We get it – moving is stressful! In fact, it’s considered one of the most stressful life events you can experience. So what do you do if you feel like the stress is getting to you? Follow these helpful tips to make the transition a little easier on you and your family.
Give yourself plenty of time
If you’re not staring down the barrel of a sudden and unexpected move, give yourself plenty of time to prepare. While it’s easy to procrastinate knowing you have weeks before moving day arrives, the more you get done early, the less stressed you’ll be. A good rule of thumb is to begin preparing at least eight weeks ahead of time.
Get organized
The key to a successful and stress-free move is planning and organization. Make a master list of all the tasks that must be completed before moving day, and work them all into a schedule. This includes everything from packing up the garage to informing your job of your new address. Not sure what to include? Here’s a great list to get you started.
Give yourself a time-out zone
Living amongst the chaos of a move can make you more stressed. So do yourself a favor and leave an area in your home that doesn’t get packed up until the very end. This can be your “time-out zone” when you really need a break. Have a comfortable place to sit, get yourself a scented candle and have some good books to read. We all deserve a break now and again.
Get some exercise
Wait a minute, doesn’t packing boxes count as exercise? Although it can be laborious, it doesn’t really take the place of your regular exercise regime. So be sure to make time to take the dog for a walk, go for a bike ride, or head to the gym. It will help you blow off steam and clear your mind, which will do wonders for keeping stress levels in check.
Ask for help
We all need help now and again, and asking for help during your move is totally acceptable. In fact, it’s probably essential for your well-being. Although helping with a big move is nobody’s favorite activity, you’ll find that the people who care about you are more than willing to lend a hand. This can be anything from helping to pack boxes to watching the kids for a couple of hours while you run errands.
Plan time for goodbyes
Even if your move is a positive one, it’s always hard to say goodbye to the people you care about. So make sure to set aside time you can spend with your favorite people before you go. You’ll find that even people you don’t see very often will want to have a little time with you, which can quickly add up. Carve out time in your schedule for these get-togethers.
Be good to yourself
Finally, be good to yourself. Understand that moving is hard, and it’s bound to bring up all kinds of emotions. It’s OK to feel overwhelmed or to have bad days. Know that this situation is only temporary, and take comfort in the fact that it will be over soon.
