Simple Ways to Relieve Stress Before Your Move

Without question, moving is one of the most stressful life events. Moving involves complex emotions — the excitement of beginning a new adventure, and, perhaps, some sadness at saying goodbye to your old life. 

Moving also brings with it change, and change is stressful. Fortunately, you can find ways to relieve your pre-move stress.

Allow Plenty of Time

Start preparing for your move right away— as soon as you know you need to move. A major cause of moving stress is that people underestimate the amount of time required to pack and don’t start early enough. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to accomplish your tasks, and the less you’ll feel hurried and stressed.

Start Small

If you feel overwhelmed, then begin with the small tasks. For example, set a goal of packing just one box or decluttering one closet. Once you’ve finished, celebrate that accomplishment and then move on to the next small task. Pretty soon, you’ll notice that all those little tasks have added up to a big job.

Stay Organized

Keep all your essential paperwork in a safe place, and remember where that place is. If necessary, share this location with a friend you trust who can remind you if you forget.

Also, make a list of all the tasks to be done for your move and check them off as you complete them.

Create Sanctuary

As you are packing, leave out a few things until the last minute that will give you joy and comfort, such as meditation pillows or art supplies. Also, keep one area of your home as a sanctuary where you can practice relaxing activities such as meditation, yoga, painting, knitting, or some other hobby.

Exercise

Because you are so busy packing and making arrangements for the move, you may be tempted to put off exercise. Exercise, however, is a key to helping you manage stress. Find some time for physical activity every day. Even if it’s a walk around the block, getting out and recharging is essential.

Ask for Help

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask for the help you need to pack, declutter, or grab food on moving day. Just remember to pay back the favor by treating your helpers. 

Or, opt to have your moving company do the packing if you have difficulty managing that part of the process.

Take a Night Off

Even though you seem overwhelmed with your task list, take a night off during the process. Spend time with your family, watch an old movie, play a card game, take a hot bath, have a massage, or engage in any activity that relaxes and refreshes you.

Sleep Well

Make sleep a priority during this time. You can’t function well if you’re running on short rest. Avoid too much caffeine or sugar during the day so that you can sleep at night. No matter how busy you are, go to bed at your regular time.

Leave Time for Goodbyes

Take time to say goodbye to friends, family, and favorite places, using whatever ritual works for you. A feeling of the closure of one phase of your life is essential to a successful transition to a new one.

 Let Us Help

Are you planning your move? Let us help relieve your stress. Contact us for a free moving quote.

Tips to Make It Easier On Professional Movers, So You Experience a Smooth Move

Hiring professional movers before your household move can definitely take the sting out of the moving process. However, you can do a few things to make it easier for the movers in the process. 

The easier things are for the professionals as they work to get you packed up and on your way, the quicker and smoother the move goes overall. Check out just a few useful tips to keep in mind to make things much easier on the moving team when they get to your home on moving day.

1. Color Code Your Packed Boxes

Have your boxes completely packed, labeled,  and ready when the movers arrive.

Color-coding your packed boxes is simple. Just pick up some colored labels, markers, or packing tape and assign a specific color to each room. Give the movers a color chart to show them which color is posted to each room at your new home. This way, they will be able to unload them in the proper location.

2. Make Arrangements for Children and Pets

Professional movers will be mindful of your pets and, of course, your children. Nevertheless, making arrangements for both kids and pets can keep things simple while the movers do their work. You may want to consider:

  • Designating a particular room with a door where your pets can stay during the move
  • Having a designated adult on-site to keep smaller children occupied or finding a sitter for the day
  • Using a leash to contain an outdoor dog or a crate for outdoor cats, so they’re not running in the house

3. Driveway Access

Clear your driveway before the movers arrive. Park your vehicle in the street or somewhere other than your driveway. This will prevent it from being blocked in by the moving van when it comes. With your car out of the way, it will provide the movers more space to work.

As a courtesy, notify your neighbors about your moving schedule. Ask for their cooperation before moving day and request that they not park their vehicles in front of your home during the scheduled move. Advise them about when the movers are expected to arrive and how long the truck will likely be there.  

Do the same at your new house if possible. If your move is local, visit your new home before moving day and let your new neighbors know about the moving truck schedule. They are sure to appreciate the courtesy.

4. Create and Retain Clear Pathways Throughout the House

The moving process can mean you have a mess for sure—that’s expected. If possible, try to keep a clear, open pathway throughout the house so the movers can easily get in, get your items, and carry those items through the house to the truck.

The same goes for the outdoor space. Make sure the sidewalks are clear, and there are no obstructions like low-hanging branches. 

5. Remember to Disconnect, Unplug, Prepare, Empty (D.U.P.E.)

When the pros show up to get things started, it is best if they can come in and simply start taking things out. If they have to stop and wait for you to do something like empty the fridge or if they have to disconnect certain things on their own, the process takes much more time. Prepare your appliances, electronics, and large furniture pieces by remembering the acronym D.U.P.E:

  • Disconnect – Take the time to disconnect appliances. For example, disconnect the water hoses and drain hoses on your washing machine and secure them.
  • Unplug – Unplug appliances and electronics. Contain electrical cords by rolling them up and securing them with a wire tie or rubber band.
  • Prepare – Prepare large furniture pieces and appliances for the move by disassembling where needed, securing doors closed, and removing parts that could be in the way.
  • Empty – Take the time to empty things out of appliances and large furniture pieces where necessary. For example, remove the contents in your wardrobe, entertainment center, and refrigerator.

Time for Your Smooth Move

With a little forethought and crafty planning, your time spent being served by professional movers will go as seamlessly as possible. Reach out for a quote today. We can help with your residential move.