Relocating With Grace: How to Move Without (Totally) Losing Your Mind

Moving can be one of the most stressful and overwhelming tasks one can tackle. From the packing process, to loading and unloading everything to a new location, the moving process is often filled with uncertainties that can be overwhelming. However, it doesn’t have to be all daunting, as there are several ways to get through it gracefully. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to help you move without totally losing your mind.

Drop the “shoulds”

It’s essential to consider our mental and emotional state during such a busy and demanding process. We shouldn’t burden ourselves with too many expectations, as it can further add to the stress. This means recognizing when to prioritize ourselves over our goals. While keeping a tidy and healthy diet is essential, it’s also important to recognize what we can genuinely accomplish during this stressful time. The key here is to be kind to ourselves and avoid guilting ourselves for not being able to accomplish everything perfectly. Remember, moving is not always a sprint, but a marathon.

Don’t be afraid to stray from your routine

If you have a routine you follow every day, it’s crucial to know that it isn’t written in stone. Changing is okay, especially when moving is involved. Your routine is there to help aid your daily life and maintain your mental and physical well-being. However, during the move, the routine can be a hindrance, and it’s okay to loosen the grip for a few weeks. Allowing yourself to loosen the schedule can undoubtedly come in handy.

Don’t expect it to be stress-free

Stress is inevitable when moving, and this is okay. Being prepared and accepting it doesn’t negate the presence of stress; it can lower our levels of frustration as we go through the process. Stress may arise and even though we may not be able to avoid it completely, we can learn to manage it. Taking a hot bath, venting to someone, or taking a nap can help to bring a level of calmness during this process.

Accept the uncertainty

Uncertainty is an unwelcome companion during moving. We are likely to be facing a lot of unknown situations and may not have everything under control. Therefore, it is crucial to accept the unpredictability. There is no reason to stress ourselves over things we can’t predict or control yet. It’s also a time to learn to embrace change and accept that our new home may not be the same as our previous one.

Ask for help

Don’t try to do everything yourself. Moving entails a lot of work and effort, and it’s unreasonable to handle all of it independently. Reach out to family and friends, or if possible, hire professional movers. Letting others take care of the heavy lifting will help alleviate some of the burdens and reduce the stress that comes with it.

De-junk as you go (and when you think you’re done, de-junk some more)

When it comes to decluttering, we often hold on to things that we no longer need, which can add to our stress during a move. We might be faced with the temptation to hold on to some things. However, it’s important to check through our belongings regularly and let go of the items we don’t use or no longer need. Along the way, we might realize some things may need to be reconsidered and removed as well.

Keep healthy snacks around

Being surrounded by junk food might seem like such a tiny thing, but it can significantly affect our physical health and energy levels during the moving process. Packing healthy snacks while on the move or having fresh fruits and nuts readily available can keep us energized and focused.

De-junk more

It’s important to note that decluttering isn’t a one-time event, and we often overlook items we need to part with. Taking a second look at belongings we thought we could keep, but can let go of, and organizing our possessions can help ease the moving process. Recognize that the fewer things we have to unpack, the better.

Final Thoughts

Moving is never an easy feat, but with the proper preparation and mindset, it can be done gracefully. Recognize that shifting can be overwhelming, but we can ease the process by impacting our actions positively. By implementing essential strategies like dropping “shoulds” and accepting the uncertainty and stress that comes with moving, we can set ourselves up for a smoother transition. So keep these tips in mind for your next move and trust the process.