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Tips for Alleviating Moving Stress

If you’re reading this blog, in all likelihood you’re in the process of moving—or at least considering an upcoming move. So you’ve probably heard more than once (or a dozen times if you have particularly informed and witty friends) that moving is one of the most stressful things you can do, alongside taxes, divorce and marriage.

However, this recently got us wondering. After all, many moves coincide with positive events. Moving in with your significant other? Positive. Moving to a nicer area or a bigger apartment? Positive. Expanding family moving you to a larger home? Positive. In fact, the large majority of our moves occur because of positive events—so why is moving so stressful?

We spent some time, as well as asked around, and here is what we came up with. To help alleviate some stress, we’ve also gone ahead and added some ideas for how to cope with specific issues so you can avoid stressful situations.

1. Moving is an “uncommon occurrence”

Even though the act of moving may be something you have undertaken several times (or more!) in your lifetime, the actual act of moving can leave people feeling a little off-key. After all, moving and packing isn’t in your forte, you don’t do it regularly and you don’t plan on becoming an expert. Because of course, that next apartment is “the one”.

Combat fear of the unknown by leaning on friends and family with moving experience. Ask for referrals and recommendations for hiring professional movers, buying quality moving boxes and even planning ahead for packing timelines. The more you plan ahead, the less likely you will feel vulnerable to the unknown.

2. Change isn’t easy, even if it is positive.

Chances are you are fairly happy about your upcoming move. Even if the initial reason (bad roommate?) didn’t seem positive, at the end of the day you’re fairly certain you are going to be pretty happy in your new digs. Yet, it is still a major change. Packing up everything, looking ahead to your new situation—it can feel pretty unnerving while everything is up in the air.

Address upcoming changes with confidence and take time to assess major concerns. Are you moving far from everything you know? Stake out new areas where you will feel most comfortable, from finding a new morning coffee spot to the best grocer and dry cleaner in the area. Finding familiarity and comfort in your new location will help you adjust faster.

3. It’s your stuff after all

Whether you’re hiring movers or going it alone, moving is stressful simply because you’re packing up your life. From your most valuable cookware to your most sentimental reminders of childhood, packing up your life invokes two major feelings. One is nostalgia—and good or bad, it can send your mind in many directions. But the second is concern—concern that your possessions may not survive the trip to their next destination.

First and foremost, try to minimize the amount of time you spend in memory lane. You will be much better off if you can save the reminiscing for the unpacking phase of moving. Then, combine hiring professional movers with setting aside the most valuable and irreplaceable belongings. Professional movers will know how to pack your belongings better than anyone—and it will likely save you quite a bit of stress and hassle. But be careful to separate the most valuable and precious. You’re better off transporting those items by hand. No matter how great your movers are or how extensive your insurance is, keep the irreplaceable in your possession to ensure it arrives safely.