By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Moving can be one of the most stressful things you have to do. It
eats up your free time, and while it works out in the end, it can result in the
need to find a punching bag or take up yoga.
As a professional moving company, we've seen all kinds of moves, both
smooth and hectic, and we have some suggestions that can help you avoid the
stress of moving.
- Acknowledge that the stress exists. Denying that you're
stressed will make you more stressed. Stress is normal and natural, and
working through it does require admitting it is there.
- Give yourself enough time to get everything done. It
takes most people two days to pack up a studio or one bedroom, three to
four for two bedrooms, or five to six for three bedrooms. If you have a
lot of stuff, then it may take longer. If you need to get moving boxes,
make sure to order or buy them well in advance, and have a plan for if you
run out. Check with your local moving company, as they may have used boxes
available. Schedule the utility changeover well in advance. You should
also allow a day or two to clean the home you are leaving.
- Have a plan. Work out how you need to plan things for
the best result. Some people need lots of to-do lists, some people may try
to find a moving app for their phone. Set yourself deadlines for each
stage of the move and set them early enough that blowing them won't be a
disaster. Also have a specific plan for what is going into which box.
Label your boxes clearly and consistently, so you can explain those labels
to the movers. Label anything that is fragile. Plan what room everything
is going into in the new place and label boxes accordingly. Most movers
will gladly put everything marked "K" in the kitchen for you.
- Don't be afraid to ask for or hire a moving company to
help. Don't do everything yourself. School age kids can help, although you
may have to find appropriate bribes to encourage them. Ask your friends
and extended family for help. Hire professional movers for the heavy
lifting, though, rather than relying on anyone's goodwill. If you are busy
and can afford it, consider hiring the moving company to do some or all
the packing too.
- Be willing to let things go. Moving is an excuse to get
rid of things which have been sitting in your home a long time out of
sheer inertia. If you have a worn-out piece of furniture, now may be the
time to kick it to the curb and buy a replacement after you move.
Electronics that don't work? Books you haven't read in ten years?
Something you completely forgot you even had? Sell what you can and donate
the rest. Choose a charity that does pick up if possible.
- Make sure to allow for downtime. Moving can take over
your life. A lot of people find they don't have time to get enough sleep
during the move. Or they don't do anything but work, move, and worry about
the move. Give some slack in your schedule so you can go out for dinner,
take the kids to a fun activity, etc.
- If moving to a new neighborhood or a new city, spend
some time looking for restaurants you just must try, attractions you want
to visit. Make a list of those restaurants and choose one you really like
the idea of, then plan to visit the day after you move when you don't have
your kitchen unpacked yet.
- Stay in shape. Moving boxes can help your exercise
regime, but if you do a morning jog, keep doing your morning jog. If you
must pack your exercise equipment, find a temporary replacement. Maybe get
a free trial at a gym. At the very least, take a quick walk every day to
get away from the moving chores. Exercise is proven to reduce stress.
Moving can be stressful, but the eight tips above can help reduce
the stress and turn it into an adventure. Remember that professional movers can
help with as much or as little of the move as needed, and your local mover can
be a great resource for everything from tips and tricks to moving supplies.
Also, remember this is a temporary situation and your life will return to
normal soon enough.
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