Since relocations take time, moving stress comes in waves, and it often feels like you’re about to drown in the sea of clothes to pack and anxious thoughts. But don’t worry, we come to the rescue with some life-saving tips that will help you fight it and stay on top of the task.
Even though many assume that local relocations are easier than, for example, international moves, things can get complicated very quickly, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself stressing about your move down the street. The thing is, people usually prefer to be in control of everything, and even the slightest sign that something might go downhill can trigger us to start worrying and thinking about worst-case scenarios. Luckily, there are a few ways to manage it and don’t let it take over you.
What Are the 3 Most Stressful Things in Life and Why Is Relocating to a New Home One of Them?
For many, it is not a surprise that relocations are in the top three stressful events, right after the divorce and the death of a loved one. Although relocations are usually a positive change since many move for a better job, to a bigger home, or when they plan to extend their family, it rarely goes without a bit of stress. If you’re worried about the stress of moving, you can always let Philadelphia movers handle some of the most demanding tasks from your moving to-do list. That way, you won’t have to worry about items movers won’t move or most commonly forgotten things to pack.
Why Is Moving So Stressful?
Relocations are not necessarily stressful, people make them like that, but that is because we can’t always handle so many changes and important tasks we need to do at once. On average, Americans move 11.7 times in their lifetime, which is a lot, but it is still not exactly something that people do every year or regularly. Humans are creatures of habit, so after settling down in one place, not many are willing to leave it so soon.
Just think about it, you’re not just changing your home, but your street, neighborhood, and it often has a big impact on your budget, and there are always some unpredictable costs to add to your expenses checklist, so it is no wonder that many find this period very challenging. Here are the most common stressors and reasons you feel so worried:
- The clock is ticking, and you always feel like you’re running out of time,
- You keep spending money on some unpredictable expenses,
- You’re trying to do everything alone, without professional movers in Philadelphia, PA,
- There are too many changes going on at once, especially if you’re changing your job too.
7 Things That Can Help You Cope With Moving Stress
You can’t really move efficiently if you’re stressed all the time, but there are some tips that can help you. In a way, we can even consider them for relocation hacks because some of them are so beneficial and can improve the overall experience. Make sure to try them on time before your going away party. You don’t want to be a party breaker at your own party.
1. Having a Positive Mindset Will Help You Say Goodbye to Moving Stress
This totally sounds like one of those things that are easier said than done, but it really works. You should try to focus on the positive aspects of your relocation, even if you’re currently facing some obstacles. Having a positive attitude will keep you motivated to move forward and find a way to overcome all difficulties. Write down your goals, everything that is going to be better after this relocation, whether it is a prettier new home, a better salary, or you trying to live alone for the first time.
2. Maintain Your Sleep Routine and Try to Eat Regularly
Sleep is much more important than we can imagine. It allows our brain and body to regenerate, boosts our immune system, and helps us see the situation more clearly. You know how they say, the morning is wiser than the evening, especially when making some important decisions, like trying to choose the best of moving companies in Philadelphia. Events such as relocations can so easily disrupt your routine and healthy habits, which can then hinder your ability to think rationally and affect your mood. During those hectic times, just try to eat and sleep regularly, and don’t let this make you neglect your health because it can all have a domino effect and increase your stress level, even more, make you forgetful and force you to make more mistakes than you usually would.
3. Have Somebody to Lean on
Even if you’re relocating alone, you don’t have to go through this all by yourself. Talk regularly to your friends and family, ask them for advice on how to pack books, or ask them to come over and pack dishes together or whatever. Talk with someone about your concerns and problems. It will be easier to let it all out, and you might get a fresh perspective and a solution to your problem from someone who has already been through it. Even if it doesn’t solve anything, just talking about it will immediately relieve a bit of your anxiety and make you feel better. It is like a therapy session. Only you don’t have to pay for it.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
As we mentioned above, it is important to stay in touch with your friends and family but also to ask them for help whenever you need it. Trying to do everything on your own is not always the most efficient way. It can be very time-consuming and troublesome, especially if you don’t plan on investing in professional packing assistance. Sure, you can pack plates, but you can’t really move a piano without someone, so don’t be shy to ask for help if you need someone to drive your belongings to storage or assist you with loading the truck.
5. Always Have a Plan B
Things don’t always go as planned, and if you have not realized that before, you’ll certainly realize it now, so try to have a back-up plan for everything you can. To do so and be able to come up with quick solutions, you need to do thorough research of everything, from West Philadelphia neighborhoods to all possible moving services in Philadelphia and companies offering them.
6. Treat Yourself Occasionally
Now it is not the time to be so harsh on yourself, so if a bowl of pasta and tons of carbs can give you temporary relief, then go for it. Buy that dress or shirt instead of waiting for sales. In times when many unpredictable negative events can affect your mood, combat them with some unpredictable positive surprises. Do something nice for yourself. Turn off your phone, take some ice cream and watch a movie, read a book, do anything that will ease your mind and clear your thoughts.
7. Do Your Best to Go With the Flow
So it turns out that your new apartment won’t be ready for you on the scheduled date and you’ll have to go to a hotel or back to your parents? Suddenly there’s no water, or you forgot to forward your mail? Constructors working on remodeling made a mistake? Yup, all these and many more can happen, and there is not much you can do about it. There are two ways out of these situations, to go home and cry or accept that it is what it is and try to find the easiest solution. Take a deep breath and embrace it because life goes on. The sooner you get over the fact that something is not going the way you want, the sooner you’ll be able to see a reasonable solution.
Don’t Forget About Your Family Members and Pets, Know They Can Feel Stressed Too
Whether you’re relocating with pets or kids, try not to forget about their feelings too. Teenagers are especially sensitive to changes that disrupt their routine, and having to move to another Philadelphia neighborhood, go to a new school, and meet new friends can be too overwhelming for them. Try to be understanding and be there for them. Point out the benefits of such a decision.
The same goes for pets. They can sense that something is going on, especially when their owner is constantly stressed and upset. Dedicate more affection to them during these days. It will also be beneficial for you to relax and have some fun while playing around with your pet.
Is Moving Stressful on a Relationship?
If you and your partner are about to move in together, this can be a serious challenge and a test for your relationship. Prepare that you probably won’t agree on many things, for example, which one of South Philadelphia neighborhoods is the best for you, or how to arrange furniture in your new home. It is all normal, but you both have to keep in mind the reason why you’re doing this and look forward to your future life together.
Learn How to Recognize Symptoms
It is essential that you notice when the situation is about to get out of control before you get too close to burnout. Know when to press the pause button and slow down a bit. Nothing is worth jeopardizing your health, physical and mental. Take a look at this video to get familiar with some of the most common signs that something is not right.
How Stressful Is It to Move Without the Help of One of the Best Philadelphia Moving Companies?
On a scale of 1 to 10, based on the previous experience of our clients, we would say probably around 8, but we’ll leave the final verdict to you. Getting the services of experienced movers in Philadelphia can certainly help you go through this much more smoothly because someone else will handle your residential relocation, and you won’t have to worry about a thing. We also understand that relocating a business is a different category since it requires a higher level of responsibility, which is why commercial relocation should be left to a professional Philadelphia Movers company. Contact us today if you’re ready to experience a stress-free local move.