As a moving company, we’re constantly being reminded of the popular fact that moving is one of the top three most stressful events in a person’s life. No one expects to come out the other side of a move unscathed by stress, substantial costs, and maybe even a few tears. But why does moving suck so much? Our nomadic ancestors viewed moving as a simple fact of life. It was normal for them to frequently pick up and leave. So, why is it so hard for us?
Change, Good or Bad, Is Intimidating
Moving represents a major change, but it’s also an accumulation of a lot of little changes: waking up in a different room, taking a different route to work, rearranging furniture to fit into a new space. Many people aren’t intimidated by change, and are in fact, enthralled by it. However, if you have any attachment to your old home, you’ll probably experience the stress that comes with having to adapt to a new daily routine. Even if your move were borne out of positive circumstances, you’d likely feel the sting of change.
Your Child’s First Traumatic Experience?
Leaving behind everything and everyone you know is much more painful for our kids. Moving away from the home they grew up in can be quite traumatic for them. If the relocation requires them to switch to another school, they’re forced to find all new friends and establish new relationships, even though they may not want to. A child’s home is a primary source of comfort and safety. Moving away forces them to leave that safe space.
Time or Money: It’ll Cost You
Whether you hire a moving company to help with the packing and shipping or you’re taking everything on by yourself, moving costs money. Notwithstanding the cost of the actual house and the moving company you hire, the little expenses can add up, such as:
- Packing materials
- Mail forwarding
- Security deposits, first and last month’s rent
- Internet and cable installations
Not only does it cost money, but moving also takes up plenty of your time:
- Packing and labelling boxes
- Sorting, donating, and selling your unwanted items
- Changing your address with your credit card companies
- Finding new schools
Moving is a time and financial commitment that’s about as fun as spending all day at the doctor’s office. And even when you hire outside help, there’s no completely escaping it.
How Can We Make Moving Suck Less?
Now that we’ve fully established why moving sucks, is there any way to make it just a bit more enjoyable…or at least bearable? If you have kids, it’s important to shelter them as much as possible from the stresses of the move. If you have an impending move, here are some ways to mitigate the stress for everyone involved.
- Hire a moving company. More than just a truck and a few strong employees, a moving company can even help you pack boxes and assist you with the logistics of transportation.
- Plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to start packing. The second you start to feel rushed, your stress levels will skyrocket.
- Ease your kids into it. Waiting until the end to break the news to your children is a plan that will likely backfire. Instead, involve them in the moving process and make it as positive as possible. Show them the new house, let them pick out their own wallpaper or paint, show them all the great things about their new neighbourhood, etc.
- Don’t try to do everything before the move. If you don’t have time to have a garage sale before you leave, don’t sweat it. Wait until after your move. Store your items in your friend’s garage, or worst-case scenario, bring those sellable items with you. A garage sale is a great way to meet your new neighbours.
- Take a break. You’ve just successfully packed up your entire collection of books and Blu-ray discs. Give yourself a pat on the back, or at least take a moment to celebrate this small victory. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
Focus Moving Services is dedicated to making your relocation just a little bit easier. Contact us today to request a free quote or to find out how we can make your experience a little bit better!
