Last Updated on June 2, 2021 by Maggie Sutton
Moving is just one of those things in life that takes a toll on you emotionally and physically. Change can cause anxiety. Packing and moving boxes and furniture is exhausting. Trying to keep everything organized is mentally draining. Of course, you try to manage these emotions, but the fact of the matter remains that you will likely still experience them at some point throughout the move. Before you start to freak out, stop and breathe. You got this! All you need is a solid plan to help you manage the stress of moving like a pro!
Make a To-Do List
Making a to-do list will help you focus on the things that need get done and prevent that, “Oh no, what am I forgetting,” feeling. When you create your to-do list, identify your moving date first, then identify the tasks that need to be done by working backward from your moving date. Once you have your to-do list created, assign a goal date to complete each task. This will prevent feeling overwhelmed by thinking you have to accomplish everything all at once.
If you have family members making the move with you, assign them tasks on the list, and make sure they understand the goal completion date. This takes some of the work off you can you can focus your efforts on other areas. If you’re moving solo, ask your friends or nearby family if they can help. Small, easy things like just picking up moving boxes can be a huge help.
Clean Out Your Clutter
Cleaning out your clutter should be one of the first things on your to-do list. If you don’t use it, you probably don’t need it, and you definitely don’t want to move it. So, get rid of the things you don’t use anymore and simplify your life.
Start by making two piles, one pile for things you’ll sell and another for things you’ll donate. Make some extra money and sell your things at a garage sale or on social media marketplaces. Take items you want to donate a local charity. Remember, charities can’t sell items that are broken, excessively worn, or that really have no usability. Those items are best saved for the trash.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
One of the biggest causes with stress of moving is the packing. Where did all this stuff come from?! The key to lower the packing stress of moving is to pack smart, using things you already have. Use tote bags and suitcases to empty your dresser drawer clothes into, or pack them full of shoes. Use washcloths or towels between plates instead of buying expensive packing paper.
You should also pack the items you use least first. If you have lots of cold weather clothing in your closet, but it’s June, you most likely won’t be wearing a sweatshirt any time soon. Pack the items you can get away with not using for a little while first. Pack the most essential items, like your kitchen dishes and bedding, last. You can also pick up some paper plates and plasticware to use the last few days if you want to make sure you get your kitchen boxed up sooner rather than later.
When you pack, clearly label your boxes. This will help you find the items you need unpacked first. Make sure you put the room the box is supposed to be placed in too. Marking which room the box goes in will help your moving helpers get the box to the right room instead of in a giant pile in your new living room. Having help getting the boxes to their correct rooms can help relieve some stress as well.
The last box you should pack and place in your car is a box with necessity items. This will save you so much time and stress as you’ll know where these important items are. This box should include things like scissors or box cutter to open your moving boxes, phone chargers, all the documents you’ll need at your closing, medications, toiletries like your toothbrush and hand soap, and a roll of toilet paper. There is nothing worse than getting to your new home and realize you have none!
Visit Your New Home Before Your Move
The change in day to day routine that comes with moving to a new home can cause a lot of anxiety, especially among children. Calm the uncertainty and nerves by taking the family to visit your new home and drive through the new neighborhood. Make sure that you find the routes to school, work, the nearest parks and identify the local shops that come with the new neighborhood.
You’ll also want to make sure to identify the nearest grocery store and general retail store, like Target or Walmart. Things are going to come up on moving day and those two types of stores are going to be the one’s you’ll need the soonest.
Our Homes for Heroes specialists can help you with this as you search for your new home. Sign up at HomesforHeroes.com to speak with one of our specialists without any obligation. This one simple step can go a long way in reducing the negative emotions and uncertainty in your household.
Rely on Family and Friends
Like we said before, your family and friends are there for you, so use them. Again with this, think beyond just asking for help in moving your belongings. Ask a family member to watch your children or pets on your moving date so it can go smoothly. Save yourself hotel costs and ask a friend to crash at their house for a night if there is a gap between your moving out date and moving in date.
Let the people in your life be there for you. If you try to do it all yourself, it will slow you down and wear you out faster, and potentially cost you much more money. Keep in mind when recruiting some assistance, free pizza and beverages go a long way!
Give Yourself Time to Transition
Even if you have to be out of your old place at 8 AM and you cannot move into your new home until 12 PM the same day, don’t stress yourself out by trying to do everything that day. Companies such as U-Pack provide moving pods that you can pack, store your belongings and unpack at a later date. Once you are in, enjoy the process of making the house your new home.
Moving into your new home should be exciting and fun. Plan, prepare and take care of yourself so you can deal with the challenges and any potential stress you may experience when moving into your new home. Don’t forget to use a Homes for Heroes specialist to help you along the way, and receive significant savings when you buy, sell or refinance a home. Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, military (active, reserve and veterans), healthcare workers and teachers can sign up below or at Homes for Heroes to speak with one of our real estate or lending specialists without any obligation.
