Moving involves surface-level tasks such as packing things into a box, renting a moving van, and other similar activities. However, not many people realize that moving deals with more than just a to-do list. For most people, moving is full of emotions — especially stress.
Not only are you moving your life to somewhere new and unfamiliar, but you’re leaving behind the comforts of home. This is especially true if this is your first time relocating. Saying goodbye to the house that you grew up in will trigger all kinds of emotions. This major transition is full of unknowns, which will no doubt cause anxiety and stress.
While there’s no such thing as a completely stress-free move, there are ways to make it less stressful. Below, we’ve compiled nine ways to reduce your stress during a move:
How Can You Make Moving Less Stressful?
#1 Get an Early Headstart
Don’t wait until the last minute to pack up your belongings in a box. When moving, time can become your greatest enemy. If possible, give yourself at least two months to get everything ready before your big move. Keep in mind that it will take approximately three to four full days to completely pack up a two-bedroom home. You should also use this time to hire movers and a long-distance moving service if you are moving to another city or state.
#2 Start Small
The only way to move mountains is by starting with the smallest stones. During any move, it is normal to feel paralyzed, not knowing where to start. However, you must make use of the time, or else you’ll feel even more stressed as moving day inches closer.
An excellent way to get things done is by starting small. Pack things up one area at a time — for instance, pack away one bookshelf today and one kitchen cabinet tomorrow. Progress, whether big or small, is an accomplishment. Taking small steps lets you manage your stress more effectively.
#3 Get Rid of the Clutter
You don’t have to pack everything up. Before buying moving boxes, it’s best to first get rid of the clutter in your current home. This ensures that you will only be packing the items that you will need in your new home. This way, you won’t waste time decluttering after the move.
Clutter takes up a lot of space in your moving boxes. By getting rid of unnecessary items, you’ll have more room to pack what you actually need. Common types of clutter include expired food, newspapers, magazines, and old clothes. If you’ve found yourself living in a space that has too much clutter, consider hiring professional organizers who can help you sort through your stuff.
#4 Keep a “Moving Day Box”
A “moving day box” contains everything you might need to pack and unpack items. This box shouldn’t look like other moving boxes so that it doesn’t get lost in the pile. Consider choosing a bright-colored box so that you and your family members can easily find it.
Keep important items in the box, such as paperwork, box cutters, hammers, nails, first aid kits, extension cords, heavy-duty tape, etc. If you’re hiring professional movers, instruct them not to take the box with them.
#5 Color Code Your Moving Boxes
In moving, there’s no such thing as being “too organized”. You will want to be as organized as possible, and that includes color-coding your moving boxes. Before loading your boxes into the truck or moving van, be sure to color-code each box with stickers or tape. You can create your color-coding system — for example, green for the living room and blue for the kitchen. This helps you and your movers quickly place the boxes in the correct room at your new house.
#6 Ask for Help
Most people understand how difficult moving can be. It can be difficult to ask for support, but it is important to try reaching out. Ask friends and family if they can lend a hand, even if it’s just for a couple of hours. Having extra help can reduce the stress of moving by making it feel less overwhelming. If you’re moving to another state, this might also be your last opportunity to bond with your loved ones.
#7 Don’t Forget to Rest
Moving can be exhausting. Be sure to take short breaks of around ten minutes every hour. Remember, moving is no competition! A lot needs to get done in a short time, but you still need to rest and recharge every so often. If you don’t take a breather, you are likely to feel more overwhelmed and stressed.
Do not sacrifice sleep, especially on the night before your move. Get a full night’s rest to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the busy day ahead. By getting enough rest, you will notice that you’re more energized, efficient, and less stressed.
#8 Hire Professional Movers
If you don’t have the time to handle the major tasks of moving, hiring a professional moving company is the logical solution. Aside from doing the literal heavy lifting on moving day, professional movers have the tools and equipment to safely pack up your belongings. If you have plenty of fragile and valuable items, such as expensive art and sculptures, movers can make the task of transporting them a lot less stressful.
#9 Say Your Goodbyes
Allow yourself to properly say goodbye to your home. Whether that’s throwing one last party with your friends or going for a bike ride around the neighborhood, saying goodbye gives you a sense of closure that will prepare you for your life’s new chapter.
The Best Way to Make Moving as Stress-Free as Possible
Property management companies like Luxury Property Care will take care of everything so that you can be completely hands-off. Our client-centric approach means that we consider your specific requirements. If you want things done a certain way, our property managers will ensure that these requirements are communicated to everyone involved, including movers, cleaners, and so on.
From hiring reputable moving services to helping you unpack your belongings, we are committed to managing the entire process from start to finish. Give us a call today at (561) – 944 2992 to learn more, or fill out the contact form on our website to receive an obligation-free quote.
