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Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024
Find out how to minimise stress and maintain your emotional well-being during a move. Get insider tips on hiring the best moving company, understanding moving costs, and practising stress management techniques for a smooth transition.
Moving to a new home is exciting but stressful. From calculating your moving cost to unpacking at your new home, each step has its challenges. However, stress management is crucial to navigating this transition smoothly.
The main aim of this comprehensive guide is to equip you with tips to manage stress effectively. You’ll learn to recognize signs of stress, understand its impact on your physical and mental well-being, and acquire practical strategies for maintaining calm.
In addition, we’ll help you make smart choices about hiring movers and figuring out how much it will cost.
Managing stress improves decision-making, allowing you to focus on transitioning to your new place. Staying calm lets you approach each moving task with a clear mind, reducing the chances of costly mistakes or overlooked details.
Here are some compelling reasons why you should manage moving stress and stay calm:
Managing finances is essential for a smooth move. Your budget depends on whether you want DIY, full-service, or moving containers.
Moving locally will cost you around $300 to $1,750, depending on the number of movers needed and the size of your home. Conversely, a long-distance relocation falls within the price range of $2,000 to $6,000.
Moreover, some companies offer a full-service move. They handle every aspect, including packing, unpacking, and assembly.
Here are some common mental and physical signs that indicate you might be experiencing stress related to your move:
Stress often makes people more sensitive and prone to anger. If you find yourself snapping at loved ones or losing patience more quickly than usual, it could be a sign of moving stress.
Stress impacts your cognitive functions, including memory. You’ll find yourself forgetting appointments, misplacing items, or failing to complete tasks on your checklist.
If thoughts about the move consume you to the point that you’re having trouble focusing on other aspects of life, you are likely dealing with high stress levels.
Stress often causes tension headaches due to tightening muscles in the neck and scalp area. If you’re experiencing recurring headaches, it could be a sign that you’re stressed.
Your body might be stressed if you feel tired despite getting adequate sleep. Fatigue affects your physical performance and dampens your mood, making moving even more difficult.
If you feel like the tasks ahead are insurmountable or you’re experiencing panic attacks, it’s a significant sign that stress is affecting you profoundly.
The urge to put off tasks can be amplified when you’re stressed. If you find yourself delaying moving-related chores, it could be a sign.
A checklist is your roadmap, detailing what needs to be accomplished week by week. Start with more significant tasks like researching and hiring movers, then move on to specifics like packing room by room.
Include deadlines to keep yourself on track. A tangible plan will alleviate the mental load of keeping all these tasks in your head.
Financial stress during a move is real. Creating a comprehensive budget will ease this burden significantly. Make sure you calculate your moving costs, including hidden expenses like packing materials, transportation for your family, and potential storage costs.
Compare moving quotes from different companies and consider costs like meals, accommodations, and emergency funds for unplanned expenditures.
Choosing among the best moving companies is essential for peace of mind. Conduct thorough research by reading reviews and asking for recommendations.
For long-distance moves, check out the most recommended long distance movers to ensure you’re entrusting your valuables to a reputable company. Getting a written estimate and understanding the terms and conditions can prevent unwelcome surprises.
Last-minute packing can shoot your stress levels through the roof. Begin your packing process weeks, if not months, before the moving date.
Pack non-essential items first and gradually move to the more daily-use commodities. Label boxes clearly and keep an inventory to make unpacking easier.
Don’t underestimate the power of self-care during stressful times. Regular exercise releases endorphins, natural mood lifters. Taking time out to meditate or indulge in a hobby will also provide a mental break, recharging your mind.
Pulling all-nighters to get everything done is tempting, but lack of sleep will make you more prone to stress and mistakes. Prioritize getting sufficient sleep to remain alert and keep your stress levels in check.
Taking even just a few minutes for deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or meditation can significantly reduce stress levels. In addition, apps and online tutorials offer quick sessions to help you refocus and regain a sense of calm.
Less is indeed more when it comes to moving. Less stuff means less packing, loading, unloading, and packing. Sort through your things and get rid of what you don’t need by selling, giving, or throwing it away.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether in the form of physical assistance for packing or emotional support. The moral and physical support can make the process more manageable and less lonely.
Transparent and timely communication with your moving company is essential. Clarify all your doubts, confirm schedules, and keep them updated on plan changes. This will help you feel more in control and reduce the risk of last-minute surprises.
Ideally, start organizing your move 2-3 months in advance. This gives you ample time to get quotes from moving companies, create a budget, and begin packing.
For instance, if you plan to move on December 1, start collecting quotes and creating a checklist by early September.
Account for all potential costs, including movers, packing supplies, and transportation. Don’t forget to add a contingency fund for unexpected expenses.
For instance, in addition to the cost of hiring movers, factor in expenses like gas for your car, meals during the move, or even a hotel stay if you’re moving long-distance. A 10-15% contingency fund of your estimated cost is a good safety net.
Talk openly with family and friends, and consider capturing your thoughts in a journal.
If you’re leaving a home filled with memories, take photos of each room and write down your favorite memories associated with that space. Share these with family members to celebrate the transition rather than mourn it.
Moving is inevitably stressful, but it is also an opportunity for a fresh start. Take control and make your move stress-free by implementing the stress management tips we’ve shared.
By tackling moving stress from multiple angles, you’re setting yourself up for a successful, more enjoyable move. Make that move because you’re about to embark on a new chapter in your life.
Happy Moving!
Lily is a skilled writer with over a decade of experience in the moving industry. Having worked for several moving companies and brokers, she has gained extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. With her personal experience of moving several times, she understands the challenges that come with relocating and can provide invaluable insights to her readers. Her writing style is informative, engaging, and relatable, making her a go-to source for all things moving-related. Trust her to guide you through your next move with ease.