Moving has been ranked among life’s top stressors. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving to your dream home in the Bahamas or two houses down the street, you’re bound to experience a lot of stress associated with your move. Sure, there’s excitement attached to moving to a different location and beginning another chapter in life, but that excitement is quickly overwhelmed by the stresses of packing, disruption of your routine, and adjusting to an unfamiliar place.
The following are seven proven ways to cope with moving stress and make the most of this major life change.
Create a Game Plan
Organization can easily remove a lot of the stress you’re about to face. Create a plan of action for what you want to accomplish each day leading to your move. Make lists and check tasks as soon as they are completed, and be sure to place all of your important documents in one easy-to-access place. Plan as far ahead as possible.
Adjust Your Expectations
Coping with the stress of moving starts in your head. Moving is one of the top five most stressful situations you’ll face in life. The disruption to your routine will put stress on every member of your family. Expect to be overwhelmed, and don’t get down on yourself or other family members for being in a foul mood.
Ask for Help
Many people find it difficult to ask for help, but a little assistance can go a long way during a move. Friends and family are often willing to help, and you can return the favor when they need your assistance in the future. You can even make it an enjoyable experience by providing food and drinks for those who help you pack, move heavy items and perform other tasks. The more help you have, the sooner the stress of moving will be a distant memory.
Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally
Dealing with house moving stress can take a major toll on your mental and emotional health. If you’re moving out of necessity (instead of choice), be sure to focus on the positive aspects that can result from your move. You’re bound to have exciting experiences, meet new friends and maybe even enjoy a fresh start.
Take Time for Simple Pleasures
Moving is time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to eat up every moment of your day. Making time for simple pleasures — such as a nice meal at your favorite restaurant, a walk around the neighborhood, or a quick playdate with the kids — can recharge your batteries mentally and physically.
Get Excited About Your New Home
The stress, and often sadness, associated with a move can feel overpowering. However, there’s a lot of excitement waiting in your new hometown. Make a list of places you want to see, restaurants you want to try, and events you want to attend in your new area. Many towns offer “newcomer” groups and special events for new residents to gather and get familiar with their surroundings.
Let the Professionals Handle It
A professional moving service can greatly decrease the amount of stress you experience while moving. A moving company will provide you with a single point of contact, so you know where your items are and how the move is going at all times. Professional movers can handle everything from full-service packing to vehicle shipping, and short- or long-term storage when needed. Anyone who has tried both options — doing it themselves and hiring professional movers — will tell you how worthwhile hiring a professional moving team was.
