7 Ways to Cope with Moving Stress
Moving is considered one of the most stressful events we go through in our lives — and for good reason: you’re uprooting your life, saying goodbye to friends, and starting over in an unfamiliar place. It can be a challenge to know how to cope with the stress of moving to a new home.
We move a lot of people here at You Move Me and our number one goal is always the same: to make moving almost fun! But you can also take some steps of your own to turn this stressful experience into a positive one. Here are some tips to reduce moving stress and get grounded in your new community.
1. Have a positive mindset
It’s a simple fact: your mindset can dictate your happiness. If you look at moving as a super stressful and negative experience, it’s more likely it will be. But if you look at it through a positive lens, it can be incredibly productive and cathartic.
Moving is an opportunity to assess what’s important in your life and purge old, unnecessary stuff. It’s a chance to declutter and start fresh in a new home. Moving is stressful but it doesn’t have to cue a total breakdown. When you change your mindset, you can transform the entire experience.
2. Research Your New Town
One of the best ways to ease the transition to a new town is to do your research ahead of time. Find cool shops and restaurants to check out. Look for a gym or running trails close to your new home. Do you usually grab a coffee on your way to work? Check if there’s a cafe on your new commute.
The moving experience will be a lot less stressful if you can seamlessly implement some of your old routines. Do your groundwork before you move so you’ll already feel familiar when you arrive in town.
3. Stay Organized to Reduce Moving Stress
Moving takes a lot of time and energy, so organization will be your best tool for avoiding stress. Gather the right supplies early on so you have plenty of time to pack. Make a list of everything you’re taking with you and get rid of everything else. Categorize everything and label boxes accordingly. If you’re hiring a van or professional movers, schedule them well in advance of moving day.
And remember: moving to a new home isn’t just about literally moving your stuff. There are a ton of other little things you need to take care of: like changing your address, canceling subscriptions and services, and cleaning your home in time for its new owners. Staying organized and thinking ahead will ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
4. Use Proper Supplies. When in Doubt, Hire Professionals
The last thing you want to worry about when moving is the safety of your possessions. Even in simple moves, furniture and boxes often get damaged — the risk is even higher for long-distance moves.
To avoid damage, take extra care both before and during the move. Use proper supplies (like sturdy boxes, moving blankets and bubble wrap) to protect your possessions. On moving day, be sure to have an able-bodied crew, whether it’s your family and friends or a professional team like You Move Me.
5. Let yourself feel emotions
Moving is literally a life-changing experience and you’ll inevitably experience a lot of different emotions. There’s the excitement of starting a new chapter but also fear of the unknown. It can also be sad to say goodbye to neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
To reduce the weight of stressful emotions, try not to bottle them up. If you hold your emotions in, it will only make you feel more overwhelmed. Instead, turn to friends and family for support, and lean into whatever you’re feeling. This will help you to cope better with the stress of moving.
6. Say Your Goodbyes — And Your Hellos
This will be one of the hardest parts of the moving process, but it’s also one of the most important. Saying goodbye is crucial for getting closure. It’s also an opportunity to make concrete plans to see your friends and family in the future.
Once you’ve arrived in your new town, you’ll want to take time to introduce yourself to your neighbors and colleagues. Find out if there are any clubs you can join in the community or at work. The more social you get right off the bat, the faster you’ll integrate into your new community and feel more at home.
7. Unpack Quickly to Settle Into Your New Life With Ease
When you arrive at your new home, it’ll be a mess of boxes, furniture, and emotions. It will take time to reorganize and get comfortable in an unfamiliar place, but don’t put off unpacking! Moving is stressful because it’s disruptive to your regular routine. The sooner you unpack and get settled — in your new home, job, and community — the sooner you’ll feel grounded and ready to start your next chapter.
