There’s nothing quite as overwhelming as living out of a box. You’re looking for a fork and instead find the sandal that’s been missing for days. You’re wanting to make dinner but the only cooking item you find is a beater and spoon; not too helpful. MOVING…that dreaded word that holds excitement and anxiety in one.
Moving is exciting, but it’s also incredibly stressful and exhausting. However, my friend recently went through a move, and I never even knew it. There were no espresso IV drips, no crying phone calls, and no rumpled outfits in sight. What was her secret? Goal-setting, organization, and a little bit of zen.
This sounds simple enough, but we all know how easy it is to get derailed. Luckily using some of these tried and true strategies can assist you in not only coping, but avoiding the typical unpleasantness that’s usually partnered with your big move.
Switch Over Bills And Subscriptions
It’s tempting to put the busy work off until the last minute or even for when you’ve already moved, but this can be incredibly detrimental. Not only for your finances but for your mental health as well. You can do this as early as a month before your move-in date. Go to the post office and submit a forwarding address, and begin making phone calls to your credit card company, utilities office, and any other offices where you need to submit your new location.
Pack At Least A Week Before
I hope you’ve been collecting those boxes because now’s the time when you’re going to need to cash in. Go room by room, each day after work, and pack up all of your items; labeling has never been more important. If you make sure that each box is clearly titled then this could very well be your easiest move yet.
Ask For Help
Moving day is stressful, and it’s even more bothersome when you’re encumbered with the entire move yourself. Seek out help, whether it’s family, friends, or coworkers. Not only will it speed up the process, but it can help prevent injury as well.
Stay Hydrated & Fit
It’s crucial to maintain your health whether it’s the weeks before, during, or after your transition. Fast food and soda may seem like the answer, but that’s one of the worst things you could do to yourself. Although proper nutrition and exercise may seem tedious, it’s wildly beneficial. Exercise has been given increasing credence for reducing stress. So guzzle down that water while you’re lifting heavy boxes, and even though you may be exhausted, going for a light jog will remove you from your chaotic mess and assist you in coping.
Unpack One Room At A Time
Containing a mess is preferable. When you focus your energy on one space at a time you’ll feel more accomplished and not so overwhelmed. That sense of relief when your kitchen is finally organized and ready for the next Rachel Ray meal is amazing, and can easily be attained if you’re not flitting about your space frantically trying to unpack.
Find Your Zen Space
Sometimes you’re just not going to be able to handle the mess and stress of your new move, and that’s okay. If you have an established place that provides you with serenity, now would be the time to indulge. Go to your favorite yoga studio, traipse through the park, or just go for a drive. Whatever it is, make sure that it’s something you’re comfortable with because when you’re going through change the best resource is something that’s familiar.
Change is stressful and leaving your comfort-zone is doubly so. But if you’re organized, ask for support, and take care of yourself this move could possibly be your best one yet.
Good luck!