Moving to a new house can be stressful, regardless of whether you are relocating on your own or with your family in tow, moving across town or halfway around the world. Whatever your age, and if it is your first move or your 20th, there are several aspects of the whole process of moving that are certain to affect you.
How a Move Can Impact Your Life
- Some people exhibit signs of exhaustion after weeks of packing, lifting and transporting items. There are people who lose sleep or feel overwhelmed by all the planning and preparation involved. Then there are those who become depressed and upset with the move itself.
- Kids are the ones most affected by the move. Homes are seen as places of safety and security, and by moving to a new location, some kids can end up feeling lost.
- More introverted individuals may feel the same way that children do as they can have some difficulty establishing new connections and relationships. This carries over to adulthood; adults who have moved frequently as kids, tend to have fewer lasting relationships.
- The stress is not limited to the people who move, either. A child whose friend moves away might also begin to feel anxious, upset and left behind, among others.
Fortunately, there are ways to make the move less stressful. Here’s what you can do to protect your sanity (as well as your family’s) when you are planning to move to a new home.
1. Hire a mover or removalist
Hire the best removalists in your location to help you pack and move your belongings. This may cost you more than doing the packing and moving yourself, but it is sure to equate to less stress on your part.
With an experienced removalist to help you out, you won’t have to physically strain yourself with packing, lifting, moving and unpacking boxes. This gives you more time to spend with your family. You can also focus more on other aspects of the move. Make sure to look around and get a few moving quotes before committing to a move.
2. Change your way of thinking
Instead of thinking that you are leaving your loved ones behind, think of your move as a way of moving forward to the next phase of your life. Look forward to the move instead of dreading it.
Think of what you can expect to do or have when you move into your new home. By taking in a more positive outlook, you can reduce the amount of stress associated with the relocation. Your optimism can also influence the way your partner, kids and loved ones see the upcoming move.
3. Explore the new place
Before moving, try to learn as much as you can about the new environment you will be moving to. If you are moving with your partner and kids, take them along for the ride. This way, you and the entire family can see and explore the new area together.
By visiting the destination, you can share your ideas and make plans with your family. Show your partner where the shops are, introduce the kids to their new school or show them the park.
Exploring the new area beforehand helps the kids understand what is going on and what to expect. Keep in mind that this may only be effective if you are moving to a new place nearby. For international relocations, the exploration trip may have to wait until you have settled into your new home.
4. Stick to your routine
Aim to avoid making any drastic changes while you are still staying in your old home so as to keep your routines smooth and conflict-free. Retain your current lifestyle for as long as you can.
Do the things you enjoy doing or visit your usual haunts. Watch a movie or order food from your favorite restaurant. Do what makes you and your family happy so everyone can stay positive about the upcoming move.
5. Maintain relationships
Technology has made it easier to keep in touch with friends and family. Mobile phones allow you to make calls or send texts. What’s more, the Internet makes it possible for anyone to regularly send their loved ones updates even when they are living in another part of the globe.
This is especially important for children. With social media and the use of other apps, kids and teenagers can stay in close communication with their buds.
Stress can manifest in many different ways during the relocation process. By following these suggestions, you can make the move less stressful for yourself and your loved ones and look forward to the new chapter in your lives.
Robert Wise, Sales Administration Manager at Nuss Removals, has been a respected figure in the removals industry for over 20 years. His attention to detail and the ability to truly understand the needs of the customer have ensured the successful relocation of thousands of satisfied individuals and families.