Moving is stressful. Starting fresh can be daunting whether you’re doing it due to personal and financial complications or a career opportunity. Whether you’re alone or with your family, uprooting your life can be difficult.
But does it really have to be? Moving and getting a fresh start can be one of the most exciting events you’ll ever encounter. And with these six moving hacks, you can relieve stress and ensure your sanity as you relocate.
1. Wake the entrepreneur in you
Decluttering is essential when relocating. There are many things in your current house that you won’t need in your future home. By decluttering, you’re not only reducing the packing workload but also giving yourself an opportunity to earn.
Get rid of unnecessary things and earn money at the same time. Have a garage sale for your old furniture, appliances, and clothes. Nothing beats stress more than getting extra money.
2. Don’t bottle it up
No matter how hard you try to avoid it, there will always be anxiety-triggering hassles in your way. Face them head-on and release the stress they bring. Don’t be afraid of letting your emotions out. There’s nothing wrong with being overwhelmed.
Allow yourself time to process your feelings and situation. Accepting your feelings before the move lessens the chances of breaking down in situations when you need to be stable.
3. Don’t be a lone wolf
You are not in this on your own. If you’re moving with your family, then including them in the decision-making process will make it easier and more exciting. Talk to them as early as possible and encourage them to actively participate in planning and packing. Having their friends over to help with the move can also be productive since you’ll be helping them have closure. Plus, it will also increase the efficiency of your preparation at the same time.
If you’re alone, then asking for help from friends and loved ones is ideal. Moving can be an emotional ride, and having people you can count on by your side can make it less scary.
4. Hire professionals
Don’t cheap out on professional help. Saving money by hiring amateurs leads to more expenses most of the time. You don’t want to end that long emotional ride only to see all your furniture broken and misplaced. You also don’t want to arrive at your new home only to wait for a couple more days to get a fresh set of clothes.
By hiring professional local movers and tested long-distance moving companies, the possibility of having your things moved safely and quickly increases.
Getting professionals to work on your documents can also be a big help if you’re already swamped with all the packing and planning. Spending a few extra dollars for professional help gives you time to say your goodbyes and process your emotions. Remember, your mental health is priceless.
5. Understand the value of an organized move
As stated above, not having to worry about your things getting broken or lost can give you invaluable peace of mind. But it doesn’t end there. Having a digital checklist of things you have to do and supplies you have to get will make your relocation smoother.
Your anxiety might build up as the moving day gets closer. Having a checklist and crossing the t’s one by one can give a continuous sense of accomplishment. Creating a moving inventory can help you avoid future hassles. Planning the budget is also ideal since you’ll have fewer chances of worrying about your fresh start.
Gather all your relocation-related documents as well as medical and school records for all the members of your family. The move can be chaotic, and securing them should be your priority.
Pro-tip: Make sure all your personal, financial, and real estate documents have both digital and physical copies. Put them all in one easily accessible bag and keep it with you at all times. You never know when you will need it. But having it when you do is vital to reducing stress.
6. Turn moving to an adventure
Make it a vacation. You and your family’s lives will change. And this change can be the most stressful factor when you move. Your kids will have to go to a new school and make new friends. Your spouse will have to adjust to a new lifestyle and a possible career change. Everything you’ve ever gotten used to for the last several years will be gone.
Let all those worries fade even for a couple of nights. Stay in hotels with swimming pools. Have games on the road. Make the move an opportunity to go sightseeing. Meet with relatives and friends along the way.
As you get on the road, remind yourself that this is for the better. Make sure that you and your family see the move as an opportunity for personal, social, and professional growth instead of a drastic change.
