The facts are, moving can be stressful. There are so many things to remember and to do. While we can’t eliminate all of the stresses around moving, we can follow some proven tips to reduce the stress. Moving is also an exciting time—it’s the start of a new chapter and opportunities. You’ll find that as you shift your perspective towards the new experiences, the stress levels can decline.

One of my popular blog posts, Take the Stress Out of Moving, details ten tips to help you prepare for the move and covers everything from picking your moving date, to packing, and preparing pets for the move. Be sure to read this post and note which tips you’d like to practice for your upcoming move. In this article, you’ll also find a link to a related article about helping to prepare your pets for to the move. 

Let’s consider additional ways to reduce stress, eliminate doubt, and curb any anxiety you and your family may be feeling around this major life transition. 

Preparing and Planning 

Whether you’re leaving a place you’ve lived for a year or for decades, it’s natural to feel a mixture of feelings about living in a new home and getting to know a new community. It’s wise to give yourself time to plan and prepare. With so many resources available online, you can virtually “drive” the streets of a neighborhood to take a look, but did you know you can also schedule time with a realtor to show you around a community? The agent will know which listings are available and which conveniences are nearby.

As you plan ahead, you’ll want to consider where the closest grocery store or gas station is located. If you have children, your interests will be schools, and if your child will ride the bus or walk to school. Before moving day, allow yourself time to plan and prepare for the places you’ll need to register or set up accounts, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the post office, the bank, medical and dental offices, utility service connections, etc. Make a list of the services you use and which places at the new location offer the same.

This preparation lessens doubt and anxiety about the unknown. You’ve created a plan you can workstep-by-step to complete all the tasks necessary for this move. The more you work this plan, the greater your confidence grows, and you’ll actually enjoy edging closer to move-in day. 

Covering the Essentials and Adding Comfort

As you’re packing boxes, take a moment to label your boxes either by general contents or by room. Also note which boxes contain essentials such as medications, toiletries, underwear, pajamas—all the things you’ll need on your first night at your new place. With a bit of planning ahead, you can be assured that what you need can be found easily among the many boxes on move-in day. Think about the things that bring you comfort, and you will need to feel well and happy. 

If you have children, pack a box of toys, books, and their favorite comfort items. Keep this box in a place that can be unpacked first to help the little ones settle in with all of their favorite things. 

Say “Yes” to Help

Recruit the family and friends to help out with moving day and unpacking. It’s too much to do on your own and having these supportive people around will help. If someone offers to cook the first meal or pick up fast food, say “yes” with a smile. "Many hands make light work" is a proverb meaning that tasks are easier, faster, and less burdensome when multiple people cooperate and share the labor. This concept emphasizes that collective effort reduces individual burden, allowing large projects to be completed efficiently through teamwork. So, say “yes” when someone asks if they can lend a hand with something around your upcoming move. They will feel great knowing they are helping you, and you will benefit from their support. 

Take Care of Yourself

During this time, you may find yourself feeling more tired or a bit anxious, even when you’re excited about moving. This is all to be expected as you move through these transitions. Try to take breaks as you need them. Be patient with yourself. Moving includes a lot of things, and the mental tasks can be equally taxing as the physical tasks of moving furniture and boxes. 

In Summary

With some planning and preparation, plus accepting help from family and friends, you will be able to reduce the stresses of moving. If you have any questions about visiting a home or neighborhood, don’t hesitate to reach out.  

Since 2004 Sara Lyn Nguyen continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate around the Houston area to those she serves. Sara is a multi-year award winning REALTOR® and relocation specialist where her clients trust her to have up-to-date information on the real estate market. She has been one of Gary Greene’s Multi-Million Dollar Top Producers, and citywide was the #2 Top Producing agent in 2020, #3 in 2021, #2 in 2022, #5 in 2023 and 2024. When it’s time to buy, sell, invest, or relocate speak with a trusted professional knowledgeable in the homes and neighborhoods of Fort Bend/Sugar Land and the surrounding region.