Moving & Stress: Do They Have to Go Hand in Hand?

By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group 

As a professional moving company, we have seen all types of moves, both smooth and also chaotic, and we have a few suggestions that might help you avoid the stress of moving.

· Acknowledge that the stress is present. Pretending that you aren’t stressed might make you additionally stressed. Stress is typical and natural, and sifting your way through it does require acknowledging it exists.

· Attempt to provide yourself sufficient time to complete your tasks. It will take the majority of people two days to pack up a studio or one bedroom, three to four day for packing two bedrooms, or five to six days for three bedrooms. In the event you possess a large quantity of things, then it may likely take additional time. In the event you need moving boxes, be certain to purchase them early and also have a plan for if you run out. Check with your local moving company, as they might have used cartons available. You should also allow a day or two to clean the house you are leaving.

· Have a plan. Work out how you need to organize things for the best result. There are people who need a plethora of to-do lists, other people will attempt to install a moving app for their cell phone. Create deadlines for each phase of the move and make them early enough that blowing the deadline won't equate to a total meltdown. Also, have a specific plan for what needs to be put into which carton. Label your cartons plainly and consistently, as you’ll need to explain those labeling system to the professional movers. Label anything that is breakable. Plan what room everything is going into in the new place and label cartons accordingly. Most professional movers will gladly set everything marked "K" in the kitchen for you.

· Don't be afraid to ask for help or hire a moving company to assist. You don't need to handle the entire move yourself. Recruit your friends and extended family for help. Hire professional movers for the heavy lifting, though, rather than counting on anyone's goodwill. In the event you are busy and can swing it, consider having the moving company to complete some or all the packing, as well.

· Be willing to let it go. Moving will be an excuse to take a hard look at items which might be existing in your home a long time out of sheer apathy. Should you have a broken down piece of furniture, now might be the right time to kick it to the curb and purchase a replacement once you move. Electronics that do not work? Books you have not read in a decade? Something you completely forgot you even had? Sell what you can and donate everything else.

· Be sure to allow for downtime. Moving will take over your existence. Lots of people realize they do not have time to get a decent amount of sleep over the move. Or they don't do anything but work, move, and worry about the move. Give some slack in your schedule so you have time to go out for lunch, take the kids to do something fun, etc.

· In the event you are moving to a new area or a new town, explore the new city for a bit. Spend some time looking for eateries you just must try and attractions you want to visit. Make a list of the eateries and pick one that is at the top of the list, then plan to visit the day after you move when you don't have your dishes unpacked yet.

Moving might normally be stressful, however these suggestions may help reduce the stress and turn it into an adventure. Keep in mind that professional movers will help with as much or as little of the move as needed, and your local mover in will be a super resource for all things from tips and tricks to moving supplies. Additionally, keep in mind this is a temporary condition and your world will return to normal soon enough.