Getting Real About Real Estate

Dealing with the stress of moving house

Moving to a new home can be exciting and full of new possibilities, but it's also a stressful, often difficult process. The pressure and uncertainty of a house move can be hard to deal with, especially when added to all the other stressors in our lives. However, there are a few things you can do to make your move a little less stressful:

Start early

Uncertainty and time pressure are two of the main factors that make moving house stressful. To reduce both, create a plan for your move and start working on it well in advance. Decide which parts of your house you can safely pack and get started on them before you pack the clothes, dishes and other things you use every day. Books and out-of-season clothes are good places to start packing. The simple act of packing up a few boxes whenever you get a moment will give you the sense of progress you need to deter moving anxiety. 

Get help

Nothing helps reduce the stress of a move like teamwork. For smaller moves, friends and family may suffice; for larger house removals, you'll want to enlist the help of a professional removals firm. Professional movers have the equipment and expertise necessary to deal with large and long-distance removals, but even for simple local removals, they can take a lot of the stress and uncertainty out of the process. Compare prices and services before making your choice, but start as early as you can to get the best range of available dates and prices. 

Take time

The busy days of packing before your move -- and the day of the move itself -- can seem so crowded with activities that there's no time to pause and reflect. However, it's at times like these that pausing to take time for yourself can be the most important. Be sure to set aside a few minutes periodically to do the things that relax you: do some breathing exercises, have a cup of tea or just sit quietly. The time you spend looking after yourself now will make you calmer and more efficient during the move itself. 

Keep your eye on the goal 

Even if you do panic a little during your house move, don't feel too bad. A certain amount of stress and anxiety is unavoidable during this busy time. The important thing is to focus on the outcome and remember that although the process is stressful, it will soon be over and you'll be happily settling into your new home. 


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