Difference between revisions of "Cope With the Stress of Moving"
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Moving can be very stressful, whether if you are anticipating or a new opportunity or dealing with difficulties in your life. However, with a little preparation and perspective, you can make the relocation process a little easier for you and your family. In order to make moving less stressful, it’s important to stay organized before you move, take care of yourself during this stressful time, and adapt to your new residence. Coping with the stress of moving can be difficult, but moving can be an exciting and fun new chapter to your life. | Moving can be very stressful, whether if you are anticipating or a new opportunity or dealing with difficulties in your life. However, with a little preparation and perspective, you can make the relocation process a little easier for you and your family. In order to make moving less stressful, it’s important to stay organized before you move, take care of yourself during this stressful time, and adapt to your new residence. Coping with the stress of moving can be difficult, but moving can be an exciting and fun new chapter to your life. | ||
| − | [[Category:Moving House and Packing]] | + | [[Category: Moving House and Packing]] |
| − | [[Category:Stress Anxiety and Crisis Management]] | + | [[Category: Stress Anxiety and Crisis Management]] |
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Staying Organized Before Your Move=== | ===Staying Organized Before Your Move=== | ||
| − | #Get rid of excess clutter. When you’re moving is a great time to get rid of old things you don’t need anymore. It can be a big stress relief and make moving easier, since you’ll have less to move.<ref>http://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2014/04/02/7-ways-to-reduce-stress-during-a-move/#529286fd479f</ref> | + | #Get rid of excess clutter. When you’re moving is a great time to get rid of old things you don’t need anymore. It can be a big stress relief and make moving easier, since you’ll have less to move.<ref name="rf1">http://www.forbes.com/sites/trulia/2014/04/02/7-ways-to-reduce-stress-during-a-move/#529286fd479f</ref> |
#*When you’re going through your things, put them into four piles: sell, donate, toss, and keep. You can try to sell some items online, while donating less valuable items to thrift stores. | #*When you’re going through your things, put them into four piles: sell, donate, toss, and keep. You can try to sell some items online, while donating less valuable items to thrift stores. | ||
| − | #*Minimizing the things you have can also relieve stress. You’ll feel better when you’re not worried about keeping everything you own in your move.<ref>https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201203/why-mess-causes-stress-8-reasons-8-remedies</ref> | + | #*Minimizing the things you have can also relieve stress. You’ll feel better when you’re not worried about keeping everything you own in your move.<ref name="rf2">https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/high-octane-women/201203/why-mess-causes-stress-8-reasons-8-remedies</ref> |
#Pack with a clear plan. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re packing and why. This will make unpacking that much easier and give you a sense of relief when you’re finally moved into your new place. | #Pack with a clear plan. It’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re packing and why. This will make unpacking that much easier and give you a sense of relief when you’re finally moved into your new place. | ||
| − | #*You’ll want to start collecting boxes a few weeks before your move so you have enough to pack your belongings. Many retailers will give you boxes and you can buy specialty boxes at moving company offices.<ref | + | #*You’ll want to start collecting boxes a few weeks before your move so you have enough to pack your belongings. Many retailers will give you boxes and you can buy specialty boxes at moving company offices.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*Label all of your boxes according to the category they belong in and they room they will go in. You can also organize them by color if possible or by number.<ref>http://www.rent.com/blog/tips-on-labeling-your-moving-boxes/</ref> | + | #*Label all of your boxes according to the category they belong in and they room they will go in. You can also organize them by color if possible or by number.<ref name="rf3">http://www.rent.com/blog/tips-on-labeling-your-moving-boxes/</ref> |
#Keep a task list of what you need to do before moving. Packing up is not the only part of moving; you’ll also need to coordinate moving out of your old place and into your new place. You may also need to cut off old utilities at your old place and set them up at your new. | #Keep a task list of what you need to do before moving. Packing up is not the only part of moving; you’ll also need to coordinate moving out of your old place and into your new place. You may also need to cut off old utilities at your old place and set them up at your new. | ||
#*Prioritize your task list from most to least important. In general, anything involving specific payments or dates should be at the top of your list. | #*Prioritize your task list from most to least important. In general, anything involving specific payments or dates should be at the top of your list. | ||
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#Assign tasks to others. If you have a family, give specific tasks to each family member. When you have small children, they will not be able to pack up their own room, but they can help clean in some small ways. | #Assign tasks to others. If you have a family, give specific tasks to each family member. When you have small children, they will not be able to pack up their own room, but they can help clean in some small ways. | ||
#*It’s important to not try to do everything alone. Even if you don’t have a family, see if your friends may be able to help you during your move. Helping you pack or stay organized can be really useful during this stressful time. | #*It’s important to not try to do everything alone. Even if you don’t have a family, see if your friends may be able to help you during your move. Helping you pack or stay organized can be really useful during this stressful time. | ||
| − | #*Hire help if possible and necessary. You may want to hire movers, depending on the amount of stuff you have and the distance you have to travel.<ref>http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-carol-morgan/11-tips-to-cope-with-the-stress-of-moving_b_8676914.html</ref> | + | #*Hire help if possible and necessary. You may want to hire movers, depending on the amount of stuff you have and the distance you have to travel.<ref name="rf4">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-carol-morgan/11-tips-to-cope-with-the-stress-of-moving_b_8676914.html</ref> |
===Taking Care of Yourself=== | ===Taking Care of Yourself=== | ||
| − | #Attend to your emotional needs. Even if the reasons for your move are positive ones, feelings of sadness and anxiety can arise. Don’t discount how difficult moving can be, but instead take it into account when planning your move.<ref>http://mariashriver.com/blog/2011/09/three-tips-stay-grounded-during-move/</ref> | + | #Attend to your emotional needs. Even if the reasons for your move are positive ones, feelings of sadness and anxiety can arise. Don’t discount how difficult moving can be, but instead take it into account when planning your move.<ref name="rf5">http://mariashriver.com/blog/2011/09/three-tips-stay-grounded-during-move/</ref> |
#*While you may have a lot to look forward to in your move, making a change can still be hard. It’s important to allow yourself to mourn the move as well as look forward to new challenges ahead. | #*While you may have a lot to look forward to in your move, making a change can still be hard. It’s important to allow yourself to mourn the move as well as look forward to new challenges ahead. | ||
#*If you’re moving because of some difficult life changes, it may be a good idea to try to stay on task. Since moving will be difficult in an already difficult time, staying focused on what you’re doing can help you to move with a clear head; however, if you feel emotional, don’t stifle it, but instead allow yourself to feel these emotions fully. | #*If you’re moving because of some difficult life changes, it may be a good idea to try to stay on task. Since moving will be difficult in an already difficult time, staying focused on what you’re doing can help you to move with a clear head; however, if you feel emotional, don’t stifle it, but instead allow yourself to feel these emotions fully. | ||
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#*When you’re saying goodbye to friends, it’s important to tell them how and why you valued them. Even if you promise to stay in touch, you’ll want tell your friends how important they are to you before moving. | #*When you’re saying goodbye to friends, it’s important to tell them how and why you valued them. Even if you promise to stay in touch, you’ll want tell your friends how important they are to you before moving. | ||
#Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Although some people feel that it’s best to ignore your feelings during a move, talking about your feelings can relieve some of your tension and refresh you for the days ahead. Having a confidant you can trust can be invaluable to cope with the stress of moving. | #Talk about your feelings with someone you trust. Although some people feel that it’s best to ignore your feelings during a move, talking about your feelings can relieve some of your tension and refresh you for the days ahead. Having a confidant you can trust can be invaluable to cope with the stress of moving. | ||
| − | #*Moving can make you feel a lot of emotions, such as hope, anxiety, fear, and disappointment. It’s good to talk to someone about these things so you don’t avoid them.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/realestate/28cov.html?_r=0</ref> | + | #*Moving can make you feel a lot of emotions, such as hope, anxiety, fear, and disappointment. It’s good to talk to someone about these things so you don’t avoid them.<ref name="rf6">http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/realestate/28cov.html?_r=0</ref> |
#*If you need to, it may be a good idea to talk to a therapist about your move. This may be especially useful if you’re moving because of difficulties in your life. | #*If you need to, it may be a good idea to talk to a therapist about your move. This may be especially useful if you’re moving because of difficulties in your life. | ||
| − | #Encourage your children to express themselves. If you have children, they should know their feelings are normal. Especially since they are young, children need to be able to feel and process their emotions.<ref>http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html </ref> | + | #Encourage your children to express themselves. If you have children, they should know their feelings are normal. Especially since they are young, children need to be able to feel and process their emotions.<ref name="rf7">http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/move.html </ref> |
#*Ask your children how they feel about the move. Involving them in the moving process, if not the moving decision, can make them feel more invested in moving. | #*Ask your children how they feel about the move. Involving them in the moving process, if not the moving decision, can make them feel more invested in moving. | ||
#*If you have children in the tweens or teens, make sure there is something each day for them to do. You can do things like going for a walk, swimming, or seeing a movie. This may be an especially good idea if there is a divorce or separation involved. | #*If you have children in the tweens or teens, make sure there is something each day for them to do. You can do things like going for a walk, swimming, or seeing a movie. This may be an especially good idea if there is a divorce or separation involved. | ||
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#*Get enough sleep every night. By planning your move carefully, you can be sure to get enough sleep each night and avoid all night packing or planning sessions. | #*Get enough sleep every night. By planning your move carefully, you can be sure to get enough sleep each night and avoid all night packing or planning sessions. | ||
===Adapting to Your New Location=== | ===Adapting to Your New Location=== | ||
| − | #Allow yourself time to deal with the move. Moving is emotional, so it's best to have some time to adjust to your new location. If possible, try to give yourself at least a few days off before starting work or a new job.<ref>http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/culture-shock-how-to-adjust-to-a-different-pace-of-life/</ref> | + | #Allow yourself time to deal with the move. Moving is emotional, so it's best to have some time to adjust to your new location. If possible, try to give yourself at least a few days off before starting work or a new job.<ref name="rf8">http://www.apartmentguide.com/blog/culture-shock-how-to-adjust-to-a-different-pace-of-life/</ref> |
#*After you've finished unpacking, you can go explore the area surrounding your new place. You can travel by foot if possible or maybe just go for a casual drive. | #*After you've finished unpacking, you can go explore the area surrounding your new place. You can travel by foot if possible or maybe just go for a casual drive. | ||
#*If you are moving to a foreign country, research [[Overcome Culture Shock in a Foreign Country|culture shock]]. You'll need some time to understand the new pace of life and societal mores. | #*If you are moving to a foreign country, research [[Overcome Culture Shock in a Foreign Country|culture shock]]. You'll need some time to understand the new pace of life and societal mores. | ||
| − | #Build new routines once you've arrived in your new place. Routines can be comforting when you're in a new place, especially since everything else is so new. Having something you can rely on each day can be a good way to get used to a new environment.<ref>https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/changepower/201009/routines-comforting-or-confining</ref> | + | #Build new routines once you've arrived in your new place. Routines can be comforting when you're in a new place, especially since everything else is so new. Having something you can rely on each day can be a good way to get used to a new environment.<ref name="rf9">https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/changepower/201009/routines-comforting-or-confining</ref> |
#*Starting off each day with a healthy breakfast or a cup of coffee on the porch can be a good comforting routine. Even going for a daily walk at the end of the day can help you learn the neighborhood and help you to feel more comfortable in your new environment. | #*Starting off each day with a healthy breakfast or a cup of coffee on the porch can be a good comforting routine. Even going for a daily walk at the end of the day can help you learn the neighborhood and help you to feel more comfortable in your new environment. | ||
#*If you have a family, you can try doing a weekly family dinner at a new location. Additionally, you can try spending your initial weekends learning more about your city with your children by going to farmer's markets or local businesses. | #*If you have a family, you can try doing a weekly family dinner at a new location. Additionally, you can try spending your initial weekends learning more about your city with your children by going to farmer's markets or local businesses. | ||
#Get things unpacked as needed or unpack quickly. For some people, getting unpacked quickly is more comforting, while others prefer waiting awhile. After you get the essentials unpacked, do what feels best in terms of unpacking your belongings. | #Get things unpacked as needed or unpack quickly. For some people, getting unpacked quickly is more comforting, while others prefer waiting awhile. After you get the essentials unpacked, do what feels best in terms of unpacking your belongings. | ||
| − | #*If you want to unpack quickly, take a few days to unpack all at once. This can be especially useful if you have help from a friend or family member when you first arrive at your new location.<ref>http://www.yourmodernfamily.com/how-to-unpack-quickly/</ref> | + | #*If you want to unpack quickly, take a few days to unpack all at once. This can be especially useful if you have help from a friend or family member when you first arrive at your new location.<ref name="rf10">http://www.yourmodernfamily.com/how-to-unpack-quickly/</ref> |
#*You may also feel like you want to take your time unpacking. While you'll need to have the most important things unpacked, you may want to take longer to unpack particularly personal belongings. | #*You may also feel like you want to take your time unpacking. While you'll need to have the most important things unpacked, you may want to take longer to unpack particularly personal belongings. | ||
#Develop new habits in your new environment. Some people use moving to start new, healthier habits. If you start out with these habits after you move, they are more likely to stay with you. | #Develop new habits in your new environment. Some people use moving to start new, healthier habits. If you start out with these habits after you move, they are more likely to stay with you. | ||
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#*Your parents should be able to tell you the primary reasons why you're moving. It may be because of a new job, changing financial circumstances, or maybe divorce or separation. | #*Your parents should be able to tell you the primary reasons why you're moving. It may be because of a new job, changing financial circumstances, or maybe divorce or separation. | ||
#*When you talk to your parents about moving, try not to be accusatory. Instead, understand the move from their perspective and why they think it's necessary. | #*When you talk to your parents about moving, try not to be accusatory. Instead, understand the move from their perspective and why they think it's necessary. | ||
| − | #Visit your new home before moving. Sometimes, it helps to see your new home before moving to it. Then, you can realize that there will be plenty to do and see in your new hometown.<ref>http://www.parenthood.com/article/helping_kids_cope_with_moving.html#.V0rbuZMrLp4</ref> | + | #Visit your new home before moving. Sometimes, it helps to see your new home before moving to it. Then, you can realize that there will be plenty to do and see in your new hometown.<ref name="rf11">http://www.parenthood.com/article/helping_kids_cope_with_moving.html#.V0rbuZMrLp4</ref> |
#*A pre-move visit is a good idea both for parents and children. It can be fun to look at the local schools, shops, and different attractions in your new home. | #*A pre-move visit is a good idea both for parents and children. It can be fun to look at the local schools, shops, and different attractions in your new home. | ||
#*If possible, go to your actual new home. Walking around in the place before everything is moved in can be a good way to imagine your new life there. | #*If possible, go to your actual new home. Walking around in the place before everything is moved in can be a good way to imagine your new life there. | ||
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#*If you're an older teen, you can be the one to pack up your room. It's important to get rid of anything non-essential first, but packing up your room and setting it up at your new home can be a good activity to do to stay busy during your move. | #*If you're an older teen, you can be the one to pack up your room. It's important to get rid of anything non-essential first, but packing up your room and setting it up at your new home can be a good activity to do to stay busy during your move. | ||
#*Even if you can't pack up your entire room, your parents will likely have some tasks for you to do. Anything you can do to help will be useful to them and likely make you feel better and more involved in moving. | #*Even if you can't pack up your entire room, your parents will likely have some tasks for you to do. Anything you can do to help will be useful to them and likely make you feel better and more involved in moving. | ||
| − | #Stay in contact with friends after a move. When you move, you'll likely leave behind some good friends that you've made. Even if you'll no longer see them everyday, there are still plenty of ways to stay in touch with old friends.<ref>http://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2010-moving-and-relocating-helping-you-and-your-child-cope/</ref> | + | #Stay in contact with friends after a move. When you move, you'll likely leave behind some good friends that you've made. Even if you'll no longer see them everyday, there are still plenty of ways to stay in touch with old friends.<ref name="rf12">http://www.brighthorizons.com/family-resources/e-family-news/2010-moving-and-relocating-helping-you-and-your-child-cope/</ref> |
#*You can have your parents buy you an address book so you can stay in touch with your friends. If you have their address, e-mail, and phone number, it should be easy to find ways to talk to your friends often. | #*You can have your parents buy you an address book so you can stay in touch with your friends. If you have their address, e-mail, and phone number, it should be easy to find ways to talk to your friends often. | ||
#*Staying in touch with friends is easier now because of social media and online video. You can try to set up times to chat with your friends on Skype so you'll be able to see and hear your friends. | #*Staying in touch with friends is easier now because of social media and online video. You can try to set up times to chat with your friends on Skype so you'll be able to see and hear your friends. | ||
| − | #Take time to adjust to a new school. A new school can be a scary prospect, especially since you'll be meeting all new people. When you first start a new school, try not to stress out too much about how many people you meet; give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings.<ref>http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/</ref> | + | #Take time to adjust to a new school. A new school can be a scary prospect, especially since you'll be meeting all new people. When you first start a new school, try not to stress out too much about how many people you meet; give yourself some time to adjust to your new surroundings.<ref name="rf13">http://www.parents.com/parenting/money/buy-a-house/make-moving-easier-on-you-and-your-kids/</ref> |
#*Many schools will assign you a buddy on your first day or first week who will show you how to get everywhere. This can be a good person to talk to about the school and learn about what's good and bad about the place. | #*Many schools will assign you a buddy on your first day or first week who will show you how to get everywhere. This can be a good person to talk to about the school and learn about what's good and bad about the place. | ||
#*After you've figured out how the school works, it may be a good idea to join some fun clubs or after school activities. This can be a good way to meet new people and make new friends. | #*After you've figured out how the school works, it may be a good idea to join some fun clubs or after school activities. This can be a good way to meet new people and make new friends. | ||
