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How to Organise and Prepare for a Move- The Ultimate Guide

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Abstract<br />

No matter how many times you move, you always seem <strong>to</strong> find something that<br />

you wished you'd done differently. We've created this pdf <strong>to</strong> help you get ready<br />

<strong>to</strong> move <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> keep your move on track <strong>and</strong> on schedule.<br />

I. Introduction<br />

Be<strong>for</strong>e you do anything, the first thing on your list should be <strong>to</strong> prepare <strong>for</strong> your<br />

move by creating a plan that will ensure you keep your move on track. It will<br />

also help relieve any stress <strong>and</strong> help you get through the next few weeks<br />

without <strong>to</strong>o much frustration.<br />

II.<br />

<strong>Organise</strong> Your <strong>Move</strong> <strong>and</strong> Don't Go Crazy in <strong>The</strong> Process<br />

Moving house can be a very stressful ordeal <strong>for</strong> a number of good reasons. After<br />

all, your savings will be at risk of getting depleted <strong>and</strong> your prized possessions<br />

will be at risk of getting damaged in the house moving project.<br />

And as if that weren’t enough, there are so many things <strong>to</strong> do be<strong>for</strong>e moving<br />

away that you’re likely <strong>to</strong> feel completely overwhelmed by the amount of work<br />

ahead of you.<br />

And partly due <strong>to</strong> the insane amount of workload while you’re trying hard <strong>to</strong><br />

keep everything organized, sometimes you feel like you’re going crazy,<br />

especially when friendly help is reluctant <strong>to</strong> come <strong>to</strong> your aid.<br />

Follow these moving tips <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> move house without losing your mind in<br />

the meantime.<br />

1. <strong>Organise</strong> your time with a moving checklist<br />

One of the things that might drive you insane while you’re getting ready <strong>to</strong><br />

move out is the realization that you’re not using your time efficiently. In other<br />

words, you’ve come <strong>to</strong> the conclusion that you’re wasting precious time simply<br />

because you’re not sure what <strong>to</strong> do next.<br />

<strong>The</strong> thing that should keep your mind at ease is a good moving checklist <strong>to</strong><br />

manage your time in the best possible way. You just have <strong>to</strong> plan ahead every


step of your residential move <strong>to</strong> prevent confusion, disorganization, <strong>and</strong> loss of<br />

time during that super-dem<strong>and</strong>ing period – both physically <strong>and</strong> mentally.<br />

NEVER lose time again when moving <strong>to</strong> a new home – use our interactive<br />

moving checklist as a basis <strong>to</strong> create a new highly-cus<strong>to</strong>mized moving timeline.<br />

MOVING TIMELINE: INTERACTIVE WEEK BY WEEK MOVING CHECKLIST<br />

No matter how dire the circumstances, people find it easier <strong>to</strong> face the challenge<br />

when they have a clear plan <strong>to</strong> follow <strong>and</strong> a specific task <strong>to</strong> focus on. Having a<br />

strategy gives them reassurance <strong>and</strong> a sense of control, so that they don’t panic<br />

or get stressed. Doing things one step at a time helps them concentrate <strong>and</strong><br />

progress faster <strong>and</strong> more effectively.<br />

So, if you’re about <strong>to</strong> embark on a <strong>to</strong>ugh <strong>and</strong> overwhelming endeavor, such as a<br />

residential move, you need <strong>to</strong> make a good plan <strong>and</strong> break your final goal in<strong>to</strong><br />

achievable mini-goals you’ll be able <strong>to</strong> accomplish in a timely <strong>and</strong> organized<br />

manner. In the event of moving house, your best bet is a detailed moving<br />

timeline – a week-by-week moving checklist that will not only include all the


tasks you need <strong>to</strong> take care of be<strong>for</strong>e moving day, but will also set a specific<br />

timeframe <strong>for</strong> their completion.<br />

You won’t overlook anything important or <strong>for</strong>get <strong>to</strong> do a moving chore<br />

because all the relocation tasks (big <strong>and</strong> small alike) will be clearly stated<br />

in your comprehensive moving house checklist;<br />

You’ll be able <strong>to</strong> organize your time in the best possible way, as your<br />

moving packing checklist will let you know exactly what needs <strong>to</strong> be done<br />

every single month, week, <strong>and</strong> day be<strong>for</strong>e moving day, so that you can get<br />

everything ready in time;<br />

You’ll be able <strong>to</strong> keep track of your progress as every completed task will<br />

be crossed out in your moving checklist <strong>and</strong> you’ll know how much you<br />

have left <strong>to</strong> do.<br />

In a word – a moving out checklist will help you bring order <strong>to</strong> the relocation<br />

chaos, speed up your moving preparations, <strong>and</strong> keep stress at bay. It will be<br />

even easier <strong>for</strong> you though, if you have an interactive moving checklist that will<br />

help you stay on <strong>to</strong>p of things with just a few clicks of the mouse.<br />

For your convenience, we have created an interactive week by week home<br />

moving checklist <strong>and</strong> planner that spans the 2-month period prior <strong>to</strong> Moving<br />

day <strong>and</strong> provides a practical <strong>and</strong> easy way <strong>to</strong> organize your relocation <strong>and</strong> keep<br />

track of your moving preparations.<br />

Make sure you take advantage of our free printable moving checklist when<br />

getting ready <strong>for</strong> your relocation adventure!<br />

Moving checklist – Two months be<strong>for</strong>e Moving day<br />

Ideally, your moving preparations should start about two months prior <strong>to</strong> the<br />

Big day. This way, you’ll have the time <strong>to</strong> complete every single task in the long<br />

list of things <strong>to</strong> do when moving.<br />

‣ Weeks 7 & 8 be<strong>for</strong>e the move<br />

Get <strong>to</strong> know your new area (if you’re moving <strong>to</strong> a new city). Gather as<br />

much in<strong>for</strong>mation as possible about the economic situation, cost of living,


climate, housing options, crime rate, educational opportunities, cultural<br />

practices <strong>and</strong> other specifics of your future area;<br />

Start searching <strong>for</strong> an appropriate new home <strong>for</strong> you <strong>and</strong> your family. If<br />

possible, visit your new area <strong>to</strong> choose your new property in person;<br />

Start organizing your belongings <strong>and</strong> decluttering your home <strong>for</strong> moving.<br />

Sort your items in four categories – things <strong>to</strong> bring along, things <strong>to</strong> donate,<br />

things <strong>to</strong> sell, <strong>and</strong> things <strong>to</strong> throw away. Make a moving inven<strong>to</strong>ry of the<br />

items you’re going <strong>to</strong> take <strong>to</strong> your new home;<br />

Research your moving options <strong>and</strong> decide if you’re going <strong>to</strong> move by<br />

yourself or hire professional movers <strong>to</strong> help you relocate. Make sure you<br />

fill out a moving quote <strong>to</strong> see what different moving companies have <strong>to</strong><br />

offer, so that you can make an in<strong>for</strong>med decision about your move;<br />

If you’re going <strong>to</strong> use professional moving services, start looking <strong>for</strong><br />

af<strong>for</strong>dable <strong>and</strong> trustworthy moving professionals – ask <strong>for</strong><br />

recommendations, read moving reviews, visit moving companies’<br />

websites, etc.;<br />

Get estimates – narrow down your choice <strong>to</strong> three or four moving<br />

companies that seem <strong>to</strong> best suit your needs <strong>and</strong> requirements <strong>and</strong> ask<br />

them <strong>for</strong> in-house estimates of the moving costs;<br />

Choose the best movers <strong>for</strong> you. Provide the moving company<br />

representatives with all the relevant in<strong>for</strong>mation (show them everything<br />

you want <strong>to</strong> relocate, discuss possible obstacles, special requirements,<br />

delivery windows, etc.) in order <strong>to</strong> get accurate moving cost estimates,<br />

compare the offers (prices, services, <strong>and</strong> conditions), <strong>and</strong> be careful <strong>to</strong><br />

avoid moving scams when choosing your moving partners.<br />

‣ Weeks 6 & 5 be<strong>for</strong>e the move<br />

Book your move <strong>and</strong> confirm all the details (pick-up <strong>and</strong> delivery times,<br />

payment method, insurance, etc.) with your chosen movers;<br />

Make a moving binder <strong>and</strong> keep all moving-related documents in it. It<br />

may be a good idea <strong>to</strong> put all your documents in the same binder (in<br />

separate sleeves or pockets) as well;<br />

Set up a moving budget <strong>to</strong> organize your finances <strong>and</strong> keep better track<br />

of your expenses;


In<strong>for</strong>m your current employer of your move <strong>and</strong> arrange your first day of<br />

work at your new company in your new area (or start looking <strong>for</strong> a new<br />

job);<br />

If you’re moving out of a rented property, notify your l<strong>and</strong>lord of your<br />

upcoming move <strong>and</strong> negotiate a move-out agreement;<br />

Collect yours <strong>and</strong> your family’s medical records <strong>and</strong> your children’s<br />

school records. Start looking <strong>for</strong> a new family physician <strong>and</strong> a new school<br />

<strong>for</strong> your kids (if relevant);<br />

Organize a garage sale or post online those of your unwanted items that<br />

you’d like <strong>to</strong> sell;<br />

Request a list of the non-allowable items your movers won’t load on the<br />

moving truck because of their hazardous or perilous nature <strong>and</strong> decide<br />

what <strong>to</strong> do with them (discard them, give them away, relocate them<br />

yourself, or use them up be<strong>for</strong>e the move);<br />

Get packing supplies. See if you can get any moving boxes <strong>and</strong> other<br />

packing materials <strong>for</strong> free <strong>and</strong> buy whatever else you need. Make sure<br />

you have high quality packing supplies <strong>for</strong> your more delicate <strong>and</strong> more<br />

valuable possessions.<br />

Moving checklist – One month be<strong>for</strong>e Moving day<br />

It’s time <strong>to</strong> set your moving preparations at full speed (just remember <strong>to</strong><br />

frequently consult your checklist <strong>for</strong> moving in<strong>to</strong> a new house <strong>to</strong> make sure you<br />

don’t miss a moving task).<br />

‣ Weeks 4 & 3 be<strong>for</strong>e the move<br />

Donate your unwanted items that are still in good condition (things you<br />

don’t want <strong>to</strong> sell or couldn’t sell) <strong>to</strong> local charities. Don’t <strong>for</strong>get <strong>to</strong> get<br />

receipts showing the items’ approximate value <strong>for</strong> possible tax<br />

deductions;<br />

Change your address with the USPS <strong>and</strong> in<strong>for</strong>m your bank, insurance<br />

providers, lawyers, <strong>and</strong> other important people <strong>and</strong> institutions of your<br />

new address;


Transfer utilities (arrange <strong>to</strong> have electricity, gas <strong>and</strong> water running in<br />

your new home on move-in day) <strong>and</strong> cancel memberships <strong>and</strong><br />

subscriptions;<br />

Take your pets <strong>to</strong> the vet <strong>for</strong> a complete check-up <strong>and</strong> collect their<br />

immunization records <strong>and</strong> health certificates. Make travel arrangements<br />

<strong>for</strong> your animal friends;<br />

Plan your trip <strong>to</strong> your new home. If you’re driving <strong>to</strong> your final<br />

destination, get your car serviced <strong>and</strong> plan <strong>for</strong> meals <strong>and</strong> lodgings on the<br />

way (if needed). If you’re flying <strong>to</strong> your new city, book your flight <strong>and</strong> find<br />

a trustworthy au<strong>to</strong> transport company <strong>to</strong> ship your vehicle;<br />

Start packing. Pre-pack rarely used items, specialized equipment, out-ofseason<br />

clothing <strong>and</strong> decorations, <strong>and</strong> everything else you’re not going <strong>to</strong><br />

need be<strong>for</strong>e moving day;<br />

Set aside the items that will be packed in your essentials box <strong>and</strong> the<br />

valuables you’re not going <strong>to</strong> entrust <strong>to</strong> the movers.<br />

‣ Two weeks be<strong>for</strong>e Moving day<br />

Contact your moving company <strong>to</strong> make sure everything is going<br />

according <strong>to</strong> plan <strong>and</strong> discuss any last-minute details;<br />

Pay up any bills or debts you may have. Return library books <strong>and</strong><br />

anything you have borrowed from friends or neighbors. Collect any items<br />

you have left <strong>for</strong> cleaning or repair;<br />

Say your goodbyes. Visit all your favorite places in <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>and</strong> organize a<br />

farewell party <strong>to</strong> get all your friends <strong>to</strong>gether one last time;<br />

Pack the s<strong>to</strong>rage areas in your home, as well as most of your artwork,<br />

decorations, books, office supplies, <strong>and</strong> hobby materials;<br />

Reserve a parking place <strong>for</strong> the moving truck close <strong>to</strong> the entrance of your<br />

home, as well as an eleva<strong>to</strong>r (if you live in an apartment building) <strong>for</strong> the<br />

time of your move;<br />

Start using up your food supplies <strong>and</strong> get rid of any remaining items that<br />

are not going <strong>to</strong> your new home.<br />

‣ One week be<strong>for</strong>e Moving day


Get on with packing. Pack most of your clothes <strong>and</strong> shoes, kitchen items,<br />

jewelry, kid’s games <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong>ys, <strong>and</strong> other bric-a-brac;<br />

Make sure you have all the necessary documents <strong>and</strong> get a lockbox <strong>to</strong><br />

keep them safe during the trip <strong>to</strong> your new home.<br />

‣ Two days be<strong>for</strong>e Moving day<br />

Finish packing. Pack any remaining miscellaneous items <strong>and</strong> doublecheck<br />

your home <strong>to</strong> make sure you haven’t <strong>for</strong>gotten anything;<br />

Pack your first-night box <strong>and</strong> all the items that are going <strong>to</strong> travel with<br />

you. Keep them separately from your other belongings <strong>to</strong> make sure they<br />

won’t be accidentally loaded on the moving truck;<br />

Pack your electronics <strong>and</strong> prepare the furniture <strong>and</strong> appliances you’re<br />

going <strong>to</strong> take <strong>to</strong> your new place <strong>for</strong> moving.<br />

Moving checklist – Moving day


You will need your focus more than ever when the Big day knocks on your door.<br />

Keep your moving checklist at h<strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> keep a cool head during this culmination<br />

period of your relocation adventure.<br />

Get ready <strong>for</strong> the big day. Have a good night’s rest <strong>and</strong> get up early in the<br />

morning <strong>to</strong> have enough time <strong>for</strong> last-minute tasks;<br />

Ensure moving day safety. Take measures <strong>to</strong> protect your old home from<br />

damage <strong>and</strong> <strong>to</strong> prevent accidents <strong>and</strong> injuries while your items are being<br />

taken out of the property <strong>and</strong> loaded on the moving truck. Keep kids <strong>and</strong><br />

pets away from the moving chaos;<br />

Meet the movers <strong>and</strong> give them all the necessary in<strong>for</strong>mation, so that they<br />

can per<strong>for</strong>m your move in a safe <strong>and</strong> efficient manner. Provide some<br />

snacks <strong>and</strong> drinks if it will take them more than 3-4 hours <strong>to</strong> finish the<br />

job. Do not <strong>for</strong>get <strong>to</strong> tip them if you’re happy with their services;<br />

Give the truck driver the accurate destination address <strong>and</strong> your phone<br />

number, so that they can reach you if necessary;<br />

Give your old house or apartment a final cleaning, take a last look around,<br />

lock the door, <strong>and</strong> start on your journey <strong>to</strong> your new home.<br />

2. Gather your packing supplies in advance<br />

Starting <strong>to</strong> pack up your things without having acquired the proper packing<br />

materials by your side is a mistake that will cost you extra lost time <strong>and</strong> wasted<br />

nerves. In fact, it can be rather frustrating <strong>to</strong> have <strong>to</strong> interrupt the packing<br />

process <strong>to</strong> go look <strong>for</strong> more cardboard boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap.<br />

To keep your sanity during the <strong>to</strong>ughest <strong>and</strong> most time-consuming job in your<br />

moving checklist, prepare all the necessary packing supplies in advance so that<br />

things go smoothly <strong>and</strong> according <strong>to</strong> plan. Get hold of free moving boxes <strong>to</strong> save<br />

on packing materials <strong>and</strong> ease the financial strain on your budget.<br />

3. Start packing as early as possible<br />

One of the major sources of stress when moving house is the thought that you<br />

may not be able <strong>to</strong> finish packing by the day you’re scheduled <strong>to</strong> move out. After<br />

all, how are you supposed <strong>to</strong> move away when you still have many possessions<br />

waiting <strong>to</strong> be packed safely <strong>for</strong> the move.


And instead of going crazy with worry on Moving day, surrounded by <strong>to</strong>o many<br />

unpacked boxes, you should do everything in your power <strong>to</strong> start packing as<br />

early as you possibly can. Don’t underestimate the time it’ll take <strong>to</strong> pack up your<br />

home – packing the s<strong>to</strong>rage areas alone requires much more time than you’ll<br />

think.<br />

4. Declutter your home be<strong>for</strong>e packing<br />

Be<strong>for</strong>e you start packing <strong>for</strong> moving though, there’s something you just have <strong>to</strong><br />

do <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> keep your sanity throughout the move – <strong>to</strong> get rid of old, useless<br />

or unwanted items. Doing so will not only make packing <strong>and</strong> moving easier <strong>for</strong><br />

you, but it’ll also enable you <strong>to</strong> save big by reducing the transportation costs.<br />

Don’t part with things you love <strong>and</strong> wish <strong>to</strong> continue <strong>to</strong> use in the new place –<br />

everything else you should seriously consider selling <strong>for</strong> extra cash, gifting <strong>to</strong><br />

friends, donating <strong>to</strong> charity or throwing away <strong>for</strong> eco-friendly recycling.<br />

Remember: fewer items <strong>to</strong> pack <strong>and</strong> move will mean fewer things <strong>to</strong> worry<br />

about.<br />

5. Label your moving boxes<br />

You might be thinking that not labeling your boxes after you’ve packed them up<br />

will save you a bit of time. On the contrary, not only will that bad decision lead<br />

<strong>to</strong> hours of lost time after the move is over – when you’re about <strong>to</strong> start<br />

unpacking in the new home, but it can also drive you crazy when being <strong>for</strong>ced<br />

<strong>to</strong> open 15 r<strong>and</strong>om boxes <strong>to</strong> find the coffee maker.<br />

Don’t let simple routine packing tasks get the best of you – make sure you label<br />

all boxes with their destination room, contents <strong>and</strong> h<strong>and</strong>ling instructions so<br />

that you can identify those containers more easily later on. It’s interesting how<br />

a black marker <strong>and</strong> 30 seconds per box can save you from a lot of post-move<br />

headaches.<br />

6. Reduce the stress levels


<strong>The</strong> infamous stress of moving will start building up from the moment your<br />

move has become only a matter of time. And as Moving day approaches, those<br />

stress levels are likely <strong>to</strong> spike <strong>and</strong> may even reach unhealthy values.<br />

Yes, moving house can be a really stressful period (What makes moving so<br />

stressful?), so you should do all in your power <strong>to</strong> control those stress levels in<br />

order <strong>to</strong> keep your sanity. Organize your time well, pare down your<br />

possessions, start packing ASAP, ask friends <strong>for</strong> help <strong>and</strong> hire a <strong>to</strong>p-rated <strong>and</strong><br />

trustworthy mover <strong>to</strong> reduce stress when moving.<br />

7. Control your emotions<br />

One thing is clear – moving away from everything you know – home, city, <strong>and</strong><br />

most importantly, friends – will most likely bring out a potent cocktail of strong<br />

emotions <strong>for</strong> you. Sometimes such emotions may be hard <strong>to</strong> control, especially<br />

if you don’t really want <strong>to</strong> move out but are <strong>for</strong>ced <strong>to</strong> do so by a number of<br />

external fac<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />

Surprise, denial, excitement, confusion, fear, sadness, stress, anger, anxiety,<br />

depression – these are only a few of the emotions you may have <strong>to</strong> deal with<br />

when moving <strong>to</strong> a new home. Keep reminding yourself that you’re in control of<br />

your own feelings <strong>and</strong> emotions, <strong>and</strong> organizing a smooth move will contribute<br />

greatly <strong>to</strong> your mental equilibrium during that <strong>to</strong>ugh transitional period.<br />

8. Get help from your friends<br />

At times, a house move can become so overwhelming that you may get the<br />

unwelcoming feeling that you’re starting <strong>to</strong> lose your mind in the process. <strong>The</strong><br />

truth is that organizing a move often turns out <strong>to</strong> be <strong>to</strong>o much <strong>for</strong> one person<br />

<strong>to</strong> h<strong>and</strong>le successfully, so the solution is more than obvious – get help from your<br />

pals.<br />

It’s very important <strong>to</strong> know that you have your friends there by your side during<br />

that <strong>to</strong>ugh transitional stage. Also, their moral support <strong>and</strong> physical assistance<br />

will be invaluable <strong>for</strong> you, especially during the packing <strong>and</strong> furniture moving<br />

phases.


Make sure you reach out <strong>to</strong> your friends as early as possible <strong>to</strong> minimize the<br />

disruption of their own plans.<br />

9. Guarantee everyone’s safety<br />

Property damage during a house move is bad, but it’s even worse <strong>to</strong> have<br />

personal injuries during the house moving process. <strong>The</strong> thought alone that<br />

somebody could get hurt when big <strong>and</strong> heavy furniture pieces are being lugged<br />

around the house <strong>and</strong> taken out <strong>to</strong> the awaiting moving vehicle.<br />

Avoid going insane with worry about the safety of your family members <strong>and</strong><br />

your helpers. <strong>How</strong>?<br />

KEEP all exit pathways clear of obstacles,<br />

KEEP small children <strong>and</strong> pets away from the moving action;<br />

USE proper moving equipment <strong>to</strong> move heavy objects, <strong>and</strong><br />

WEAR appropriate clothes <strong>and</strong> shoes <strong>to</strong> prevent injuries.<br />

10. Save money with proven cost-saving techniques<br />

One of the major reasons why residential moving tends <strong>to</strong> be so stressful is<br />

because a house move can be a rather expensive affair. And whenever your<br />

savings are at risk, it’s only normal that you’d want <strong>to</strong> spend as little money as<br />

possible <strong>to</strong> cover the moving expenses.<br />

Keep your sanity when moving by knowing that you’ve done everything you<br />

possibly can <strong>to</strong> reduce the moving costs as low as they can go. Without a doubt,<br />

the three major ways <strong>to</strong> save money when moving <strong>to</strong> another home are:<br />

FIND an af<strong>for</strong>dable mover that still offers high-quality services. Yes, it<br />

does sound like an impossible task, but in reality, it’s quite possible.<br />

GET rid of any items that you no longer want <strong>and</strong> need <strong>to</strong> move only the<br />

things that make sense <strong>to</strong> be moved.<br />

PACK whatever items you can by yourself so that you won’t need <strong>to</strong> pay<br />

professional movers <strong>to</strong> do it <strong>for</strong> you.<br />

III.<br />

Why Some People Feel Overwhelmed When Relocating Or Moving?


<strong>The</strong>re are so many reasons <strong>for</strong> which people feel overwhelmed while<br />

relocating. You have so many areas <strong>to</strong> h<strong>and</strong>le that you are already under<br />

immense pressure <strong>and</strong> then this uncertainty that always hovers over your<br />

mind; Will everything be okay? Will my purpose <strong>for</strong> the relocation fulfil? Will I<br />

be able <strong>to</strong> adapt well <strong>to</strong> the new environment <strong>and</strong> new people? And a lot more<br />

questions. I can certainly relate <strong>to</strong> these emotions, as I have gone through this<br />

whole process, <strong>and</strong> thus am sharing some vital points on why you feel<br />

overwhelmed while relocating. And trust me you are not the only one who feels<br />

so, so open up about it <strong>and</strong> feel free <strong>to</strong> talk with your friends <strong>and</strong> family<br />

members about the same.<br />

IV.<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> Cope With Relocation Depression<br />

It is believed that the <strong>to</strong>ughest stage of a move is the tricky period of dealing<br />

with a post-move phenomenon known as relocation depression.<br />

‣ <strong>How</strong> can relocation cause depression?<br />

<strong>The</strong> depression due <strong>to</strong> relocation is not something that can be <strong>to</strong>uched, or<br />

smelled, or seen, but it surely is a powerful <strong>for</strong>ce <strong>to</strong> be reckoned with. This<br />

unwelcoming physiological state comes as a direct result from leaving your old<br />

life behind – a life where you enjoyed the highly familiar <strong>and</strong> com<strong>for</strong>ting daily


outine, the un<strong>for</strong>gettable moments with good <strong>and</strong> loyal friends, the<br />

unquestionable support of your family <strong>and</strong> maybe even a greatly satisfying job<br />

you loved.<br />

In other words, the post-relocation depression is your mourning period of the<br />

life you no longer have <strong>and</strong> could never bring back.<br />

‣ Relocation Depression Symp<strong>to</strong>ms<br />

Here are some of the more typical symp<strong>to</strong>ms of relocation depression that you<br />

need <strong>to</strong> watch out <strong>for</strong> once the dust of unpacked moving boxes settles down in<br />

your new house.<br />

Excessive sleep. One of the most common depression symp<strong>to</strong>ms is <strong>to</strong> find<br />

out that you sleep much more than you normally do. If approximately 8<br />

hours were enough <strong>to</strong> fully recharge your batteries, then the sudden 12<br />

or more hours of sleep is usually a good indica<strong>to</strong>r that something is not<br />

quite right.<br />

Uncharacteristic tiredness. Waking up tired <strong>and</strong> devoid of energy even<br />

after a good night’s sleep, <strong>and</strong> then starting about your day in a painfully<br />

sluggish way as if you were moving underwater could be a sign you’ve<br />

fallen victim of relocation depression.<br />

Unwillingness <strong>to</strong> leave the house. Are you spending most of your time<br />

inside your home <strong>and</strong> feel strong reluctance or even fear <strong>to</strong> step beyond<br />

your doorstep? Do you au<strong>to</strong>matically reject any invitations or<br />

suggestions <strong>to</strong> go out <strong>and</strong> do something outside the confines of your<br />

house or apartment? If yes, you may be down with relocation depression.<br />

Lack of desire <strong>to</strong> socialize. <strong>The</strong> mere thought of meeting <strong>and</strong> interacting<br />

with new people sounds very unappealing <strong>and</strong> even frightening, <strong>and</strong> you<br />

prefer <strong>to</strong> spend your days on your own.<br />

Tangible apathy. You exhibit a notable lack of interest in doing anything<br />

special, except maybe sleep <strong>and</strong> watch TV all day.<br />

It’s hard <strong>to</strong> know whether the symp<strong>to</strong>ms you’re exhibiting are the result of the<br />

post-relocation separation anxiety or not – it’s possible that you don’t feel your<br />

<strong>for</strong>mer self <strong>for</strong> some other medical reasons. One way <strong>to</strong> know <strong>for</strong> sure that


you’re under the influence of this highly undesirable side effect of relocation is<br />

if you feel energized <strong>and</strong> ready <strong>to</strong> take the world head-on only when you talk<br />

with your old friends or when you plan a visit <strong>to</strong> your old home in your old city.<br />

‣ <strong>How</strong> To Overcome Relocation Depression?<br />

Do not despair if you fear that you may be struggling with separation anxiety,<br />

<strong>for</strong> there are a number of proven relocation depression strategies <strong>to</strong> help you<br />

find a way out of your current cul-de-sac <strong>and</strong> start enjoying your new life as you<br />

should have done by now. Some useful ideas can be found in this concise but<br />

in<strong>for</strong>mative article.<br />

Try hard <strong>to</strong> make new friends<br />

Making new friends may not be a walk in the park, especially if you don’t have<br />

it in you <strong>to</strong> befriend strangers almost seamlessly like some people do. And yet,<br />

it’s imperative that you do your best. It’s no secret that friends will give you<br />

exactly what you need <strong>to</strong> break free from your nostalgic post-relocation<br />

sadness.<br />

Get <strong>to</strong> know your new city<br />

Unfamiliar settings can easily bring about ungrounded fear <strong>and</strong> darker<br />

thoughts. <strong>The</strong> solution? Turn the unfamiliar surroundings in<strong>to</strong> more familiar by<br />

exploring your neighborhood first <strong>and</strong> then your city. Be brave enough <strong>to</strong> step<br />

outside the illusionary safety of your new residence <strong>and</strong> you’ll see how fresh<br />

possibilities will open in front of you one by one. Take a walk in a beautiful city<br />

park, dare <strong>to</strong> go shopping in a crowded shopping district, visit his<strong>to</strong>ric city<br />

l<strong>and</strong>marks <strong>and</strong> locate important places (hospitals, post offices, police stations,<br />

etc.).<br />

Introduce familiarity <strong>to</strong> your new home<br />

Some people will probably not underst<strong>and</strong> your nostalgic home interior<br />

recreation <strong>and</strong> that’s okay. After all, you’re the only one who knows the secret<br />

<strong>and</strong> highly complicated household arrangement pattern that has the power <strong>to</strong><br />

res<strong>to</strong>re your inner harmony <strong>and</strong> peace of mind.


Keep meaningful relationships alive<br />

Making new friends is probably the most effective technique out there <strong>to</strong> fight<br />

depression due <strong>to</strong> relocation. And while your new life is taking you <strong>for</strong>ward, do<br />

not <strong>for</strong>get <strong>to</strong> look back <strong>and</strong> keep in <strong>to</strong>uch with your old pals.<br />

Nowadays, it takes nothing more than a mouse click or a single finger tap <strong>to</strong> talk<br />

<strong>and</strong> even see an old friend, so distance is a poor excuse <strong>to</strong> let great relationships<br />

slip between the cracks of your new reality.<br />

If you do happen <strong>to</strong> find yourself a bit overwhelmed by your new life, keep<br />

repeating <strong>to</strong> yourself that sometimes backward is the only way <strong>for</strong>ward.<br />

Do something crazy<br />

If you can’t seem <strong>to</strong> find a way out of your depressed state of mind, consider<br />

breaking your set daily rhythm <strong>and</strong> your inner pattern by doing something you<br />

wouldn’t do under normal circumstances. Simply put, do something crazy<br />

(reasonably crazy, of course) like joining a chess club or signing up <strong>for</strong> yoga or<br />

dance classes or learning how <strong>to</strong> play a musical instrument. Find yourself new<br />

hobbies <strong>and</strong> interests <strong>to</strong> clear your head out of any sad thoughts <strong>and</strong> help you<br />

meet new interesting people seamlessly.<br />

Give yourself more time<br />

And most importantly, don’t be <strong>to</strong>o hard on yourself. You have just survived a<br />

stressful <strong>and</strong> testing move which, even without you realizing it, may have<br />

turned your world upside down, broken your daily routine <strong>to</strong> pieces <strong>and</strong><br />

wreaked havoc on your internal biological clock.<br />

Are you familiar with the concept of communicating vessels? Your new postmove<br />

life <strong>and</strong> your old pre-move life are the interconnected vessels, <strong>and</strong> you’re<br />

playing the role of the medium between these two entities.<br />

Now, similar <strong>to</strong> the homogeneous liquid inside interconnected containers<br />

which requires time <strong>to</strong> balance itself out <strong>to</strong> the same level inside the vessels,<br />

you also need time <strong>to</strong> acclimatize properly <strong>to</strong> the unfamiliar surroundings <strong>and</strong><br />

advance slowly but steadily through the adaptation period. You need more


time, so give yourself more time. One little step at a time, just like a baby<br />

learning how <strong>to</strong> walk <strong>for</strong> the very first time. Right?<br />

<strong>The</strong> relocation depression strategies described above will help you find the<br />

right path much faster but the best way <strong>to</strong> fight the post-move side effect is <strong>to</strong><br />

avoid relocation depression al<strong>to</strong>gether. <strong>The</strong> moment you set foot in your new<br />

home, believe in your inner strength <strong>to</strong> h<strong>and</strong>le change, use your strong will <strong>to</strong><br />

avoid the cleverly set depressing traps, <strong>and</strong> counterattack the unexpected<br />

enemy with the healing power of positive thinking.<br />

Yes, occupy your mind with positive thoughts <strong>and</strong> soon you’ll be ready <strong>to</strong> have<br />

your relocation depression <strong>for</strong> breakfast. Bon appétit!<br />

V. What Moving Day Mistakes <strong>to</strong> Avoid?<br />

Moving isn’t most people’s idea of fun. Relocating from one residence <strong>to</strong><br />

another takes time, ef<strong>for</strong>t, <strong>and</strong> money, <strong>and</strong> the process can be highly stressful.<br />

To make your next move easier <strong>and</strong> less emotionally charged, consider these<br />

eight common moving mistakes <strong>and</strong> how <strong>to</strong> avoid them.


1. YOU’RE A PROUD PACKRAT.<br />

Over the years, you’ve collected an impressive treasure trove of clothing, books,<br />

magazines, kitchen <strong>to</strong>ols, <strong>and</strong> knick-knacks. You’re not quite in hoarding<br />

terri<strong>to</strong>ry, but no one would ever call you a minimalist. And it <strong>to</strong>ok time <strong>to</strong> amass<br />

all your possessions, so why wouldn’t you move them <strong>to</strong> your next house?<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Be<strong>for</strong>e you pack, spend a few days going through your home,<br />

identifying items that you haven’t used in the last year or two. Getting rid of<br />

unnecessary items is not only mentally liberating, but it can also save you<br />

money <strong>and</strong> time (since you’ll pay <strong>to</strong> move less stuff <strong>and</strong> spend less time packing<br />

<strong>and</strong> unpacking). Take pho<strong>to</strong>s of sentimental items that you no longer need, <strong>and</strong><br />

donate or sell anything that you no longer want.<br />

2. PROCRASTINATION IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME.<br />

You know that moving requires <strong>to</strong>ns of planning, but you figure that things will<br />

come <strong>to</strong>gether quickly once you get started. After all, how long could it take <strong>to</strong><br />

throw your stuff in some boxes <strong>and</strong> tape it all up?<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Get started early. Relocating requires multiple steps, from<br />

choosing a moving company <strong>to</strong> preparing your possessions <strong>for</strong> moving day. Use<br />

a checklist, like Allstate’s Moving <strong>Guide</strong>, <strong>to</strong> ensure you don’t <strong>for</strong>get anything in<br />

the chaos <strong>and</strong> excitement. And if you’re moving during a busy time of year, such<br />

as spring or summer, you’ll probably need <strong>to</strong> book your moving company even<br />

further in advance.<br />

3. YOU EQUATE DOING EVERYTHING YOURSELF WITH SAVING MONEY.<br />

You might think that renting a truck <strong>and</strong> convincing your friends <strong>to</strong> carry your<br />

stuff will save you a <strong>to</strong>n of cash. DIY-ing some moves can make sense financially,<br />

depending on the distance you’re moving <strong>and</strong> how much stuff you’re hauling,<br />

but most moves require the services of a professional moving company.<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Consider what a reputable moving company offers that you<br />

can’t provide if you’re doing all the work yourself. Depending on your contract<br />

with the moving company, you may receive valuation protection, liability<br />

coverage, or some <strong>for</strong>m of insurance, so you’ll be covered (at least partially) if


your items get damaged or lost in transit. Moving companies may also provide<br />

packing services <strong>for</strong> delicate items or disassembly of large furniture. Moving<br />

across state lines also means that gas <strong>and</strong> parking costs will add up, <strong>and</strong> imagine<br />

the aches, muscle strains, <strong>and</strong> injuries that you can prevent by leaving the heavy<br />

lifting <strong>to</strong> the professionals.<br />

4. YOU’RE TOO TRUSTING.<br />

If you plan <strong>to</strong> sit back, relax, <strong>and</strong> write a check after you’ve picked the cheapest<br />

moving company, you’re being <strong>to</strong>o trusting. Some moving companies may steal<br />

your possessions, be unreliable, or refuse <strong>to</strong> reimburse you <strong>for</strong> damage caused<br />

by the move.<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Do your research. Read online reviews, consider advice from<br />

friends, <strong>and</strong> talk <strong>to</strong> different moving companies on the phone be<strong>for</strong>e deciding<br />

which company is right <strong>for</strong> you. Ask the moving company if they’re licensed <strong>and</strong><br />

insured, <strong>and</strong> listen closely when they give you a nonbinding estimate. Read your<br />

contract carefully be<strong>for</strong>e you sign it, paying attention <strong>to</strong> extra fees, how much<br />

insurance the company has, <strong>and</strong> if the company has workers’ comp insurance.<br />

5. YOU SKIMP ON THE BUBBLE WRAP.<br />

By the time you finally get around <strong>to</strong> boxing up fragile items such as plates <strong>and</strong><br />

vases, you might be sick <strong>and</strong> tired of packing. Putting delicate glassware or<br />

china in some bubble wrap is better than nothing, but letting your laziness win<br />

is a big mistake.<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Get plenty of bubble wrap, cushioning rolls, <strong>and</strong> tape <strong>to</strong><br />

adequately cover your fragile items. It’s better <strong>to</strong> go slightly overboard with the<br />

padding so you don’t open your boxes in your new home <strong>and</strong> find shattered<br />

pieces of glass or ceramic.<br />

6. YOU FORGET TO TAKE INVENTORY.<br />

You’ve packed all your stuff in boxes, taking care <strong>to</strong> bubble wrap delicate items<br />

<strong>and</strong> not make any one box <strong>to</strong>o heavy. You think you’re good <strong>to</strong> go, until you<br />

realize that you have no idea what’s inside any of the boxes.


<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: As you pack, make a list of what you’re putting in each box.<br />

Number the boxes <strong>and</strong> label their contents, as well as what room of your new<br />

house they should go, so you’ll have a grasp on where your stuff is. Making an<br />

inven<strong>to</strong>ry will save time when you unpack <strong>and</strong> help you ensure that the movers<br />

didn’t leave anything behind. Use an app like Allstate’s Digital Locker be<strong>for</strong>e<br />

your move, <strong>and</strong> you’ll have a list of your possessions on h<strong>and</strong> should you ever<br />

need <strong>to</strong> file a claim with your home insurance company.<br />

7. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHERE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS.<br />

So your boxes are properly labeled, <strong>and</strong> you’re feeling supremely organized <strong>and</strong><br />

on <strong>to</strong>p of things. But how will you get through your first few nights in your new<br />

residence, especially if you have <strong>to</strong> wait <strong>for</strong> utilities <strong>to</strong> be turned on?<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Pack a suitcase that contains everything you’ll need <strong>for</strong> the<br />

first few days in your new home. Your <strong>to</strong>othbrush, <strong>to</strong>othpaste, cosmetics, <strong>to</strong>ilet<br />

paper, soap, medicine, water bottles, snacks, pajamas, linens, lap<strong>to</strong>p, <strong>and</strong> pet<br />

food are a few necessary items that you might <strong>for</strong>get you’ll need immediately.<br />

And don’t <strong>for</strong>get a pair of scissors—you’ll need them <strong>to</strong> actually open your<br />

boxes!<br />

8. THE MAIL SLIPS YOUR MIND.<br />

You’ve notified your l<strong>and</strong>lord <strong>and</strong> utility companies about your move-out date,<br />

but don’t <strong>for</strong>get about your mail.<br />

<strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> avoid it: Head <strong>to</strong> the post office’s website <strong>to</strong> fill out a change of address<br />

<strong>for</strong>m. Select whether your move is permanent or temporary, choose your start<br />

date (when you want the post office <strong>to</strong> begin <strong>for</strong>warding your mail), <strong>and</strong> enter<br />

your new address. Luckily, it only costs $1.05 <strong>for</strong> this service, <strong>and</strong> you can pay<br />

with a credit card.<br />

VI.<br />

<strong>The</strong> Final Words<br />

<strong>The</strong>re’s no denying that moving is a mammoth job, but these tips <strong>and</strong> tricks are<br />

designed <strong>to</strong> cut the chaos <strong>and</strong> take the pain out of moving.<br />

References


By Diane Schmidt .(2019) | <strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> Organize, Plan <strong>and</strong> <strong>Prepare</strong> <strong>for</strong> a Household<br />

<strong>Move</strong> | <strong>The</strong> Spruce, Retrieved September 18, 2019 from<br />

https://www.thespruce.com/organize-plan-prepare-household-move-<br />

2436542<br />

By Ethan Greenfield .(2019) | <strong>How</strong> <strong>to</strong> move house without losing your mind |<br />

Moving.tips, Retrieved September 18, 2019 from<br />

By David .(2019) | Why Some People Feel Overwhelmed When Relocating Or<br />

Moving? | Gold Coast Diary, Retrieved September 19, 2019 from<br />

https://moving.tips/bonus-tips-<strong>and</strong>-tricks/how-<strong>to</strong>-move-without-losingyour-mind/<br />

http://goldcoastdiary.zohosites.com/blogs/post/Why-Some-People-Feel-<br />

Overwhelmed-When-Relocating-or-Moving/<br />

By Joshua Green | <strong>How</strong> To Cope With Relocation Depression | My Moving<br />

Review, Retrieved September 19, 2019 from<br />

By Kathryn Madden .(2019) | <strong>How</strong> To <strong>Prepare</strong> For Moving Day | Home<br />

Beautiful, Retrieved September 19, 2019 from<br />

https://www.homebeautiful.com.au/how-<strong>to</strong>-prepare-<strong>for</strong>-moving-day<br />

8 Common Moving Mistakes And <strong>How</strong> To Avoid <strong>The</strong>m | Mental Floss, Retrieved<br />

September 19, 2019 from<br />

https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/overcome-relocationdepression/<br />

http://mentalfloss.com/article/85046/8-common-moving-mistakes-<strong>and</strong>how-avoid-them

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