A friend asked me to write an article for people who are moving. I think she's a little tired of helping friends move only to discover that they're so stressed that the move becomes a terrible experience for everyone involved, including the people that are just there to help.
Keep Your Cool During a Move
- Be organized: This sounds like common sense, but when it comes to moving, most of us find we run out of time for proper planning and organization. After all, moving is like managing a huge project on top of all that you do on a regular basis. With that in mind, the more organized you are, the more likely that your move will go smooth. And a smooth move is a happy move and a happy move means that everyone around you will be happy, too. Use this task and schedule guide to plan your move.
- Think through "what if" scenarios: Try to think about all the things that could go wrong then do some creative problem solving. For instance, what happens if the movers that you've booked don't show up? Do you have a back-up mover in place? What if the truck you rented isn't in the lot when you go to pick it up? Things may go wrong, and to avoid the stress, keep a list of back-up movers, other rental agencies, friends you can call if you need more help - anything that will provide you with options and peace of mind.
- Enjoy the moment: Most people scream when I say this. Yes, I know moving is stressful, but try to think of it as an opportunity for change, whether that change is coming in the form of a new town, a new job, or getting away from a bad experience, moving can always be thought of as something that's bringing about a change in your life. If you can, savor this rare experience and think about all the positive things that are coming your way because you're taking a chance, you're creating a new opportunity and you're stepping away from the familiar. And if that doesn't work, try to think about it not as a long arduous process, but rather one day that could, and probably will, change your life. That's huge!
