Combating the stress of moving
(moving is the third most stressful event you can endure, following death and divorce)
Moving into a new home is often exciting but also both mentally and physically stressful. It isn’t easy for anyone to pack up and leave everything that is familiar and try to fit into a new environment, even when you are only moving across town you should allow yourself time to get through the moving process. Start as early as possible and do not put off getting started with the packing. You need to realize that a stress-free move is not possible but it can be contained. Be mentally prepared for hiccups in your plans, don’t panic and you’ll be able to handle the stress of your upcoming move.
You want to be organized when moving. Give yourself realistic goals, make a list and have a plan of action. Tackle only one room or space of your home at a time. This will allow you to see the progress you are making and give you a place to start and finish. One of the things you can do is set a timer. Allow yourself 30 minutes to work on an area. Put all your focus into the area you are organizing/packing and then take a 10-15 minute break before tacking a new spot. Do not jump from room to room. Finish each room before starting on another, this will allow you to focus on the task at hand.
Get some help. While sorting, organizing and packing, recruit a friend. At minimum your friend can sit with you while you pack. Having someone with you are you sort through and pack your belongings will allow you to talk about your feelings with someone you can trust. Talking about your feelings can relieve some of your tension and refresh you for the days ahead and your friend can be honest and let you know to just throw it away.
Remember to donate and purge. Ridding your home of all the clutter will help you be more organized. There’s nothing more frustrating than packing items that you’re going to get rid of after the move. As you begin the packing process make a conscious decision about what you are keeping, what you are throwing away and what you are donating. Keep a big trash bag close at hand.
Do not forget to attend to your emotional needs; say good bye to people and places. Take some time to call or visit friends, perhaps have a going away gathering of friends at your favorite restaurant or bar to add more happy memories with the special people in your life but do not schedule any final “social events” with friends and family the day and night before you move, you will not enjoy yourself because all you will be thinking about is what else you need to do by tomorrow when the movers arrive.
Above all if you do not want to deal with any of it and you have some extra money, hire your movers to do the packing. Most moving companies will send around 2 or more people to assist you with the packing process. You can hire them to pack everything or just the fragile items like your grandmothers’ china or your unicorn collection.
Moving can be a good time to add positive habits you always wanted to, such as eating better, exercising regularly and other improvements to your daily routine. All your habits were broken, so starting a new one is relatively easy. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too much self-improvement though, pick one area to work on and establish a new habit solidly. Expect to go through various feelings when you arrive in the new location, and know that you will need a period of time to adjust to your new life. If you are moving to a foreign country, research culture shock and be prepared.
