Moving is often considered one of the more stressful situations we all experience at some point. This process destroys any semblance of routine, which is the main reason people dread it so much. Most find that having an established list and moving plan is helpful to free you from wasting energy on mundane details. Here are some tips to alleviate moving stress and how to get a routine down that makes the most sense.
Timing is Critical
If possible, avoid moving on the last weekend of the month or on three-day holiday weekends. Professional movers often report these are the busiest times for them, and that they often have to refuse moving jobs because they lack the labor and equipment necessary.
The same is true of renting a moving truck and doing the move yourself. Even your most loyal friends may prefer a weekend of doing their own errands to one of schlepping your stuff around. Pick a time that you can work around other’s schedules and don’t be afraid to put some things off until mid-week.
Spread the Move Out Over Time
The best moves are those that allow ample time to deal with the unexpected. Think about times where you had to vacate your old place and get into the new one in the span of 48 hours. It probably made for a few of the worst days of your life. Getting the keys and possession of the new place a week, two weeks, or even a month ahead of vacating the old one will allow you to take a very measured, sane approach to relocating. Give yourself a time limit for packing and unpacking. If you can work through it methodically, it won’t take as long.
Pack Early
Start packing seldom and unused items no less than a month in advance. For example, if you were moving during the summer, it would be the ideal time to pack anything you will not need until the following winter, such as heavy coats, blankets, and bedspreads. These items also serve the dual role of making excellent cushioning material for breakables that are not often used, or will not be needed soon.
Get Estimates
Get two, preferably three, estimates from professional movers you plan to use. You might find that the cost of hiring someone with experience like Elite Truck Rental is well worth it in terms of moving your items safely and alleviating the mental burden of juggling hundreds of details that all seem equally demanding. Even if you do not use movers, you will learn much of value in terms of doing your own move. Talk to truck rental companies to learn when low demand for trucks equals low rental prices.
Get Rid of Everything You Can
This is hard for many people, but sell, give away, or donate as much of the stuff that is weighing you down as possible. Have a yard or garage sale and give away things you no longer need for free. Companies like Goodwill will even send a truck out to collect furniture and other donations. The less stuff you take with you, the easier and less costly the move.
Plan Some Recovery Time
It will take three to six weeks to develop a new routine and replace the one you had at your old place. Do something to reward yourself for surviving the move and put off any major decisions until life has returned to its normal day-to-day style.
Not everyone can follow every one of these tips every time, but even if only two or three are applicable, the transition from one place to the other will take on a seamless quality that will be mentally rewarding.
