Moving to a new home is an exciting prospect, but unfortunately, it can be unbearably stressful too. Sorting out a packing plan and then getting them done on time requires a lot of input. Studies show that people think moving is more stressful than a breakup [1], so if you find yourself dealing with moving stress, you are not alone.
Relocation is difficult because there is an emotional struggle in addition to physical endeavors. Therefore, it is essential to stay calm and focused. Here are nine crucial tips for managing moving stress. So, take a deep breath, grab a pen, and get ready to tackle your move confidently!
1. Stick To a Schedule
The fear of missing out on something important makes people stressed during relocation. What if they arrive at their new home and realize they have forgotten a box on the kitchen counter? The fear is natural, but creating a schedule is the best way to combat it.
Creating a moving schedule a couple of months before moving is better. Procrastination is the next moving mistake to avoid. If your schedule says you must declutter this weekend, ensure it is crossed off when the weekend ends. Most movers in Frederick and other US states also offer moving checklist templates that you can modify according to your needs.Â
2. It Is Okay to Go Slow
Going slow and unnecessarily delaying are two different things. Working at a rapid pace, without caring about yourself, exhausts you, and you fall behind on the schedule. Therefore, it is essential to keep a balance between working and resting.
Start a task (like packing your off-season clothes) and take a break after an hour or when necessary. Avoid getting it done in a single go, as you might not be able to concentrate better after you have worked for an hour or so. Stress is a natural response to every critical situation, but don’t let it drag you down!
3. Building A Budget Is Helpful
Another thing that subconsciously stresses your mind is the worry of falling short of money. Therefore, it is better to write a plan according to your budget. For instance, if you are making a long-distance move (over 100 miles), you’ll need a budget of around 2200 to 5700 dollars. [2]
Consulting multiple moving companies and getting cost estimates is also a smart thing. Most Frederick moving companies offer free cost estimates as well. This way, you’ll know how much money you need to relocate. And ultimately, a bar on your moving stress scale will drop.
4. Think Positive
Positive thinking is the most effective way to manage stress, moving stress included! Research shows that thinking positively allows you to take a more constructive approach toward the challenges at hand [3]. But how does one think positively while packing a bunch of cardboard boxes?
There are some apex moments in every person’s life, and thinking about them increases your stamina. Like when you completed a challenging project at the office. Or any other cherishable achievements. This way, you’ll get a spiritual boost to keep going and finish everything on time.Â
5. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation steals your creativity and productivity as your mind focuses on resting rather than getting things done. Therefore, you must add healthy sleep time to your schedule. Job-holding people find time to fit everything, consequently compromising their sleep.
The best way to get around this issue is to prioritize things. For instance, you can minimize using your cell phone and do your chores parallelly. This way, you’ll save a decent chunk of time for resting. Sleep helps deal with stress, and your productivity will increase when you wake up the next day.
6. Meditate Or Practice Yoga
Meditation is also an incredible tool to deal with moving stress. Instead of watching TV or scrolling through social media, you can meditate for 10 to 15 minutes. Yoga and stretching also help you stay energetic until you complete the task on your checklist.
There are different types of mediations and destressing exercises you can perform. For instance, the most basic one is the mindfulness meditation. It focuses on controlled breathing and quieting the rushing thoughts in your head. Mantra meditation is also a great way to make yourself believe you are doing a great job. [4]
Consider Asking for Help
Most people shy away from asking for help. This is something to avoid especially if you live in Frederick, as most people have relocated to the city for some reason and are aware of the struggles that go into the process.
Asking your friends and family for help is not something to be ashamed of. Gather some guts and call your friend; they will certainly show up. You can also find some moving tips online and communicate them to your helping friends for speedy packing. Or you can also consider hiring moving help in Frederick, MD, for a smoother relocation.Â
8. Prepare Yourself
Everyone knows the tickling feeling whenever you are about to go to a new place, be it a school, a new job, or a home. So the finest move here is researching your new neighborhood. Use the internet to learn about the place’s culture, or you can consult someone who has previously traveled to that area.
The preparation phase is equally important for other family members. Children often show reluctance to relocate. But you can talk them into it by learning about the new place and telling them they will like it there.
9. Keep A Sanctuary
Getting more done and making it quick is the convention when relocating. But it is better to have a small space or a room reserved where you can relax after dealing with endless planning and organizing. Set up some comfy chairs, your favorite books, or a TV to neutralize all the moving stress you have been dealing with.
Of course, you can’t leave the things in your sanctuary forever. So you can pack them away two to three days before the move. In the leftover days, you can find other creative ways to destress.
Conclusion
Moving stress is common. Everyone feels it, but that doesn’t mean you have to beat yourself up with everything. It is normal to take things slow, so you don’t have to recheck and review everything because you have raced through everything.
The tips above will help you neutralize the stress from the emotional and existential changes one goes through when relocating. But with the right mindset and little preparation, you can turn the most stressful event into an exciting chapter of your life!
FAQs
1. What is moving stress?
Moving to a new place brings a complex mixture of feelings. And the demanding nature of the situation turns these emotions into something called ‘moving stress.’
2. How to deal with moving stress as an overthinker?
Overthinking limits your ability to deal with the situation. So it is essential to understand that stress is usual in such brisk situations. Rather than getting influenced by it, you should figure out ways to deal with it.
3. How do I calm my fear of leaving anything important?
The fear of missing out on something is rational. But there is a way to deal with it. Create inventory lists to quickly review the items after packing. You can also prioritize packing essential things so you can recheck them multiple times for assurance.
4. How to deal with stress when relocating an office?
Office relocation is more stressful, so you need to be strategic. Work out a schedule with your employees, include everyone, deep clean, and consider hiring experts for a smoother relocation.
References:
[2] https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/moving-services/movers-and-packers-cost/
[3] https://www.verywellmind.com/benefits-of-positive-thinking-2794767
[4] https://www.moving.com/tips/moving-stress/
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