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Stress-Free Moving Tips

Moving is considered one of the most stressful life events that a person or family may go through. Packing up a home full of belongings and moving them across town or across the country is a challenge, but starting the process early, setting a budget and hiring good movers can make the process run more smoothly. With a solid plan to follow, some of the stress of moving can be replaced with excitement about starting over in a new location.

  1. Get Organized

    • Experts recommend planning the move as far in advance as possible. This allows you to dispose of items you no longer want and to start packing some items that you don't need on a daily basis, like books or out-of-season clothing. Label all boxes with their contents and the room location, so you will know where to put them in your new home. If possible, set up your new home with drinks and snacks in advance of the move so that you don't have to worry about being hungry during the unpacking process.

    Hiring Movers

    • The American Moving and Storage Association recommends getting at least three estimates from movers. To avoid sticker shock, ask the movers to come to your home before giving the estimate, so they'll know the amount of furniture to be moved and other important factors to contend with, such as stairs or elevators. The association also says to consider handling valuable items like important papers or photographs yourself, to avoid any concerns that they'll be lost or stolen.

    The Day of the Move

    • Get a good night's sleep before moving day. And though you may be tempted to move as quickly as possible, start early enough that you don't have to rush. Good Housekeeping suggests that if you're disassembling furniture on the day of the move, keep the hardware like screws and bolts safely with you. Doing so will eliminate a stressful search for those parts once you arrive at your new home. Also, set aside a change of clothes, medications, toiletries and similar items to move yourself, so you won't have to dig through boxes to find them at your new location.

    Working Through the Emotions

    • Staying organized is important for the move itself, but the process can pose some emotional challenges, particularly for children who may be leaving behind friends and familiar places. The stress of moving may cause sleep disruptions or a drop in grades. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry recommends getting your children involved in activities in their new home so they can meet new people. Also, allow children to stay in touch with their old friends through phone calls or email.

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