It's that time of year where everyone is moving around and we're all just trying to keep our heads on straight and remember what box the coffee mugs went into. While you search for those mugs (of course they're in the very bottom box) here are some tips on how to stay cool as a cucumber.
1. Keep a running list of what needs to be done.
The Journal Garden | Vera Bitterer
Having a to-do list is always a handy method for keeping yourself organized, but when moving, it is absolutely vital! More important than having the list is crossing things off the list. Each time you cross something off your list, you'll get a sense of relief and pride, knowing that even though you can't get into the garage anymore, something good did definitely happen today. Staying organized this way will also help to make sure you don't forget anything. Don't let yourself be one day away from moving and say, "Oh yeah, I definitely packed that closet," when you definitely did not pack that closet.
2. Maintain a sense of normalcy.
Keeping some semblance of a routine is so important to hold yourself together through this transitory period of your life. If you wake up every day just to spend all day focused on the move, within a week you'll be ready to run away and change your name. Keep your favorite mug unpacked until the very last minute, or whatever the things are that make you most happy — not just the bare essentials — and you'll be sure to feel much better for having done so.
3. Make time for self care.
Eli DeFaria
Don't let anyone, yourself included, bully you into thinking there's no time for anything but packing/moving. There is always time to take care of you! In fact, if you don't take care of yourself then it will just be harder and harder to take care of anything else. Some things you could do would be taking some time to sit outside and meditate or do yoga, take a nice bath, write in a journal about how stressful moving is (so stressful!), or maybe even just take a nap.
4. Make sure you actually like where you're going.
This is the most important thing you can do to ensure an at least halfway pleasant moving experience - make sure that you actually want to move to the new place! Take time to find a place that you really like and can be happy in for the time being. That will help you look forward to the move because you can be excited about your future ahead of you.
Maybe if you're moving somewhere that isn't ideal you'll find this step hard, but even if you didn't find your dream home, you still can't skip this step! Try to find the little bright sides of your new living situation. There's always a silver lining, you just have to find it. Maybe your new place will have a bright sunny window where you can grow plants, or a wall perfect for your favorite poster, or it could be right next door to someone with a very cute dog! Through all of the struggles of moving, always keep your chin up and remember that this is supposed to be an exciting time, not a time for you to rip your hair out.
