While most people agree that moving is stressful, there are ways to ensure you have a much less stressful move than you thought possible. There are lots of ways to reduce the stress of moving so you can actually enjoy the moment, look forward to the change and know that this move can be a positive and rewarding experience – a chance to start over.
Give Yourself Time
Time is not always in your control. Sometimes a move sneaks up on us, forcing us to move the last minute, and we have to act fast. If you can plan ahead, try to allow yourself at least eight weeks. I highly recommend twelve, especially if you need to hire movers and/or if you’re planning a summer move. But everything can be done without too much stress within eight weeks.
Get Organized
To stay organized during your move, make a list of all the tasks you need to do, then divide them into weeks, allowing yourself enough days to complete everything on that week’s list. If you’re unsure where to start, check out an eight-week plan that will ensure you stay on track.
Clear Out the Clutter
I recommend you tackle this one first: getting rid of the clutter will help you be, and feel, more organized. It will also ensure that when you begin packing, you’ll only be packing the things that you need to. There’s nothing more frustrating than packing items you’re going to get rid of after the move.
If Execu-move packs for you it isn’t necessary for you to unpack cupboards and set out small articles such as glassware for our packers. It is simpler for us to pack these articles directly from the cupboards into the cartons.
TIP: For your convenience at your destination, have a carton marked “OPEN ME FIRST” which might contain toiletries, medicine, tools, can opener and any items which your family would require immediately. Remind the foreman to load this carton so that it comes out first at the destination and is ready for you to unpack.
Say Goodbye
Allow yourself the time to say goodbye. Throw a party. Invite friends out for dinner. Take an hour every day to walk through your neighborhood. Visit one favorite spot every day. Feel the memories and allow yourself to relive them one more time. This will also help with the transition from the old to the new and give yourself some much needed time to enjoy the moment.
Treat Yourself
During a stressful time like a move, we often don’t feel that there’s enough time to get all the tasks done, and as such, we often neglect our own needs and health. I know that I often go without enough sleep, spend long days packing without taking breaks and end up eating junk food just to save myself cooking time. While it may seem like you’re be efficient with your time, you’re also neglecting the most important moving tool that you have: yourself.
If you have children, treat them as well. Plan special evenings out to visit their favorite ice cream shop or restaurant or playground. Kids require special handling during a move; they’ll need time from you and patience, too.
Get Enough Sleep and Eat Well
I’m adding this in since these two items are the first on my list to be ignored, yet, they are the most important factors in keeping us healthy and happy. So make sure you’re getting enough sleep and that you’re eating a balanced diet. Don’t skip meals and try not to live on coffee (although that can be difficult not to!).
