It’s not always easy to stay relaxed while moving.
The packing, the pressure of traffic, the long lines at security checkpoints, and the inevitable delays can make you feel tense and frazzled.
But there are steps you can take to get through your next flight or drive with a minimum amount of stress.
Here are some tips to help you stay relaxed while moving:
1) Take Your Time – Don’t Rush the Process
There’s nothing more stressful than feeling like you’re on the clock. This can be particularly stressful when your move includes flying.
“When you book your travel arrangements, build in an extra hour or two to account for any unforeseen holdups.”
The more time you allow, the lower your chance of stress and missed connections.
If you’re driving to your new home, plan out the best route. Map your approximate travel time and add on some extra time for unforeseen delays.
Then, leave plenty of time to get the kids into their car seats and buckle up for a safe journey.
2) Stay Organized – Make a To-Do List
This may sound like common sense, but it will help you save time and stay organized when packing and unpacking.
If you have kids, consider letting them contribute to your list.
It will help keep them busy and engaged during the move while encouraging independence.
Having a running checklist of tasks will also force you to stay present in the moment while moving rather than worrying about what comes later on.
3) Pack Wisely – Labels are Your Friend
Pack an overnight bag for yourself so you can minimize how much you need to unpack each day.
This is especially helpful if it’s a major move and you’re staying at a temporary place until your home is ready.
You can also pack some fresh clothes and essentials in the car so you know there’s no risk of getting caught unprepared if your flight ends up arriving early.
Labelling is also incredibly important.
Take the time to label each box to keep track of which room it should go to in the new house.
Add notes and reminders on what’s in which box so you can quickly find things when unpacking.
This will save you a good deal of time during the move and help you get settled right away.
4) Let Someone Else Do the Work – Hire a Moving Company
Moving is usually one of the most physically stressful things you’ll do. If you’re not sure what moving company to hire, consider asking friends and family for suggestions.
While online reviews can be helpful, keep in mind that they may or may not be written by someone who has actually hired the company.
Ask questions about how long it will take to get your belongings to the new location and how much moving equipment they provide.
If you find it too expensive to hire a moving company, ask your friends and family if they’re willing to help out.
If you’re not moving across the country, you’ll find that people are typically more than willing to help you move a box or two to your new home.
5) Practice Relaxation Techniques – Breathe Deeply
You can’t always control what else is going on around you, but you can take steps to maintain calm when stress starts to build.
Practice deep breathing in the car or in line at the airport gate to help you stay centered when things get hectic.
Or, get creative and find your own way to de-stress (listen to music, do some light stretching, or write in your journal).
Remember: the best kind of preparation is making sure you’re ready for anything.
And even if things don’t turn out exactly how you expected them to, finding a new home and moving can be a rewarding and exciting experience.
6) Keep It Simple – Stay Flexible
Don’t overdo it. If you’ve packed and unpacked your entire home multiple times, maybe this time try something different: Unpack only the essentials on moving day and leave everything else for later.
This will give you more free time to explore where you’re living once you get there. Think of it as an adventure!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to stay calm and stress-free on your next move, consider applying these tips today.
From packing smartly with labels that make unpacking easy, or hiring movers who will take care of the heavy lifting from start to finish, there are plenty of options available.
Moving is an exciting stage in your life, you don’t want to miss the experience because you’ve been too stressed out! Take a moment, prepare yourself for the endeavour, and just live in the moment.