How to Make Moving Less Stressful

The many unknowns in the relocation process can make you stressed and anxious. Moving involves a lot of factors, including money, paperwork, planning, research, and organization, which trigger complex emotions like fear, self-doubt, sadness, and anxiety. Here are some things that can protect your mental health as you move.

Adopt a Positive Mindset

You can swiftly get caught up in the stressful aspects of moving, such as how much you have to pack. Instead, get excited about the fresh chapter in your life and focus on exploring your new neighborhood. Make a list of all the adventures and activities you look forward to once you settle in the new place.

However, don't blame yourself if you aren't in a good mood the whole time. Accept that stress is part of the moving process and acknowledge negative feelings when they happen.

Start Early

If you're a procrastinator, you may take a while to pack, declutter, and sort your belongings. However, you're likely to get anxious if you feel like you're running out of time. Keep in mind that you need more time than you think you do. For example, if you figure that you require two weeks to pack up your three-bedroom home, start at least a month before.

A two-month schedule gives you enough time to declutter, create an inventory, set up a budget, host a garage sale, pack, and switch utilities. You should have done most of the tasks by the moving week to maintain low stress levels.

Draft a Moving Checklist

You have to remember so much when you move, and you can forget important things. A moving checklist establishes a moving timeline and defines your responsibilities. If you hire movers, include their roles too to simplify the relocation process. Print out the compilation and have it with you during the entire experience. 

A moving checklist keeps you organized as you can get overwhelmed without a point of reference. The step-by-step approach ensures you remember everything, even if you have a limited timeline.

Declutter 

When you walk around your home, you may discover that you have hoarded more stuff than you thought. The more cluttered your current residence is, the more anxious you are about packing. Thus, get rid of all unwanted items before you pack up your home.

Sort all your stuff into things to keep, sell, donate, or throw away. If you have many items in good condition that you don't need, organize a yard sale or post them on online marketplaces. Another tip is to digitize anything you can, such as photographs, documents, and home movies. 

Enlist Help

Moving interferes with your routine, and you likely need help with babysitting, carpooling, and other tasks. Ask friends and family for moving help to shorten the moving process. However, don't let them move large appliances that can cause injuries.

A top-rated local mover relocates furniture, electronics, hot tubs, and other specialty assets safely and packs, loads, unpacks, and arranges your items. A moving company also completes the move in a short time, thanks to years of experience and special equipment. You can relax as the moving experts protect your assets during the entire move.

Stay on Budget

The thought of how much money you spend on your move is enough to make anyone anxious. Additionally, financial surprises along the way can stress you out if you don't set aside enough money. Set a moving budget and find ways to save on costs. For example, check local grocery stores for high-quality boxes instead of buying them. Also, don't spend money on unnecessary things to stay on budget.

Make Time for Self-Care

People forget to take care of themselves when they move as they worry about the mess, sleep poorly, or eat unhealthy foods. Moving isn't the time to binge on pizza, skip meals, or avoid exercise. Instead, keep up a healthy routine that includes enough sleep, healthy food, and physical activities.

Take breaks as you declutter, and listen to music or walk around the neighborhood. You should also keep up your usual routine as much as possible, whether it's a night out or family dinner every week.

Keep Important Documents and Valuables with You

Moving is hectic, and you can lose important stuff during the confusion. You'll get frustrated if you can't find passports, insurance papers, house deeds, and other essential documents on moving day. Thus, store such documents in one file and keep them in an accessible place. 

Get a box to store small valuables like jewelry, keys, and electronics and transport them in your vehicle. For large valuables like family heirlooms and antique furniture, entrust them to a reliable mover.

The secret to a stress-free mover is a seasoned mover who understands your moving needs. At United Moving & Storage, we appreciate that moving is a bittersweet process, and we provide everything you need for a smooth transition. Contact us today to enjoy an outstanding relocation experience.