Seven Ways to Stay Stress-Free While Moving

You might think that moving and stress go hand in hand. Moving is often a big ordeal, we have moved 4 times in our 25 years of marriage and that is not counting the times before we were together. I think the hardest move for us was when we moved from one house to the house next door to it. I know you are probably thinking that this should be an easy move but it wasn’t.

Why wasn’t it the easiest? Well, my husband had a fractured collarbone from a piece of equipment falling on him. And if that wasn’t bad enough, I was also 7 months pregnant with our second daughter- so there wasn’t a lot that either of us could do for the move. So we had to do a little bit at a time and work around other people’s schedules to move things.

So, believe me when I say I know how stressful a move can be. I just wish that we had hired a crew like those offered through Fresh Start – The Moving Crew to help us with the move. Hiring a moving crew is one of the first steps you can take to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Also with some good planning and most importantly being flexible, you can ease your way into your move.

Even if you’re planning a big move with a large family and are packing & moving in Worcester, MA, you can make it work just as long as you refuse to dwell on the setbacks along the way.

Try these seven ways to stay stress-free while moving:

Give yourself time.

Plan in advance. A gradual change is usually better than waiting until the last minute. I learned that sometimes if moving a few things a day is all you can do that at least you are accomplishing something. Yea it may take a little longer but in the end, you will at least you at least know where the essentials like the dinner dishes or toilet paper are.

2. Properly prepare your children.

Moving can be traumatic for children, especially if you are moving far away. Include them in the decision-making process. Explain to them where you’ll be moving and tell them what will change and what will stay the same. Remind them that they can still maintain their friendships, even if you’re moving far away. Now with Facetime, zoom, and other technology it is easier to keep in touch.

3. Have a checklist in place.

A checklist will help you remember everything that needs to be done. Things can slip your mind when you are moving. A checklist will serve as your memory, easing your stress level because you know that nothing will be forgotten. But I do suggest that you do this before moving day and if you can at least a few weeks for your move.

4. Call everyone involved right before the move takes place.

When the moving date arrives, it’s best to check in with everyone involved. If you are using movers, double-check that you are still on their schedule and make sure they know what you have to move. Some movers scout a move before it actually takes place. They do a walk-through with the homeowners to see what goes and what stays. Most of the time, they are pretty spot on with their estimates and bring the right supplies.

5. Pack everything properly.

Protect yourself from the added stress of discovering that something important of yours broke during the moving process. Ensure you have plenty of time to handle breakables and valuables with care. But remember if you are using a moving company most don’t like you packing your items – if you don’t know the right way to pack things leave it to the professionals. That is what you are paying them for. For example, if you choose to use a firm similar to The Moving Company, then be sure to double check what they want you to do prior to moving, as they may need your help with some things, or they’ll do everything for you!

6. Take breaks when required.

If you’re constantly running around to complete all of your tasks, you’ll wear yourself out and increase your stress. Schedule enough time for breaks. Order takeout, have water and snacks for the crew helping you move. Things will go a lot quicker if your workers aren’t hungry. I know it isn’t necessary, but buying lunch for the moving crew is a nice gesture. Plus, you might earn some Brownie points.

7. Keep a positive attitude.

Moving can cause feelings of anxiety and worry if you allow it to overwhelm you. Focus on one task at a time. Don’t focus on the problems because that will be all that you see.

Remember that there are certain things you can count on, like your family. Moving stress occurs because your life is changing dramatically. But these Seven Ways to Stay Stress-Free While Moving you will be able to keep moving forward and think about all the new opportunities and blessings that await you at your new home!