Moving is stressful. It can even be found on some lists of the top most
stressful life events, and there are some things that can make the
transition smooth and less anxious.
Utilizing all of your resources is
the best way to alleviate stress related to the event.
Your moving company, the post office, and a few well planned preemptive
strikes will make your experience smooth and almost stress free. Do not
take on the process on your own. Forget renting a truck, forget
enlisting the help of your friends. Just hire it out. There are
professionals; use them, and use them well. Enlist the company to pack
your belongings, load them, move them, unload and unpack them! While
they will not decorate for you, they will, for a price, take everything
out of the boxes for you and dispose of all the packing materials. The
rule of thumb is that if the company took it apart at point A then they
must re-assemble it at point B. If you are there to give direction, you
can ultimately end up with everything in the correct room, and large
pieces of furniture such as beds and couches can even be arranged
according to your direction.
Up to a few weeks before, drop by the post office for anticipated change
of address, but do not simply fill out the paper and assume all it
well. Take the time to talk with the post master. He or she will be able
to help you make the change in a timely manner. Most post offices will
offer a guide with the “what tos and when tos” of moving; the
information inside can be valuable.
Even though you have made an official change of address, call all of
your creditors including those who supply your utilities, make the
change, and make note of the call. One of the most stressful situations
that arises from a move is a confusion of mail that results in overdue
bills and late fees. While you are dealing with the utility providers,
assign your cutoff date for the old location and choose your turn on
date for the new place. If you are moving to a different geographical
area, this will mandate two different calls. It is also suggested that
you choose to have your utilities started the day before the movers are
to arrive with your belongings. Not only will it be nice to have lights
and air conditioning upon arrival, but hooking up the cable and a small
television upon arrival can be a life saver for those who have children
to entertain.
Plan the first few weeks at your new place like you would plan a
vacation. For those with children, plan a scavenger hunt that includes
collecting certain things from specific places such as the new school,
the park, or the community center. This will make a fun time of getting
acquainted for the kids while checking some major things off of your to
do list.
