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Moving is a major life event, and like other major life events, it can bring on a wave of anxiety, even when the move is a happy one. The full job of moving takes up a list of sub-tasks in itself, and all that work can feel draining, on top of the stress of moving and making all the arrangements for that shift in a life. The anxiety can lead to boxes piling up, dates creeping closer, and small tasks seeming to multiply overnight. 

The good news is that you can do something about this stress. Like any other stressor, there are steps you can take to address your stress and maintain control over your situation. It also helps to remember that the stress of moving is very often a sign of too many loose ends, not a sign that something is wrong. With a few simple habits, you can keep your mind clear and your plans on track. Here are seven tips to help make your move flow more easily and keep yourself centered.

1. Start Planning Early

Time is one of the best tools you have for keeping stress low during a move, and it therefore pays to make the most of your time to avoid stressing out. Start planning as soon as you know your moving date; this lets you spread out your tasks over several weeks instead of cramming all that work into a few days. A rushed move leaves little room for fixing mistakes or dealing with surprises, which only adds to the pressure. Giving yourself extra time means you can handle each step at a calm and steady pace that’s more beneficial to your mental health overall.

2. Hire Movers You Can Trust

One of the most useful skills anyone can pick up is knowing how to delegate to the most qualified. In a move, trying to move everything on your own can drain your energy and your patience. But with the help of experienced Oshawa movers, you can trust them with the heavy lifting, loading, and transport, giving you the space to focus on settling into your new home. Before you book, ask about their services, insurance coverage, and availability, so you know exactly what to expect on moving day.

3. Make a Moving Checklist

One easy way to make a big task seem more manageable is to break it up. A series of smaller tasks turns what seems an insurmountable difficulty into a process you can work on a bit at a time. For a move, that means writing a checklist of tasks to accomplish day by day and week by week. List every task, from booking movers and changing your address to cancelling utilities and packing each room. Crossing off tasks as you finish them gives you a sense of progress and keeps you from lying awake wondering if you’ve forgotten something. Keep the list somewhere easy to find, such as your phone or the fridge door so you can find it, reference it, and cross off tasks easily. 

4. Declutter Before You Pack

The less you bring with you to your new home, the less you have to pack, carry, and unpack. Go through each room and triage your items. Sort everything into clearly defined groups to either keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Start with spaces you rarely use like the basement or garage, then work your way to more populated areas of the house. Letting go of what you no longer need is also a way to give yourself a fresh start in your new place. It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with those items that are best left out of a moving truck to avoid taking them with you. These are often dangerous or perishable items, and as such are not suitable for smooth and hassle-free transportation.

5. Pack One Room at a Time

Part of breaking up a major task is taking care of one task at a time. In contrast, packing the whole house at once can leave you surrounded by half-filled boxes and chaos. Focus on one room at a time and finish it before moving to the next; taking the methodical approach like this helps you stay in control. Label every box with its contents and the room it belongs in, so unpacking goes much faster later. Set aside a separate box of essentials, such as toiletries, chargers, medicine, and a change of clothes, for your first night.

6. Plan Ahead for a Long-Distance Move

Moving across long distances brings extra details, from travel plans to the timing of your belongings’ arrival. In that case, it pays to work with a moving service experienced at handling such distances to lend you a helping hand tackling those challenges. If you are heading west, for example, working with long-distance movers in Calgary who are familiar with the route and the region can make the trip far less stressful. Confirm your pickup and delivery windows early, and plan where you will stay if your items arrive a few days after you do.

7. Take Care of Yourself

Moving is a bit of work, and it can be easy to skip meals, lose sleep, and forget to rest when you have all those tasks that need doing. Your body and mind need fuel to handle the extra workload, so eating regular meals, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a normal sleep routine are critical to refreshing yourself at the end of every day. It also helps to take short breaks, like a walk around the block or a few quiet minutes with a cup of tea, to help yourself reset. While you’re at it, you don’t have to tackle all the work yourself; ask friends or family to lend a hand with small jobs to spread the work out evenly and avoid any one person burning out.

A move doesn’t have to take over your life or affect your peace of mind. With the help of these tips, you can keep stress in check and make the process of preparing to move to your new home go more smoothly and put less strain on your mental health. Take each step one at a time, and soon you can enjoy your new home.

Make Your Move Stress-Free with E&V Moving Solutions

Ready to make your move calm and simple? E&V Moving Solutions offers local, long-distance, and international moving services across Canada. Our team handles the details of your move so you can relax as you prepare to settle into your new home. Call us at 1-888-380-8025 (for Ontario) or (587) 470-2308 (for Alberta) to book your move today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Early Should You Start Planning a Move?

Start as soon as you know your moving date, even if it’s happening months later (the earlier you prepare, the better). Planning early lets you spread tasks over several weeks, book help ahead of time, and avoid any last-minute rushing that can contribute to stress.

2. What Should You Pack in an Essentials Box?

Pack the items you’ll need for your first night and next morning, assuming you won’t be able to settle into the house right away. The essentials include toiletries, medicine, phone chargers, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, bedding, and important documents.

3. How Can You Reduce Stress on Moving Day?

Keep your checklist close, wake up early, and eat a proper breakfast. Have your essentials box set aside, keep children and pets in a safe space, and confirm details with your movers beforehand.

4. Is It Worth Decluttering Before a Move?

Yes, as on the whole fewer belongings mean less packing, less to carry, and less to unpack. Decluttering also helps you start fresh, so your new home feels organized from the first day.

5. How Do You Settle In Faster After Moving?

Unpack the bedroom and kitchen first so you can sleep and eat comfortably. Then work through the remaining rooms one at a time, and take short walks to get to know your new neighbourhood.