By Chris Humphrey
Moving to a new home is always a major change in a family’s life, and it’s rarely easy. It’s not only the unfamiliarity of the new place that makes people uncertain about it; there’s a myriad of other variables that prove to be quite disconcerting as well.
One of these variables is the preparation for the move. This is when stress begins to build up for a lot of families. Many say that this is when the change starts to feel too real – when they start organizing items and shopping for the best packers and movers to assist them. A move, after all, is never just a life change that affects the physical. It takes its toll on someone’s emotional and psychological condition as well.
Kids, particularly, struggle with the idea of the upcoming move. Most of them resent the fact that they’ll be leaving their friends and most of the things they love behind.
So, if there are ways for you to make a major move easier for your family, you must take advantage of them. Who knows? They may just alter everybody’s disposition about relocating to a distant place.
What You Can Do to Make Relocation Less Stressful
Provided here are some ideas for simplifying the often concerning aspects of moving.
1. Take care of the drama.
If certain members of the family are against the move, get everybody to sit down and just talk it out. No matter how young the kids are, don’t think it a waste of time to explain why relocating is necessary. When you have a conversation about the big change your family will be going through, every member will develop an understanding that even if the situation isn’t to their liking, it’s the best arrangement considering the circumstances.
2. Maintain your routine prior to the move.
It’s very important for family members to maintain the same activities prior to the major change. This provides a great sense of comfort, especially to the younger members of the family. By doing this, they’ll realize that even if some things are changing, some things also stay the same.
3. Edit your belongings.
It’s always better to have fewer things to take with you to your new home. You’ll have less to think about and your family will really have a fresh start.
To edit your belongings, create 4 piles: to keep, to throw away, to give away, and to sell at a garage sale. This will reduce the number of possessions that you’ll have to pack for the move.
Also, you’ll get a better sense of what’s valuable for your family. Lastly, you can generate additional income to support the life your family will be starting elsewhere.
4. Create a schedule and find the help you need in order to stick it.
One of the best ways to manage a major move for the family is to not go about it in a hurried manner. Draw up a schedule for everything that you need to take care of prior to the move.
Likewise, find the people who can help your family. Reach out to relatives and friends to assist with packing or to take care of certain chores for you, such as calling different professional moving companies for relocation quotes. You’ll get things done faster if you have extra hands doing the work.
5. Give your family something to look forward to.
Take away focus on the “unhappy” aspects of the move by preparing “treats” that the family can look forward to. For example, if you’ll be driving several days to your new home, make the trip an adventure. Schedule stops for sightseeing. Perhaps, stay overnight at charming inns or hotels, or drop by beloved relatives’ houses.
Starting life anew elsewhere is daunting, but it doesn’t need to be a negative experience. With the five tips shared here, you can make the move not just easier, but also a great memory for your entire family.
Author Bio Chris Humphrey
General Manager | Easytruck Moving & Storage
Chris Humphrey is the General Manager of Easytruck Moving & Storage. In 2013, the company combined their expertise in professional moving services & storage to create an entirely new approach to the business – and mobile storage was born! Easytruck now operates over 30,000 sq ft of air-conditioned facilities in three convenient locations in Dubai and is the only Mobile Storage operator in the UAE. Email: chris.easytruck@gmail.com
Author: Maralyn
Maralyn Dennis Hill, The Epicurean Explorer, is president emeritus of International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association, member of Society of American Travel Writers, and Society of Professional Journalists. She is Executive Editor of Luxe Beat Magazine and contributes to other publications. She also speaks and is a guest on many shows. The majority of Maralyn’s articles are now geared to the luxury market, spas, corporate retreats, business events, and culinary tourism, from simple to gourmet. Maralyn’s description of herself: I was born to travel and tell the tale. I’m energized by different cultures in every aspect of their lives, from food, wine, and destination, to how they conduct business. Travel represents a continual geography lesson.
