Relocating can be an exciting time if you are finally moving into your dream home. However, some situations that call for relocation may not be so positive. The reasons behind a move may or may not be the source of stress, but packing up your life from one place and restarting elsewhere can be taxing. Fortunately, there are some strategies that you can utilise to manage stress when relocating that stems from the relocation process. Some of these are listed below along with tactical points on how and why you should implement each one.
Allowing Sufficient Time
If you allocate very little time for the moving process, and as a result, your schedule is jam-packed, you are more likely to be stressed. The rush to complete the move in time can lead to mistakes, safety being compromised, and accidents. It might even lead to an unnecessary delay in case something goes wrong somewhere.
To ensure a smooth transition, allow yourself ample time to relocate. You need this time to plan, organise and execute your move seamlessly. Allow yourself a time cushion for each block of tasks.
Before the actual moving process, you might need to collect boxes for packing your belongings. If you are hiring professional movers, you might require time to research and compare quotes from different companies. Take your time and find the best deals and services. There are quite a few tasks to be completed BEFORE you start the real moving.
Packing is also a time-consuming process. You need to ensure that you have sufficient time to sort through your belongings, clear out the clutter, and pack the fragile and bulky items properly.
Having a Plan
While relocating, you have to accomplish a multitude of small but crucial tasks. To eliminate the possibility of forgetting or missing something important, start with a plan. A plan will make the process of relocation more manageable and less overwhelming.
While drawing up the plan, ensure that it offers some flexibility. A rigid plan that is difficult to execute can be the cause of stress too. Make sure that you have made a proper note of the move-in and move-out dates. If you get these dates wrong, even the best of plans won’t be of much use. Even if you have to hold on to the two places by paying rent for both for a few days to a month, it is worthwhile if doing this helps reduce the stress.
Make a checklist of all the things you need to do before and during the move. Mark the dates against the tasks and prioritise the tasks as required.
Even the packing part should be planned in detail. You can always check if you are on track as per the plan and manage your time accordingly. Make adjustments to the plan if necessary.
Staying organised
It is essential to stay well organised during the relocation. If you’ve already devised a good plan, it will be easier to conduct the whole process in a systematic manner.
Use boxes that are neither too small nor too big (except in cases where larger or smaller ones are necessary). If you use small boxes you might require too many and moving them will become tiring. On the other hand, large boxes can be cumbersome, and navigating small spaces with them can be difficult. A storage unit may help you manage your belongings better for the time being.
Label your boxes according to rooms and pack your belongings accordingly. You should assign each box a number or code. Prepare a categorised list of all your belongings and denote the number or code of the box in which you’ve packed the items. This will make it easier to unpack in your new place.
Taking Help
Take the help of family and friends or professionals for the move. You cannot and should not do everything by yourself. Friends and family can help you stick to the moving schedule and even find you home accommodation until everything is settled. Enlisting the help of the people close to you can make you more relaxed and the moving process may even be a fun and memorable experience.
When you delegate tasks to people, you should be very clear about whose responsibility it is to complete each specific task. If you are not diligent about this part, some important tasks might get skipped due to confusion. Overlapping responsibilities might also waste time.
A reputable moving company can make the relocation a breeze. They will provide packing materials, systematically pack your belongings and transport the boxes to your new location. You can avail of their expertise, experience, and efficiency in the field. Hiring movers may take most of the stress off your shoulders.
Taking Breaks
Even if the reason behind a move is positive, it does entail leaving behind familiarity, beloved people, and surroundings. It might mean starting over from scratch. You need to assess your emotional response and mental well-being from time to time. Deal with your emotions tactfully and avoid stifling them.
Pay attention to your diet and exercise even when you are right in the midst of relocating. Your good habits can be your constant when you feel like everything else is changing. Getting sufficient sleep is also effective in keeping stress at bay.
Take breaks when you get overwhelmed. For some time, shift your attention away from the tasks. Practise some yoga and meditation for a few minutes each day. Playing a game like online solitaire can also help bring down your stress levels. Indulge in a little self-care.
Go out to eat with your friends (the ones you might be leaving behind soon as you move to your new place) or visit the places you’ve loved. Get yourself the closure that you need.
Final Words
Relocating, while a big move (unintentional pun) need not be disconcerting and stressful. Try to look at the bright side of things and envision your new home. Think of all the new opportunities that you will have and the new people you will get to know. You can manage stress when relocating. Think of this relocation as the start of a new and magnificent journey.