Moving isn’t the same as it was thirty years ago.
Thanks to the Internet, it’s easier to research moving companies, school districts, neighborhoods, and amenities than it was decades ago.
That’s not to say it’s a piece of cake.
Make no bones about it—moving can either be a memorable, low-stress adventure or an exercise in misery. However, the former can be easier to attain than you might think.
Stress Is the Great Equalizer
It’s safe to say that everything is more difficult when we are stressed. We don’t think clearly and are on edge the entire time. Moving is already complicated enough without adding unnecessary stress to the mix. So, how can you reduce your stress to manageable levels and live through the controlled chaos of a move?
- Plan and Organize
- Manage Your Stress
- Pack Strategically
- Ask for Help
- Self-Care
- Infuse Fun
Plan and Organize
While it might seem like a simple point, many people fail to do this and then suffer the consequences. Without a plan, things can get lost in the shuffle and increase stress. A well-executed plan can make all the difference in the world.
Things to include in your moving plan:
- Come Up With a Moving Checklist: This ensures nothing important is forgotten and includes everything from updating your address to taking care of the utilities.
- Declutter: As you pack, get rid of things you no longer need by donating them or throwing them out, which reduces the number of things to pack.
- Gather and Organize Supplies: Buying packing supplies as early as possible is a good idea to avoid shortages during the move, which could create delays and cause more stress.
- Create a Master Timeline: Using a timeline can help you avoid added chaos by planning and avoiding problematic situations during the move.
Manage Your Stress
Self-care has become more accepted over the last decade. It is seen in almost every aspect of our lives, so it should be no surprise to see it applied to moving. Show yourself grace during the move, and take some time for self-care.
Everyone has little tricks of the trade when managing their stress, but here are some specifically designed to help ease the tension of moving.
- Take Breaks: Moving can be incredibly physically and emotionally demanding, so self-care throughout the move is essential. Take frequent breaks and take time to relax.
- Maintain a Positive Mindset: Focus on your new home and the infinite possibilities ahead while recognizing each milestone as a moment of celebration.
- Be Flexible: Even with the best plan in place, unforeseen things can come up, so be ready to accept them and adapt by problem-solving.
- Take Care of Yourself: It’s critical to get adequate rest before the move and to stay hydrated and eat well during the move.
Pack Strategically
Packing can feel like herding cats without a plan in place. Partially packed rooms can add to the stress and make unpacking a nightmare. That’s why it’s vital to pack strategically. It will make things more efficient and less overwhelming for everyone involved.
- Clearly Label All Boxes: Make sure to label each box with the room it belongs to so unpacking is simplified, keeping stress to a minimum.
- Pack Each Room Individually: Don’t combine rooms in the same box because it will make the process less efficient, and unpacking will be a complete disaster.
- Keep Essential Items Separate: It’s important to make sure there is one box containing all medications, device chargers, toiletries, and any other things you think you’ll need right away when arriving at your new home.
Ask for Help
Asking for help can be difficult, but when it comes to moving, it can make all the difference in the world. Extra bodies to do the heavy lifting and additional people to pack and unpack items can ease the stress of moving.
- Pet and Children Plans: It’s important that pets and children are kept out of the way to minimize disruption and make the move smoother, so make sure to have someone who can entertain and care for them.
- Hire Professionals: It goes without saying, but hiring professional movers to move the big-ticket items can save you time and energy and lower stress levels.
- Ask Family and Friends for Help: You might feel guilty about asking friends and family to help, but you can return the favor when they move, and they can be invaluable during the packing and unpacking phase of the move.
Try to Have Fun
While this might seem impossible to achieve during a move, think about it. We all have more fun when we are smiling and laughing. Try to make the move fun. Take breaks and keep a positive mindset. See the humor when things go wrong and make the move a celebration.
Take time to say goodbye to your old home and to welcome your new one. This is a milestone in your life, not an Olympic event. It will take time and patience. Make it as enjoyable as possible.
- Make the Move an Event: Have a moving party and celebrate the final days in your old place, saying goodbye to neighbors and friends.
- Set up Rewards: Make a game of packing and unpacking, offering rewards to whoever unpacks or packs the most boxes or finds a special little hidden treasure.
- Turn on Some Music: Listening to music can help to make the move more fun and create a more positive atmosphere, leading to a better moving experience.
- Connect With Family and Friends: Good conversation can take your mind off of packing boxes, so take the time to reach out to neighbors, family, and friends for support and company during the move.
Let Smooth Move take care of your move for you. We can handle all your moving needs, from preplanning to unpacking in your new home.