Moving can be rough! Whether you’re downsizing into a smaller home, moving in with a partner, or relocating to another area of the world, taking care of your health throughout the process will take focus and attention.
1. Start Early
As soon as you consider moving, start gathering bins, boxes, and bags. If you can take short bursts of time to go through a cupboard or closet, you can lessen the risk of mental exhaustion or physical harm. A day spent moving boxes and other heavy things can leave you with sore muscles or a strained back. If you can start with just a few hours a day, you can stay loose and limber.
2. Declutter First
Make sure that you’re not moving items you don’t truly enjoy. As possible, consider entering each space of your home with a container for things you really want to move, items you want to donate, and anything that is too worn to be donated. This is also an ideal time to separate out anything you want to sell.
3. Sorting vs. Packing
Sorting and decluttering takes more brainpower than packing. If you’re a night owl, sort at night and pack in the morning. Reverse this schedule if you’re more focused in the morning. Forcing yourself to sort when your brain is tired will just frustrate you.
4. Hire a Moving Company
Get some moving help by hiring a moving company. If your schedule is very tight, put your time into the sorting and decluttering process. Your movers can help you pack up what’s going to the new place while you drop off donations or bring items for sale to consignment shops.
5. Watch Your Diet
Junk food feels like a reward when you’re tired from sorting and packing. Do your best to stick with healthy foods. You may not have much time to cook, but you can treat yourself to bagged salads and deli meats, which can be turned into wraps for a healthy, on-the-go lunch. Avoid fast food! Pair a sandwich with fruit instead of a burger and fries.
6. Hire Professional Cleaners
You can save yourself some stress by getting your new home cleaned by professionals the day before you move in. Talk with your realtor or see if your rental manager has a recommendation for a cleaning service that can lower the labor of unpacking.
7. Arrange for Delivery Services
You may be getting new appliances for your new space. See if the seller will offer free delivery of your refrigerator and stove. If you’ve got furniture that could use new upholstery, get it picked up from your current home and delivered to your new place.
8. Prep for Your Unpacking
Load your suitcases with toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothing for each member of the household. Even if you have to put a mattress on the floor, you can make up your bed, take a bath, and put on something clean the next day.
You deserve to get to your new home in good health. Hire some help, pay for a thorough housecleaning, and pack up carefully.