Whether you’re considering moving away from the big city in favor of a quieter life or preparing to live with your partner for the first time, there’s no denying that moving house can be incredibly stressful.
For example, a recent study found that when moving home:
- 47% of individuals dealt with increased stress levels
- 41% of individuals experienced anxiety
- 31% of individuals experienced sleep deprivation
- 25% of individuals argued with their partner more frequently
While this is often considered part of the process of moving, it does not have to be. With that in mind, here are some tips that you can follow to make the process of moving to a new home as stress-free as possible.
Get your finances in order.
Whether you’re looking to rent or purchase your first home, you should ensure that you’re in a good position financially before kick-starting the process. After all, there are many costs associated with moving that you must take into consideration, from realtor fees to hiring a moving van or team. If you’re looking to get approved for a mortgage or loan, then you may need to spend a considerable amount of time improving your finances to facilitate this.
Once you’ve signed the dotted line, remember to invest in things such as HomeOwners Insurance. This will provide you with a greater sense of security moving forward, as you know that your investment is protected should you encounter any issues further down the line.
Be realistic when searching for your dream home.
Finding a property that ticks every single one of your boxes will be difficult, especially in the current climate. As such, it is important that you manage your expectations accordingly. You should also be mindful of the fact that finding a home that meets your core needs (such as location, size, etc.), is a great starting point, and you can always renovate at a later date to cater to your wants.
Work with a trusted realtor.
Working with a trusted realtor is another great way to lower your stress levels when moving, especially if your move is somewhat time-sensitive. This is because a lot of the hard work is then carried out on your behalf, from narrowing down potential properties to drawing up contracts. Not only that, but they’ll also have an in-depth knowledge of the local property market, which can help them provide you with the guidance and support you need during this time.
Put together a moving checklist.
Putting together a moving checklist that outlines tasks that must be completed by a specific date is another great way to keep your stress at bay during the moving process. This is because you can ensure you will not fall behind with paperwork or other processes that could delay the big day itself.
Forward your mail.
When the move is set in stone, you need to think about forwarding your mail or informing the relevant parties of your change of address. For example, neglecting to tell institutions such as your bank or health insurance provider could mean that important correspondence does not reach you! Despite the importance of this task, it’s something that many movers forget to do!
Start packing sooner rather than later.
Packing for moving home can be incredibly stressful! After all, you are essentially putting your whole life into a series of boxes. You can make packing a little easier by:
- Purchasing the relevant supplies. This includes boxes, packing cubes, masking tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper.
- Start with seasonal items. It can be difficult to know where to begin when packing, but we’d recommend starting with seasonal items, especially those that you are not likely to need ahead of your moving date. For example, if you’re moving in the summer, this could include Christmas decorations or your winter wardrobe.
- Label all of your boxes. Labeling all of your boxes carefully will make the process of unpacking much more straightforward, as you can quickly and easily find what you are looking for.
- Work through one room at a time. On a similar note, packing up room by room is also useful. This way, everything is grouped, so unpacking is as straightforward as possible.
If you don’t want to live amid a sea of boxes while packing and unpacking, you may want to consider hiring a storage unit ahead of time. This means that you can unpack leisurely, taking your time to turn your new house into a home.
Ask for help when you need it.
There’s no shame in asking for help, especially when navigating a change as big as moving house. As such, don’t be afraid to call in reinforcements (i.e., your friends and family). There are many different ways in which they can help you during this time. For example, a friend with legal know-how could look over your contract to ensure that you’re signing a document that protects your best interests. Alternatively, you may want to ask for help moving heavy or bulky furniture.
Prepare for post-move challenges.
It’s easy to assume that most of the challenges associated with moving will take place before you’ve got those keys in your hand. However, this does not mean that the first few weeks or months in your home will be easy, especially if you are moving to a new town or state.
After all, while exciting, this can feel incredibly isolating as you’ve likely left many of your friends and loved ones behind. Preparing for this can ensure that the move is as gentle on your mental health (and stress levels) as possible. It also provides you with an opportunity to do something about it, such as figuring out ways to meet people in a new city.
Save This Guide If You’re Moving Soon!
Regardless of your reasons for moving, there’s no doubt that you’re in for a bumpy ride with many twists and turns. However, there are plenty of steps that you can take to ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible, from asking for help when you need it to getting your finances in order.