How To Deal With Moving Stress
Moving is a stressful event, according to research. It can be stressful to have to do all the moving chores: packing, moving your belongings, cleaning, and paying for any related expenses. In addition, moving can be stressful because of other life changes, such as changing your living arrangements.
On the Holmes and Rahe stress inventory scale, a change in your living conditions is ranked 28th. Based on how many events you are experiencing, the stress inventory assigns life events a stress value and calculates your stress level. According to the stress inventory, moving is not the most stressful event in your life. However, many other events that are considered more stressful include the death of a spouse or marital separation or divorce, and the birth or death of a child. Therefore, combining moving with other life events can make it extremely stressful.
Why Is It So Stressful To Move?
Moving is not just about moving day. Moving day is just one of many complex decisions that must be made over several weeks. Every decision can create stress that may not be easily managed once you have settled into your new home.
These are reasons to be anxious about moving.
Coordinating A Move Date
You must find a new place to live before you sell your home. You are balancing a flexible lease and a competitive housing market, as well as a long closing process. The application process to rent a unit may begin as soon as your lease expires.
According to the survey, 58% of sellers claimed that not knowing when the house would sell was stressful. This is the highest stressor among all the sellers. The same holds true for renters. 60% said that finding a place within their timeline was the most stressful aspect of moving.
Packing On A Deadline
Packing can take several weeks as if the search for a home was not time-consuming enough. It is best to go through all your belongings and purge or donate any that aren't needed. Then organize your keepers. It's not an easy task.
Budgeting Expenses
Professional movers are paid an average of $475 by Research sellers for local moves. Minimizing your belongings can help you save money. Moving trucks, moving pods and professional movers are expensive. Moving distance and fuel costs are added.
Feeling Displaced
You might also have a routine that you use to relax at home during times of stress. You might meditate in your living room or read a book in your favorite seat. Unfortunately, your home base will be dismantled during a move. All your familiar comforts and routines are packed. You may also be anxious about your future routines, friends, and community. You will have to give up everything you know and love about your life.
How To Deal With Moving
You can rely on the stress-coping strategies that you have developed to help you prepare for your move. It can be overwhelming to think of all the tasks that must be done. However, it is worth taking a few extra hours to plan your move and to organize your time, so you don't feel overwhelmed.
Here are some tips to help you manage the stressors that can arise from a major move.
Create A To-Do List
One common way to reduce stress is to take control of your life and organize. To make a move successful, you will need to create a list. This list is a good starting point for putting together the whole picture:
Send Your Address:
Start with the post office, then your loan servicers and credit card companies, and finally your health and car insurance providers.
Install Electricity:
It may take several days before electrical service can start.
Installing Wifi And Cable:
You may need to schedule an appointment to have a technician come to your house.
Install Water/Sewer/Garbage:
Have this in place before you arrive.
Collect Packing Materials:
Buy more boxes than you think are necessary and ask your neighbors or local exchanges for boxes.
Cancel Current Utilities:
These are likely monthly bills, and you can plan to cut them off.
Cancel And Update Your Services:
Update or cancel temporarily if you have an Amazon or food delivery subscription.
Make A Timeline
Once you have a list of things to do, map them out on a calendar. Are you able to pack the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom on Saturday? To avoid overloading at the end, be realistic. Start small if you feel overwhelmed. For example, you were checking the drivetime between properties in your GPS or packing up one cabinet. Do not procrastinate. Take some time off from work to make it possible to pack effectively.
Take Care When Packing
You'll be able to pack less and unpack much easier in your new home. You can label everything that you pack according to room or purpose. You can have your boxes moved by movers if you hire them. Take photos of all your electronics as you pack them and place all screws and pieces for wall mounts and furniture in separate bags.
You'll need a plate, water glass, and utensils for moving day. In addition, a change of clothes, sheets, toothbrush, towel, and set of sheets are all essential. You can reserve a few boxes with clear labels to meet your immediate needs.
Make A Budget
Make a budget for each month if money is a stressor. For example, are you able to afford to eat out when your kitchen is packed up? Are you able to afford moving assistance? Are you able to hold a garage sale for the items that you are giving away?
Hire Movers
Hire movers as soon as possible but no later than four weeks before your move in the summer months. If you don't have the budget to hire movers, ask friends for their help before their schedules get full. No matter who's helping, be mindful of your time frame to make sure you have everything packed and ready for your help. It can be very stressful to pack and direct movers.
Explore The New Area
You're probably not moving far from home. According to the Consumer Housing Trends Report 2020, 36% of homebuyers moved within the same area (or to another neighborhood) in a short distance move. Only 14% of those surveyed were planning to move to another state. You might feel a little scared about moving. You can also look at maps and drive around the neighborhood. You can pick a grocery store that you know you will use. If you commute, check out the transit center. Consider bringing your dog to a park. You can also plan to visit the local farmer's market. To make the relocation easier, establish routine activities.
Keep Positive
Turn on some upbeat music if you feel pessimistic. This will help you get motivated to pack if you are feeling down. You can also stream comedians that make you laugh. For a boost, have a cup or two of tea or coffee. Instead of negative self-talk, create a positive mantra that you can focus on and then repeat it. For example, "I'm excited to start a new chapter in my personal life."
Self-Care Is Possible By Taking A Break
Take a step back if you feel angry or overwhelmed by the emotional stress that comes with moving. You may need fuel. Get out of the house and eat. Then, you can take a break or go to bed earlier. Get reenergized tomorrow.
