Moving stinks. Research consistently shows that moving is more stressful than divorce. I’m an expert. As someone who once moved six times in five years, I agree with this 100 percent. Studies report that moving is one of life’s most stressful events, with divorce or a break up coming in second. This is largely because of all the tiny details involved in moving to a new home.

Most movers probably intend to prepare for their big move entirely. They’ll obsessively address every minute detail in advance, put things in boxes, decide what to keep and what to toss, and finally, organize the actual move, which will allow the stress and anxiety that comes with finding a new home to set in. All are enough to make even the most organized person exhausted, if not just a little crazy. All those hectic activities, the planning, and careful coordinating may take a toll on a mover’s physical and mental well-being.

Under ideal conditions, moving preparation should start when the move becomes imminent. However, it’s not always the case or, in reality, even possible. People seem to underestimate the importance of timely and meticulous planning. As a result, an overwhelming, palpable moving stress tends to accumulate and invariably threatens to create further headaches. Whether movers realize it or not, moving a household is a time-consuming endeavor. With a little more organization, a lot of time and frazzled nerves can be saved. And without a doubt at some point, it will probably be realized.

When someone moves enough, they start to notice a familiar pattern to the process. The process begins with initial days of excitement. The mover gets excited about gathering packing supplies and moving boxes and gets psyched-up for a couple of days of hard work. Then the hard work starts. And the realization sets in that everything that was supposed to take ten minutes is taking thirty, and everything that was supposed to take an hour is taking five.

Finally, somehow, moving day finally arrives. It’s a long, sweaty day of heavy lifting and an occasional last minute glitch. At last, the mover sits back and finds a place to put their feet up in their new chaotic home and relaxes for a second. That’s when they look around at the stacks of boxes and realize how much is left to be done. In the meantime, life as usual – jobs, eating, kids, pets, etc. – continues to require attention, and the internet company just called to say they won’t be able to connect service for another week.

Is it any wonder that so many people find moving to be stressful?

Keller Williams The Trembley Group Real Estate doesn’t mean to paint a doom and gloom picture of moving , but it’s not too bad, and things seem to work out pretty well. Sometimes even better than expected. But it’s a fact of life that with moving comes to stress. And it’s better to know what to expect (and how to tackle it) than to be blindsided.

While most people agree that moving is stressful, there are ways to ensure you have a much less stressful move than you thought possible. There are lots of ways to reduce the stress of moving so that you can actually enjoy the moment. The mover can look forward to the change, know that this move can be a positive and rewarding experience, and see it as a chance to start over.

It’s a fact. Moving is overwhelming and stressful, but here are a few ways to make it a little less stressful and make it suck a just a little less.

Go slowly

Moving day is a big deal – we know you’ll want to get everything done as soon as possible, but it can be exhausting. Have realistic expectations on how much you want to get done – it’s unlikely you’re going to unpack your entire house by the first night!

Be sure to keep your moving day survival kit to hand, make sure you’ve got cold beverages, everything you need for teas and coffees, and snacks to keep your energy up. Be sure to stop (properly stop!) for lunch and dinner so that you don’t wear yourself out.

It will take time to fully unpack and get your new home looking the way you want it. So don't feel everything has to come together immediately. Take time to relax and unwind – enjoy a night in with a takeaway or go out with friends. Your life does not have to revolve around unpacking!

As long as your bed is ready by the end of moving day, the rest is up to you!

Take Time

Time is not always in your control. Sometimes a move sneaks up on us, forcing us to move at the last minute, and we have to act fast. If you can plan ahead, try to allow yourself at least eight weeks. We highly recommend 12, especially if you need to hire movers and/or if you're planning a summer move. But everything can be done without too much stress within eight weeks.

Remember, Stress is a Normal Part of Moving

Overcoming moving stress starts with acceptance. If the mover recognizes and accepts that there will likely be stress throughout the move, they'll be less likely to let it be a set-back when it happens. Think about other times when there's been stress that's was accepted and worked-through. Occasional anxiety is a part of life, and there have countless times worked through it, like school or your job. Stress is a natural human response to a demanding circumstance, but it isn't the end of the world. It can even be good for you. Take it for what it is and acknowledge the feeling when it happens, but don't let it deter you from the tasks at hand.

Allow Ample Time

One of the biggest sources of moving stress is time. Specifically, not having enough of it. A stress-free move is not possible, but it is easier to make it a whole lot easier by being sure enough time has been allotted to get everything done. Figure that about two days will be needed to pack a studio or one-bedroom apartment, three to four days for a two-bedroom home, five to six days for a three-bedroom home, etc. Be sure there's enough time for all the other details as well. Allow time for researching and selecting a moving company or rental truck, setting up utilities in the new home, and cleaning the home that's being left. The more that's left to the last minute, the more frantic the mover inevitably feels.

Start Small

There's a quote attributed to Confucius that says, "The man who moves mountains begins by carrying away small stones." If a mover tackles the little things first, they'll notice that a lot of little things soon add up to big things. If a mover is feeling paralyzed by moving stress or doesn't know where to start, get something done. Pack up the kitchen junk-drawer or pack all the cookbooks into a box. Making progress, big or small, is essential for managing moving stress. So, worry less about how every single possession will get packed up, shipped halfway across the country, and unpacked and put away in a new space. And instead focus on just getting it done, one box at a time.

Stay Organized

Organization is key to making any move less stressful. This applies to every facet of a move, from sorting and labeling boxes in a way that will make them easy to unpack, to keeping all of the documents you might need - the contract with your movers, the new lease or the closing documents, all the critical new phone numbers, etc. - in one, easy to locate place. If organization is made a high priority from the onset, the mover will set himself up for fewer headaches and a smoother overall move.

Hire Professional Movers

If the budget allows, nothing will relieve the stress of moving more than sharing some of the major tasks with a professional moving company. The moving company will handle the heavy lifting on moving day, but the movers can also help pack up delicate things and safely wrap up and transport hard to pack items like lamps and art. There will be a lot less work on the mover’s end - and a lot less stress as a result. The mover only needs to be sure that their moving company has a proven reputation for reliable and trustworthy service and comes highly recommended, otherwise they might create more stress than they save.

Ask For Help

There's nothing wrong with asking for support when it's needed. When feeling stress during a move, ask a friend or family member for a little help - or some company while packing/unpacking. A small company, or even an extra set of hands, can significantly minimize the stress of moving, and having a friend around is a great distraction from what might be an otherwise overwhelming task. If possible, plan ahead and ask for help in advance so that whoever you asked can try to accommodate. And always be sure to show gratitude for any help you receive and return the favor, if and when the time comes.

Get Some Sleep

When there’s a lot to get done, it’s easy to “run on nerve” and put sleep on the back burner. But the less rest a mover receives, the more likely they’ll be to feel overcome by the stress of the move. Make sleep a high priority during your move, and try to get a full night’s rest as often as possible. Moving can be exhausting, both physically and mentally, and without enough sleep, the mover is going to find themselves running on empty very quickly. Recharge the batteries every night. Movers will notice they’re more efficient and a whole lot less stressed.

Life can be stressful, and moving is no exception. Accept the experience for what it is, and make sure you’re taking care of yourself during the process. And when it’s all over, consider treating yourself to a de-stressor-like a massage or a nice evening out. You’ll certainly have earned it. Now read Reducing Moving Stress – Part 2 for some specific tips from some of the Keller Williams The Trembley Group Real Estate Professionals.

Need help? Call Keller Williams The Trembley Group at 843.945.1880 ext. 1 and we’ll help you look for the perfect listing or buyers agent!

At Keller Williams The Trembley Group, we pride ourselves on being the experts at more than just selling real estate. We are local residents, some of us have been here for a lifetime. The rest of us will be here until the end of time. We love living, working, and playing in the diverse backyard of Coastal Carolina, and look forward to helping you live and love your dreams soon too. Please reach out to us by phone or email for personalized service and one-on-one advice. 

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