Moving house and starting a new chapter in life is often filled with mixed emotions. Whilst the prospect of change brings excitement and anticipation, the physical process of moving can cause a lot of stress. Whether you’re a first-time mover or a well-seasoned regular, each move brings its own challenges that you may not be aware of. However, by approaching your move with the right mindset and practical strategies, you can transform what might seem like a daunting task into an exciting adventure. Avoiding any stress may be impossible (unless you are a zen master) but managing it effectively is very much doable. In this article, we will be exploring the ways you can remain positive and enjoy your moving process as much as possible.
Start Early
Unfortunately, moving is not one of those things you can just ignore and it’ll sort itself out, which means starting early is the best way to stay stress-free. While the lengthy nature of moving might give you a false sense that you have plenty of time to prepare, the process often unfolds more rapidly than you think. Beginning your packing and planning well in advance (6-8 weeks early) can dramatically reduce stress and save you from running around like a maniac at the last minute trying to sort everything. For a smooth process, create a moving timeline and break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Break down packing the house into each room and then again into each section of the room. Each completed box and checked-off task becomes a small victory to celebrate, whether that’s with a small glass of wine or a large coffee is your choice.
Create a Sanctuary Space
Whilst moving, your home can become overrun with boxes and moving equipment making it hard to find peace, particularly if you’re someone who needs order to stay sane. Therefore, creating a designated space that is tidy and free of boxes and moving clutter can help to maintain some normality and help you feel at ease. Whether it’s a room or a section of a room, the important thing is that it’s a space where you can relax and forget about moving for a little while. Think of it like an adult ‘time out’ zone (except you want to go there).
Accept Help
It can be tempting to try and do it all alone when in the moving process but if you want to maintain your sanity then it's essential to reach out and ask for help from others. If you have children, consider asking family and friends if they would mind babysitting for a day, giving you the time to focus on the move without a million questions from your tiny humans of “why is that box there” or “what is that for”. Alternatively, consider the possibility of working with trained removalists who can help take care of your entire moving process from start to finish. Finding trustworthy and reliable removalists can help lighten the load tremendously, as they can assist in every aspect of your move from disassembling furniture to unpacking at your new home.
Additionally, professional movers come equipped with specialised tools and materials, as well as the knowledge of best practices for protecting your belongings. They also often provide insurance coverage for added peace of mind. Their experience and expertise mean they can anticipate and prevent common problems before they arise, saving you both time and stress in the long run.
Keep Your Routine
As best as you can it’s also important to try and maintain your regular routine during the move. Of course, some change is inevitable when you’re relocating from one house to another but sticking to your routine outside of this can help you keep calm in the process. Take the time to meet friends and family for a coffee, go for walks in the evening and do the small things that bring you joy. If you have started preparing early then keeping to a routine and finding time for the things you enjoy shouldn’t be too difficult. Plus, these familiar anchors help maintain emotional stability when everything else feels up in the air.
Celebrate Every Small Step
It can be easy to get bogged down in waiting for it all to be done but rather than growing frustrated with the wait, remember that making a new house truly feel like home is a gradual journey. So, you don’t have to wait till everything is finished to give yourself a big pat on the back. When the finish line feels nowhere in sight, remind yourself that moving just one step forward deserves celebration.
Just dropped bags off at the charity shop? Congratulations! Get yourself a treat on the way back. Finally, managed to tackle the garage clear out? Smashed it, time to watch your favourite film.
Making a new house into a home can take years for some people and if you spend the entire time waiting for the moment where it finally feels all finished, you’re going to miss all the small wins along the way. Celebrating your accomplishments no matter how big or small will help you keep sight of everything you’ve achieved and keep momentum going through the move.
Final Thoughts
Remember, moving is temporary. The boxes will eventually be unpacked, pictures will find their places on walls, and your new house will begin to feel like home. By trusting others to help and taking care of yourself throughout the process, you'll be better equipped to handle the moving challenges while appreciating the excitement of new beginnings.
