There is no way around it, moving can be an incredibly a stressful and frustrating ordeal. But moving can be so many other things too. If you are relocating due to a job, think about all of the new opportunities that will be available for you, all the doors this new job could open for your future. There are new friends to be made, new coworkers to get to know, and a new city to explore.
How many of us have boxes in our basement or attic that we have never unpacked since we moved into a new place. Chances are if we haven’t used that stuff since we moved in, we don’t need to move it to the next place. Packing, a natural byproduct of moving, can be a time for minimizing, decluttering or downsizing. Take time to go through your things while packing, and decide whether you truly need it or not. You don’t have to go full Marie Kondo, but does anyone actually need that outfit-that-they-wore-that-one-time-to-go-to-their-ex’s-cousin’s-wedding-in-Portland? Probably not. It can help to make three piles, one for donations, one for trash, and one that you will pack and bring with you. If relocation is still causing you stress, try a few of these things to help make the process goa bit more smoothly.
1. Start packing as soon as you can.
You may not always have this option, but moving can be a completely different process based on the timeline alone.
2. Leave out the things that you need on a daily basis.
If you enjoy cooking, leave out your most helpful tools and beloved pan. That way you can still do something that you like to do, without having to unpack and repack continuously. Also, make sure not to pack important things, or pack them in an accessible place. You don’t want to realize the day before your move to Canada that your passport is buried deep in some box you packed weeks ago.
3. Don’t lash out at people who are trying to help.
Packing, moving and starting over in a new place is inherently stressful. If you are fortunate enough to have a friend or family member helping you, let them know that you appreciate them, and try not to take out your stress and frustration on them. They are there to help you.
4. Keep your eyes on the prize.
This one is often forgotten in the chaos of packing and moving. But you are on your way to a brand new place, with all types of new things and places to explore.
5. Leave yourself time to mourn.
Yes, moving towards a new and exciting adventure, but you are also quite possibly leaving things behind. Allow yourself time to say goodbye to friends or family. Take an hour or two away from packing to eat dinner at your favorite restaurant. Make sure you say goodbye to the things, people, and places that you are not going to be able to interact with in your new home.
If you can’t figure it out on your own, there are professionals (like us) to help guide you. You are still strong and valuable if you ask for help. Also check out our blog on uncertainty.
References:
Kershaw, S. (2010, February 26). The Psychology of Moving. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/realestate/28cov.html
Markway, B. (2017, March 29). Ten Simple Tips to Manage the Stress of Moving. Retrieved from
Richert, L. (2019, August 29). How to Minimize Stress During a Move. Retrieved from
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hygieias-workshop/201908/how-minimize-stress-during-move