When it comes to moving, long-distance moves can be incredibly daunting. You have to worry about getting all your belongings from Point A to Point B (often across states), whether or not everything will fit in the truck, and what to do with all your belongings while you’re in transit. Not to mention the fact that you’ll be living in a brand new place, surrounded by strangers.
It’s no wonder so many people find long-distance moves incredibly stressful. But don’t worry – we’ve got some coping tips for you! Check out our list below – it will have you feeling better about your upcoming move in a heartbeat.
1. Stay Organized
When you are preparing for a long-distance move, it staying organized is crucial for having peace of mind.
First and foremost, you need to list everything that needs to be done to make a move successful. This may include packing, arranging for long distance moving services, notifying your work supervisor and other important people/companies of your new address, and changing it in your official documents.The best way to get on top of everything is to make a to-do list and check things off as you go. This will help ensure that nothing gets overlooked or forgotten and that you are calm and prepared for the big day.
Another way to stay organized is to label all of your boxes. This will make it easier to find things once you arrive at your new home. You can either label them by room or by their contents. For example, you could label a box “kitchen” or “books.” This will make unpacking less stressful and much easier.
2. Be Positive
Focus on all the positive aspects of your move. For example, you may be really excited about living in a new city or being closer to family and friends. Think about all of the new experiences you will have in your new home.
Try not to dwell on the negative aspects of the move, as this is anything but productive, and can only make the process more stressful. If you feel overwhelmed, take a deep breath and think of all the benefits you’ll reap once you settle into your new life.
3. Ask for Support from Loved Ones
Your family and friends can be a great source of encouragement during this stressful time. Not only can they help you with packing and moving but also support you emotionally and help you adjust to the new chapter of your life.
If you are feeling stressed nd under pressure, open up and talk to your loved ones about it. They may be able to offer helpful advice or simply time and consideration to listen to you and your worries. Sometimes, just talking about your fears can make them feel more manageable.
4. Take Breaks
Don’t try to do everything in one breath – it will only lead to burnout. Take as many breaks as you need throughout the day and give yourself enough time to relax. Organizing a long-distance move is a demanding and long-term process, so taking care of yourself is crucial.
Schedule some fun activities from time to time to take your mind off the move. You could go for walks, read your favorite book, or spend time with your loved ones.
5. Use This Opportunity to Sort Out Your Life
Moving to a new place can be a liberating experience and actually help reduce your stress levels. After all, the fewer things you have to move, the easier it will be! Maybe you’ve been planning to do that big furniture refresh, or deep closet declutter anyway. Why not use this opportunity to sort through your things and eliminate anything you don’t need or want anymore?
It can be helpful to think of this as a fresh start, plus it will take a lot of weight off your chest. Look at it as your chance to get rid of anything that is holding you back – only keep the things that make you happy and that you will use in your new home.
6. Get Excited About Your New Life
Do some research about the new city or town you’re moving to. Read about all the beautiful places you’ll get to visit and fun things you’ll be able to do. It will surely help you get less anxious and more excited about your move, which will make the transition easier.
It can also be helpful to look for any social events or meetups stirring up in your new area. Attending some can help you make friends in your new surroundings and feel more connected to the community.
7. Focus on Taking Care of Yourself
Moving to a new place is stressful enough, so focusing on taking care of yourself is essential. Try to eat healthy, hydrate, exercise, and get plenty of sleep – it will help boost your mood and energy levels.
It is also important to give yourself time to adjust to the change. Getting used to living in a new place and perhaps even a new time zone can take some time. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time and some TLC to settle in.
8. Stay in Touch With Your Current Friends
This might be weighing heavily on your chest. But, just because you are moving away doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to your current friends forever. With today’s technology, it’s keeping in touch with people is a piece of cake.
There are numerous ways to stay in touch with friends and family – you can video call, text, email, or even send old-fashioned letters. Remember that, if you ever feel homesick, you can always instantly reach out to your friends and family for support. Maintaining strong relationships is a healthy way to cope with stress and can help you feel more connected and grounded during this transformational time.
9. Prepare for the Unexpected
No matter how hard we try, unfortunately, things don’t always go as planned. There may be delays, traffic, or weather problems on the day of your move you’ll have to tackle. Try to prepare yourself for such hassles in advance and stay calm and flexible if things don’t go as expected.
It can also be helpful to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong. For example, you may want to pack a bag with essential items like clothes, toiletries, and medications so that, if any problems with your move occur, you’ll still have all the necessities to rely on.
Moving Long Distance Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful: Make it an Experience to Remember
Long-distance moves can be overwhelming and cause a great deal of stress. However, by using the coping tips we’ve provided, you can make the process a lot easier on yourself.
Stay in touch with your loved ones, take breaks, and try to get excited about your new home. Most importantly, focus on taking care of yourself during this time. By doing so, you will reduce your stress levels and make the big day a breeze.
In the end, you may even realize that your old home was making you much more nervous than you thought and that the move was the best thing that ever happened to you. So, don’t forget to feel good about yourself once everything is done!
