About 64% said that a recent move was the most stressful thing they had to go through, according to a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of North American Van Lines. For those who are planning an upcoming move, the stressors involved can range from meeting deadlines to sorting out logistics, the costs involved and the stress that comes with packing up an entire house — to name just a few. When aiming to minimize stress throughout the process, ensuring that your mental health is kept a priority can be done through mindful techniques, from maintaining daily self-care rituals to prioritizing wellness.
Making time for daily rituals
The process of moving to a new home can leave many to pack away anything and everything they own well in advance, effectively leaving an empty house days before moving day. Whether packing up room by room or getting it all done within a week, many may find that they’ll need a thing or two (or three) in the meantime — thus resulting in sorting through the boxes and digging around to find such items (and resulting in even more stress — especially if you can’t find what you’re looking for).
In addition to leaving out the necessities (hygiene products, blankets, etc.), Barbara Markway, Ph.D., suggests leaving out a few things you use for self-care activities. Hobby supplies or a few books can go a long way in minimizing stress at the end of the day, though going a little further and leaving a designated space unpacked can also make a difference. “Leave a little “sanctuary” area in your house or apartment that doesn’t get packed until the last minute,” Markway writes. “I am a mediator and did not realize how much the cues of my chair and my inspirational books facilitate my regular practice. Once my chair was gone and my books were packed up, I simply stopped meditating.” By leaving such things out, however, unwinding amidst the stress of a move can be a no-effort escape from the stressors of the day.
Prioritizing physical wellness through mindful habits
When aiming to minimize stress as much as possible throughout the moving process, ensuring that physical health is kept a priority is imperative, and there are plenty of ways to do so in a mindful manner. Getting proper sleep, for example, is just one must during stressful moments — according to the American Psychological Association (APA), many report that their stress increases when the length and quality of their sleep decreases. In fact, it’s noted that 21% of adults report feeling more stressed when they don’t get enough sleep. That said, mindful sleep habits play a key role in successfully reducing stress while ensuring a good night’s rest. This includes integrating mindful behaviors, such as keeping screens away from the bedroom, going to bed half an hour before you intend to, and writing a list of your worries before going to bed (but leaving the list itself out of the bedroom).
Minimizing stress through a positive mindset
In addition to the stress involved, the moving process can be emotional, too — especially if you’re leaving a much loved location. Keeping a positive mindset, however, can go a long way. “Regardless of the reason for your move, remind yourself that this move is necessary and will do you good,” noted psychotherapist Heather Kent. “Make a list of all of the things you can look forward to, such as meeting new people, making new friends, starting a new job or career, eating new delicacies, and exploring new sights.” Preparing for the move well in advance with a positive mindset can help. For example, minimizing the stress of decluttering and packing up your old home can be made into a fun and positive activity by inviting friends over to help organize a yard sale. Making plans to visit friends and family once you’ve settled in at the new place is another great way to stay on the positive side of things, and will give you something to look forward to in the meantime.
Moving can quickly become overwhelming, especially when juggling the many aspects of the moving process. Thankfully, ensuring that your mental health remains a priority throughout the moving process can be done in several key ways — from maintaining proper rest and a positive mindset to making time for self-care rituals.