Written by Mehran Charania, Director of Ready Steady Store
For 61% of people, moving house ranks as life’s most stressful event, surpassing starting a new job or even going through a divorce, according to the Royal Mail Home Mover’s Report. This stress stems not only from the physical task of moving but also from the emotional and logistical challenges it presents. The disruption of routines, the emotional toll of leaving a familiar home, and the uncertainty of property transactions all contribute to this high stress.
Moving involves more than just packing and transporting belongings. It encompasses the emotional challenge of saying goodbye to a place filled with memories, the logistical headache of coordinating movers and changing addresses, and the unpredictability of property chains.
Rightmove reports an average wait time of 150 days between a house sale and moving out, often leaving new homeowners in temporary limbo. The current economic climate only adds to this uncertainty, making the process particularly stressful for families with children or pets.
How can we minimise disruption?
Planning is key
It may sound simple, but planning ahead really does make a world of difference, especially when creating a timeline as early on as possible. Break things down into smaller, manageable tasks, such as packing away the things you don’t regularly use from one drawer or cupboard – or contacting one company about your change of address – per day, rather than attempting to tackle each and every belonging in one go. The effort will soon add up over time, allowing you to still get on with your usual life, whether it’s going to yoga class or planning a weekend away.
Alternative storage
For those of you put off by the idea of having heaps of boxes laying around as you unpack, self storage can be a great idea. It will minimise the amount of visual clutter in your new house, allowing you to achieve a peaceful state of mind as you gradually approach tasks. Of course, renting a self storage unit is also great for those with a delay between selling their house and moving into a new home, too, as it means there are fewer belongings to haul around in the meantime, also reducing the need for unnecessary space in interim rentals.
Minimise items – don’t be afraid of a throw out
If there’s a long wait ahead before your move, take this as an opportunity to declutter your belongings. Before you start packing, sift through your items and decide what to keep, donate and discard. A clutter-free home is much easier to pack – and you’ll feel much more excited about moving into your new house if you can start without a mess.
In a rush? Then it’s probably best to leave the decluttering for later, storing your belongings as they are to be sorted out, box by box, once you are settled.
Moving mastered
Moving doesn’t have to be anxiety-inducing. With careful planning, organisation, and a positive mindset, it can become an exciting opportunity for a fresh start. View moving as a chance to declutter, reassess priorities, and design a living space that reflects your current lifestyle. By taking control of the process and implementing these stress-management tactics, you can transform your move from a stressful ordeal into a rewarding journey towards a new future.
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