How To Avoid Moving Stress

People move for an endless number of reasons. They might be pursuing a new job opportunity, going to take care of a sick loved one, or wanting to change scenery after a breakup. Whether moving cross-country or down the road, moves can be stressful even when they’re happening for a positive reason. A big change like moving can come with challenges, but there are steps you can take to avoid unnecessary stress and give yourself peace of mind during the process. 

Do your research 

If you have a say in where you move to, it can be important to do your research on the new area you’ll be in. A lot more goes into research than just looking at housing prices or the cost of living in your potential new area. Remember to research with everyone in your family in mind. Look at reviews of your local schools and see what types of family fun activities are nearby. Is there qualified care nearby for your children or pets? Look at the statistics for your new area such as crime or unemployment rates. Try to find firsthand accounts of what it's like to live there. Do what you can to leave little to surprise; finding out things later could add to your stress and researching now can help you to feel prepared. 

Look for deals

For many, the costs that come with moving are some of the most stressful aspects of the entire process. To avoid financial woes, get creative. Rather than buying bulk sets of moving boxes, call your local restaurants or grocery and retail stores to see if they have any boxes that they would be willing to give you for free. Use junk mail, plastic bags, or socks as packing material. Rent moving trucks and drive them yourself instead of hiring a company to do it for you.

If you do need extra help, compare costs from multiple moving companies. If your current home needs repairs before you leave, get estimates from several professionals. Do business with those whom most benefit your wallet. Keep in mind; you may save money if you move in the "off-season." The summer months usually see the most moves, and companies are more likely to offer deals outside of this timeframe.

Know your new laws

Local laws can vary from county to county or state to state. Depending on how far you're moving, it may be a wise idea to see if there are any major legal changes attached to your new space. You may find your new hometown has a strict no-cellphone policy while driving or that there are restrictions when it comes to parking in residential areas.

This is an especially important step to take if you're moving someplace with an HOA or will be renting. Management companies are free to impose their own rules on top of those that are legally required. You don't want to move only to find out that you aren't allowed to have that trampoline you lugged with you cross-country or that your pets are unexpectedly unwelcome. Learn the "rules" beforehand so you don't step into legal trouble, which can put a lot of stress on you.

Ask for help

Whether a move is near or far, it's not something you need to do alone. Don't be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, neighbors, or others in the community. Delegate certain tasks to older kids, such as packing small items or helping with the grocery shopping for the trip or new home. Ask others to help with the actual move. Offering loved ones a free lunch in exchange for their work can result in substantial cost savings. Remember to ask your spouse or another trusted family member to take charge of address changes and canceling subscriptions. The more responsibility you can impart with others, the faster tasks can get accomplished.

Take a pre-trip

If you’re able to before you move, try to take a short trip to your new home. Become familiar with the places near you. Know where the local gas stations, grocery stores, and hospitals are. Drive your new route to work or school a few times, especially during peak traffic hours. This may seem like a small step you could take once you arrive, but it can make a huge difference in helping you feel settled. Not having to worry about logistics amid adjusting to your new home can take a weight off your shoulders.

Create a realistic timeline

Before leaving for your new destination, create a mindful timeline for your move. If you know you have a month to get there, try to avoid delaying planning until the last week or two.

Try to do at least one thing that will help you with your move every day until you leave. Include smaller tasks on your to-do list like taking pets to the vet, scheduling pick-up times with movers, and notifying schools about enrollment changes. You can write each task, no matter how small, on your calendar or in a list so you don't forget anything.

Talk to you employer

If your move is due to a job change, ask your employer what kind of assistance they offer for relocation. Some companies have complete relocation packages, including money to help you get to your new location. Other companies may partner with a certain hotel, car rental, airline, or childcare company to offer discounts to employees. Speak to your human resources representative to see what resources might be available to you during the moving process or at your new home.

Pack smart

There are lots of ways to take on the task of packing. Choose a method that makes sense for your lifestyle. Here are some basic ideas:

• Start by packing items that are seldom used first. Then, as your moving date approaches, start packing items you need more often but not every day. Save the day you leave for the essentials like bedding, toiletries (including toilet paper), and perishable foods.
• Pack one room at a time. Start with the room you use the least, then pack the busiest room last.
• Donate or trash anything you don't need. Take only the bare minimum with you.
• Hire movers to take big items like couches, beds, and tables, so you only have to worry about smaller, personal objects.

Regardless of your packing strategy, label any boxes clearly. Use color-coding if necessary to decipher what boxes belong to whom more easily. As you pack, keep things you will need right away easily reachable. Don't get stuck having to unpack everything you own so that you can reach your cutlery.

Set up utilities early

Set up utilities before you arrive in your new home. Being forced to spend a night in your new place without electricity or running water can put a damper on your new experience. Don't forget television and the internet either. Same-day setup is rare for most utility companies. Make sure you give them enough time between your call and your arrival for them to add you to their schedule.

Take care of yourself

The process of moving can take all your attention. However, this is one of those times when it's especially important to remember self-care. Try to get adequate sleep, eat healthily, and exercise. Fueling your body in the right way can give you the energy you need to take on the long list of tasks coming your way.

Remember, self-care is important not only for your body but for your mind too. Take time out of your busy schedule to do the things that help you recharge. Spend time each week doing something that makes you happy or helps you relieve stress so that your mental health doesn't take a toll throughout your move.

Embrace your feelings 

It's normal to feel a mix of feelings when you move. You might feel excited and hopeful about a new opportunity. You might experience sadness or anxiety fueled by leaving what you know behind. There is no right or wrong way to feel when it comes to moving. Try to understand what you can about your feelings. Communicate them with people you trust or use art or journaling to express them. Enjoy what you can from experience and try to use what's left to grow.

Remember, if you are moving with a spouse or child, they will have their own feelings about the move. It's not uncommon for major changes like moving to cause tension among family members. Try to keep in mind that this is a stressful time for everyone, and everyone will need their own space to adjust. Do what you can to be approachable, answer questions, and be patient and supportive. You can get through this change together.

Online counseling with BetterHelp

If you are having trouble managing your stress levels because of an upcoming move, consider reaching out to a licensed online counselor through BetterHelp. With BetterHelp, you can meet with your therapist anywhere in the world through phone calls, video chats, or in-app messaging. Whether you’re moving cities, states, or countries, you can connect with your therapist during and after the move, meaning you won’t have to worry about finding a new one in your new home. 

Wondering how effective online counseling can be? In a study led by McMaster University, researchers found that online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) was more effective than face-to-face interventions at reducing symptoms of depression. CBT is a therapeutic approach that teaches individuals how to reframe their negative thought patterns into more positive ones.