Moving comes with a myriad of obstacles. Mentally preparing to move often takes the backburner to packing and paperwork, but it’s still vital if you want a smooth move.
Focusing on the positive reasons that come with moving, addressing any anxiety, and bringing closure by leaving well are some of the ways to mentally prepare yourself to move out.
Let’s look a bit deeper at these and other tips that can help your relocation.
Remember the Reasons You Chose This
Before moving, it’s important to take a step back and remember why you made the decision to move in the first place.
Was it for a job opportunity? To spread your wings and fly on your own? To experience a new culture or lifestyle? Whatever the reason, revisiting it can help mentally prepare you for the changes and challenges that come with a move.
Focus on the positive aspects of the move and how it will ultimately benefit you in the long run. It’s also helpful to remember that homesickness or feelings of discomfort are a normal part of the moving process.
Remembering why you chose this can help with those uncomfortable feelings and keep doubts from growing too loud. Every time I’ve moved, it’s been bittersweet, but I didn’t let that stop me from getting closer to my goals because I reminded myself why I was doing it.
Address any Anxiety
Moving to a new place can be exciting and thrilling, but it can also cause anxiety and stress.
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of moving from one home to another. To mentally prepare for your move, it’s essential to acknowledge your fears and anxieties.
You could start by creating a checklist of all the things you need to do before moving. This can help you organize your thoughts and give you a sense of control over the situation.
Keep in mind that moving doesn’t have to be perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Embrace the moment and trust that everything will fall into place. With patience, planning, and support from loved ones, your move can be a success.
This video has a few more helpful tips to ease your anxiety when moving.
And if you need more practical tips during the move, check out this article on making your move as stress-free as possible.
Stay Positive Despite Obstacles
Moving to a new place can bring about many challenges and obstacles, but it’s important to stay positive despite them.
There may be unexpected setbacks such as delays in the moving process or difficulty finding suitable housing, but these obstacles can be overcome with a positive attitude (and some hard work).
During my cross-country move, my stuff arrived two days later than it was supposed to. On top of that, I hadn’t read the fine print closely enough, so instead of my stuff being delivered to my doorstep, I had to pick it up from a facility several miles away.
It’s important to remember that obstacles can be difficult, but they also provide opportunities for growth and new experiences.
Know that obstacles will come up, but don’t be afraid of them. You’re already working through any anxiety because of the previous tip, so now you just have to stay resilient and remember that you can adapt to any obstacle that comes your way!
Don’t Be Afraid to Lean on People for Support
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Don’t be afraid to lean on people for support when preparing for a move.
Remember that cross-country move I was just talking about? I was running behind packing, and my neighbor saw I was (fun little palindrome) struggling and helped me out. Then, when I ran into obstacles at the destination, my in-laws drove an hour and a half each way to help get my stuff moved in.
While that support wasn’t during the preparation phase, the support was there when I needed it. If you need support before your move, make it known to people. You might be surprised by what happens.
Talking through your concerns and fears can also help you gain a new perspective and come up with solutions to problems. So maybe just call a friend, talk through some of your struggles, and ask for advice.
Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and relying on others does not make you weak or incapable. In fact, reaching out for support can be a sign of strength and resilience.
If you want to know more about why moving can be so hard, this article digs into some of the reasons moving can be emotionally difficult.
Dream about the Future
As you prepare for a big move, it can be overwhelming to think about all the unknowns that lie ahead.
To mentally prepare yourself, it can be helpful to take some time to dream about the future. This is similar to remembering the reasons you wanted to move in the first place, but with more joyful imagining.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself settling into your new home, meeting new friends, and establishing yourself in your new community. Envision the opportunities that await you, such as new job prospects or hobbies that you’ve always wanted to try.
If you’re just moving a few miles, maybe picture how nice the places around that location will be to visit or how nice having all the extra independence will be.
As you visualize your future, remind yourself that change can be scary but also exciting and full of possibilities.
Keep Self-Care a Priority
Moving can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, which is why it’s important to prioritize self-care during the process.
Prioritizing self-care means taking the time to prioritize your emotional and physical well-being while juggling the tasks of moving.
One way to prioritize self-care is by taking breaks between packing and organizing. This will help ease your stress levels and enable you to approach the process with a clear and focused mindset. You’ll have to plan ahead to make it happen, but the benefits are worth it.
Additionally, try to maintain healthy habits by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and staying hydrated. Even small acts such as taking a walk or reading a book can significantly reduce stress and anxiety during the moving process.
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as the physical aspects of moving, and it can make the transition to a new home a positive experience.
Bring Closure to Your Move by Leaving Well
You can better mentally prepare yourself for the move by bringing closure to your current living situation and leaving well.
This means taking the time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors, letting them know how much you have enjoyed living in their community and how much you will miss them.
It also means taking care of any outstanding bills or obligations and making sure you have properly cleaned and prepared your space.
When I moved away to college, I didn’t realize how much my parents were pre-grieving not having me around the house. I should’ve realized it and been more compassionate and grateful as I left instead of leaving some areas of tension around disagreements we had up to my move.
When you take the time to bring closure to your move, you can start the next chapter of your life with a clear mind and a sense of satisfaction about how you left things. So take a deep breath, say goodbye with a smile, and move forward to your new adventure.