Moving triggers different emotions for different people. It can be an exciting experience when you are moving for the right reasons. However, when the move is somewhat involuntary, it can bring some sad or anxiety-driven feelings. Even if you are cool as a cucumber, your children may have a harder time during your move. Whatever the situation is, moving always presents new challenges and new opportunities too. So, whether you are excited about moving or not too enthusiastic about it, moving stress is something you cannot easily avoid. Though moving stress is inevitable, there are ways you can actually make it a little lighter. In this blog, we’re diving into 10 game-changing ways to cope with moving stress.
1. Ease Moving Stress with a Positive Mind Set
In the midst of all the emotions that may rise to the surface, it is important that you look at things from a positive angle. Your mindset about any situation is what determines your happiness and mood.
Let’s say, for instance, you haven’t been able to find your coffee pot for a few days. Instead of lamenting over it while waiting in the Starbucks drive-through, make a game out of it. Send your kids out on the hunt (and maybe post a reward poster?) so they can get excited about helping you look. Let them mark each box they check with their signature or a set of stickers. It may not seem like much fun when you are going through a move, but the kids will remember “The Great Coffee Pot Hunt” for years to come.
When you get proactive about your mood and stress level and plan for the usual headaches upfront, you’ll be better prepared to make more positive decisions when in the thick of it.
2. Research About the Place You Are Moving To
When there are many unknowns about the new area you are moving to, it is easy for anxiety to creep in about your future. However, getting worried will only compound your stress. Knowing about your new environment, on the other hand, will take care of many of the uncertainties standing in the way of your peace. A great way to start is by asking to join local Facebook groups in your area. You can search with your interests and city or county area and see what groups are already up and running for you to join. For Instance “Fort Lauderdale Moms,” or “Dads of Broward County.” Once you find your online tribe, ask them for recommendations on restaurants, parks, outdoor activities, events, schools and more. You’ll certainly get a ton of opinions to help you familiarize yourself with your new area.
3. Start in Time to Make Preparations
Most people underestimate the time and effort it takes to move a household. Even for a local move, many families take on too much of the moving tasks on their own and are overwhelmed once they are in the middle of it. As soon as you are aware of your move, you should start researching moving local moving companies and get some quotes on moving services. Maybe you want to save money by packing yourself, or maybe you want full service. Either way, it’s a good idea to talk to them because it gives you a better idea of the work involved. Plus, if you use a reliable mover like us, you can add on packing services if it gets to be too much toward moving day. We’re flexible and able to help you out in a pinch.
If you do end up wanting to pack on your own, start with the less trafficked spaces like the garage, guest bedrooms…etc and make some headway in there.
Pro-Tip: Plan a yard sale to get rid of items you are not crazy about. It’s less clutter, less time and effort to move, and you may even make a buck.
4. Talk To Your Pals about Your Move
You will certainly miss your friends when you move. You may even want to avoid breaking the news to them, but don’t. They deserve to know in time that you are moving. It will also be a big relief for you when you finally share the information with them. Good friends will encourage you and uplift your spirit. This will go a long way in making you feel better about the move.
You can also make plans about how to stay in touch with those you love. There are many ways that you can stay in touch with friends in our modern, technical and socially connected world. Maybe you can set up a savings account so you can plan a visit together. Whether you meet somewhere in the middle and catch up for lunch. Or stay for the weekend in a hotel… wWhat ever you and your friends are into, it will be easier to say goodbye when you already have a good idea of when you will see each other next.
5. Stay Organized at Every Stage
There are lots of things that can throw you off balance when you are moving. As much as you can, try to stay organized. Gather all the moving supplies you need:
- Moving boxes in various sizes
- Bubble Wrap
- Packaging Tape
- Cushioning
- Labeling materials
- Cargo straps/Rope
- Furniture pads
- Furniture covers
- Dollies and Hand trucks
- Toolset
- Stretch wrap
You’ll also want to make sure your cleaning supplies are up to par for the moving task as well:
- Garbage Bags
- Buckets
- Broom
- Cleaners for windows, counter surfaces, carpets/flooring, bathrooms etc.
- Paper towels/Rags/Cleaning Brushes
- Gloves
As you get closer to moving day, it’s a good idea to start mapping out where your packed boxes will land in the new home. If you create a color system with each room in your new house/apartment/appt/condo then everyone will be on the same page about where to place boxes and find items you are looking for.
6. Learn How to Pack and Put It in Practice
Packing is another activity that can contribute immensely to moving stress. There are packing hacks you can learn to make your move a lot less stressful. Learn how to pack everything from electronics and dishes, to books and clothing. When you read up proactively about packing, it will help you get a better understanding of how long it will take, and enlighten you to some of the tricks that make packing easier. Once you know you are approaching the packing chore with some wisdom from the internet, you’ll feel more relieved and maybe even a little eager to get started.
7. Hire Professional Movers to Help You
It may be tempting to do things on your own or get your friends involved in your move. While this may seem like a good move to save costs, it can actually make you incur a loss at the end of the day. Plus when you move, you are most likely handling some of the milestones mentioned above, it would be better for your mental health and serenity for you to devote yourself to your new job or new baby, while the professionals handle the items in your home.
At Moving Squad, we pride ourselves on the fact that we take a huge burden off the shoulders of our customers by executing a seamless local move. Each of our customers is assigned a Move Management Coordinator who oversees the move from the quote to the packing to the unloading process. We carry all the supplies you need, we are insured, are experts in disassembling furniture, electronics, and best of all, we do the heavy lifting. In addition, storage options if you need it and keep a detailed inventory of your items until they are checked off by you. Save yourself the stress and don’t go it alone.
8. Unpack as Soon as You Can
It is very likely that you will be incredibly tired when you get to your new place. It will take time to get things organized again. Do not be fazed by the amount of work you have to do. It is also important that you do not procrastinate unpacking. Start as soon as you can to unpack and arrange things. It is advisable that you take a night off and start the next day to unpack. Leaving your things unpacked will contribute to stress.
9. Say Hello to Your New Neighbors
No matter how reserved you are, you will need your neighbors. You can as well start early to make the necessary contacts. Say hello to your new neighbors and listen to what they may like to say. You may get a lot of helpful information from them. Ultimately, some new contacts will help you cope with the emotional stress of being in a whole new environment.
10. Seek New Experiences and Establish New Routines
Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to a new circle of friends at your place of work, school or other social environment. Join new organizations and embrace the opportunities of making new acquaintances. You should also figure out how to do the things you love even if it may involve establishing new routines.
There you have it! Above are some tips to help you cope with moving stress. Moving and packing is very stressful. This is a reality you must face. With the tips discussed above, you should be able to cope with moving stress and enjoy the opportunities offered by your new environment.
Save yourself the stress that comes with moving and packing by hiring a professional moving company. Contact us today at Moving Squad of South Florida LLC to handle everything involved in your moving and packing. We guarantee you a stress-free and enjoyable moving experience.
