A move can be a stressful time for many reasons. It brings big changes to your daily routine and your proximity to friends and family.
Stress can be overwhelming, but it is also something that you can take control of. Taking small steps can help reduce your moving anxiety.
Plan Ahead
If you don’t plan ahead, you can get buried in your moving to-do list and feel overwhelmed. The first step is to write out a schedule and break up your tasks into manageable pieces, then prioritize your to-dos. This will alleviate the feeling of being rushed and overloaded.
Also, make a playlist of upbeat music to keep you motivated while packing and unpacking. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family for help. If they’re willing to give you a hand, it can make the entire process much less stressful.
If your move involves a long distance, make sure you give yourself time to say goodbye to your old home or neighbourhood. It can be difficult to part with the people and places you’ve spent your life building memories with, but having closure will ease the emotional stress of a big move. You can host a goodbye party or simply spend some time walking down memory lane.
On the other hand, if you’re returning to your childhood town to move back close to your family, this can create excitement and new opportunities. Start to explore your new community and find new experiences, from restaurants and bars to yoga and pilates studios.
During your move, it’s important to take care of yourself. Even small things like taking a 10-minute meditation session or having a salt bath can make you feel more calm and grounded. So, make it a priority to do these things on a regular basis during your move, and don’t skip them for the sake of getting your moving done. You deserve to be happy. A mental health professional can teach you techniques to improve your wellbeing during a big transition like this.
Remind Yourself That You Can Do It
The thought of all the moving tasks ahead of you can cause a lot of stress. But what you have to remember is that the feeling of being overwhelmed is a normal part of the process. It’s something that you have likely experienced many times before. If you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, it’s easier to see that everything will be fine in the end. A residential moving services from Calgary movers ABPRO can also help you if you ever have too many at your hands.
Try to clear your schedule as much as possible around your moving date. This will help you focus solely on the task at hand and prevent you from getting tripped up by unrealistic expectations. For example, don’t expect to finish packing your kitchen on move-in day if you’re still juggling work and family obligations. Also, make sure you’re scheduled to shut off your utilities and water in your current home the day before your move-out and to turn them on in your new home the day of your arrival.
It’s okay to ask for help when it comes to a move. Whether it’s asking friends to help move your heavier items or getting your kids involved in the packing and organizing process, having extra hands is a great way to ease your stress levels. And if you have children, consider hiring a babysitter to watch them while you’re working. It will make the entire process a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
If your stress levels are especially high during the moving process, it’s important to speak with a mental health professional. They can provide you with helpful coping strategies and teach you techniques for managing your stress, such as progressive muscle relaxation and mindfulness practices. They can also diagnose any underlying anxiety disorders that may contribute to your elevated stress levels and recommend treatments to help you feel better.
Take Care of Yourself
During a stressful time like moving, it is easy to neglect your own health and wellbeing. You might start to skip meals or forget to get enough sleep, which will only make the stress and anxiety worse. It is also important to keep up with healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and eating a well-balanced diet.
Another important aspect of self-care is to take breaks from packing and organizing. Try to do things that make you happy, such as taking a long walk or listening to your favorite music. Having fun and taking some time out of the chaos will help you to feel more relaxed and calm.
On the other hand, it’s also important to say goodbye to your old home and neighborhood. This may be difficult, but it will help you feel more prepared for the move and the new chapter of your life that is about to begin. You can do this by throwing a goodbye party or simply saying goodbye to the people and places you love.
If you are worried about how you will manage your day-to-day routine while getting everything packed up and moved, it can be helpful to make a list of the tasks that need to be completed. This will help you prioritize and ensure that all of your responsibilities are taken care of. You can even assign a date to each task so that you don’t overlook any important details. By making a plan and breaking down the tasks into smaller pieces, you will be able to tackle your move with confidence. You can also ask for help from friends and family members to help you with your move if necessary.
Focus on the Positives
The stress of a move doesn’t just come from the physical work of packing, but also from the fear of leaving behind your comfort zone and moving into an unknown town. These changes can be scary, even when you know they’re for the best.
To help combat this, remember that the move has a purpose and you are making a change for the better. You may even be moving back to the town you grew up in, which can bring new memories and create a sense of home again. Keeping in contact with old friends can help make the transition easier. Getting out into the community and exploring the local restaurants, shops, and activities can give you something to look forward to once you’re settled in.
It can be helpful to start preparing for your move early by decluttering and getting rid of items you no longer use, and arranging for movers before the big day. It can also be a good idea to prioritize your to-do list so that you’re not overwhelmed by trying to do everything at once. For Allen, this meant ranking tasks from most to least important, so she could focus on what was most critical first.
You can also reduce the stress of your move by doing research on your new area. This can include things like finding out how long it takes to get to your new job from home and learning about the local amenities, such as grocery stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. This can make you feel more confident about your new life before you’ve even moved in. This is especially important if you’re moving to a different country or state.
Keep a Positive Mindset
Moving day anxiety is a normal reaction to a stressful situation. But you have control over how you respond to it. By focusing on your health and well-being, surrounding yourself with positive people, and planning ahead, you can minimize the effects of moving day anxiety and have a smoother transition into your new home.
Even if the change is for the better, it can still be scary to think about a big life-change like a move. It can bring up memories of the past, and you may feel like you’re starting over from scratch. But it’s important to remember that this is just a small step in a long journey of growth and happiness.
To keep a positive mindset during your move, make a list of all the things you’re excited about. Whether it’s exploring a new city, having a place within walking distance of your favorite bar, or the fact that you’ll be able to meet people who will become your friends for life, focus on those aspects of your move that will bring you joy. It will help you stay positive throughout the process and remind you that you’re making a good choice.
Start packing early, even if it’s just a few boxes at a time. The more you pack, the less you’ll have to do on the actual day of the move. This will give you a sense of accomplishment, and it will also reduce the amount of clutter in your home that can add to your stress levels. Also, don’t forget to update your address and cancel services that can’t be transferred. This will save you money and headaches on the day of the move.
