Stress on Moving Day

It’s M-Day. Not since the invasion of Normandy, France, has so much work gone into planning. You are in command and your troops are at the ready for their assignments. But the movers are late and panic begins to erode your once steely confidence.

But there is hope that moving day doesn’t fall into chaos. Odds are you’re the one responsible for organizing the move. Your family, friends, helpers and professional movers are going to take their cue from you. You alone set the tone for how the day will go.

You thought organizing the move would be the most difficult part but you quickly realize it’s keeping a smile on your face most of the day that will be the most challenging. Through smiling, albeit, gritted teeth you quickly find the moving company’s number and discover they just got a late start and should arrive any minute.

It would be great if you could take moving stress and stuff it in a box, tape it up and shove into the truck. But the fact is, moving is considered one of the 10 most stressful events in one’s life.

Organization and planning is key to a successful move. That alone will help with stress. But being prepared and how you handle the inevitable challenges on moving day will be the real difference.

Here are ideas on how to keep the stress at bay on moving day:

• Realize that a stress-free move is not possible. But it can be contained. Be mentally prepared for hiccups in your plans, don’t panic and you’ll come up with a great solution.
• Give yourself realistic goals. There’s nothing worse on the psyche than feeling you are constantly behind with no hope of catching up. Consider anything else a bonus.
• If possible, go out to eat. A break away from the chaos will give you and your family a much needed respite. This will allow you to reenergize mentally, especially having someone serve you.
• When unpacking, do the bathroom first, then the bedrooms. All else can wait another day.
• Keep the movers and the helpers happy. Have plenty of cold drinks. Call for a group break for family and friends every couple of hours. It’s more fun to take 10 minutes to chat, but make sure you take the lead in work re-starting because time can get away from you.
• Pay special attention to having the kids and pets taken care of, whether they are at another location or at the house. It is best to have your pets out of the way for the day and for the kids to be involved in the moving process.
• After making the move, make sure to have planned some fun activities in your new community, especially if you have kids. Starting off with positive experiences will be key to the entire family’s transition.
• Even if you don’t normally walk your dog, make sure to do so. Your dog will learn what other four-footed animals live in the neighborhood and he will be less “worried.”
• Above all, lead by example. If you start feeling depressed or become short-tempered, your family will use that as an excuse to do the same.
• Do not schedule any final “social events” with friends and family the day and night before you move.
• Get a good night’s sleep before loading and unpacking day.