or locations again. Make the best of your final recollections of your old house by taking photos, reminiscing on good times, and reflecting on the positive experiences you will carry to your new home.
Schedule time with friends and loved ones, and consider organizing a farewell gathering or dinner to say goodbye to everyone at once. Leaving on a positive note can help make the transition smoother and help you look forward to creating new memories in your new home.
Conclusion
Moving is a complex process that can evoke many emotions. While it can represent an exciting new chapter in your life, it can also entail great stress and uncertainty. However, by following some of the tips outlined in this article, such as hiring professional movers, creating a checklist, starting small, decluttering, seeking help from friends and family, maintaining a positive attitude, and taking time to say goodbye, you can manage the stress of moving and make the transition to your new home as smooth as possible. With the right mindset and approach, the moving process can be a new and exciting journey full of opportunities to explore new locations, meet new people, and create new memories.
