In lists of the top most stressful events that people must endure, moving is often in the top five. Fortunately, there are many things that you can do to make moving a smoother and less stressful process. Practicing self-care, focusing on your needs, and getting help are all things that you can do to make your upcoming move to (or within) Atlanta a less upsetting process overall.
1. Stay organized.
One of the reasons that moving is so stressful is because there are so many things to keep organized and to remember while the relocation is taking place. Many people who go through a relocation lay awake in bed at night wondering if they forgot to do something important that day. Tasks can build up quickly as you start looking for a new home, packing up your belongings, switching jobs, and more.
Staying organized can help make this experience less frightening and stressful. You’re less likely to forget an important task if you stay organized.
Create a binder of important documents to ensure that you’ll always have those documents when you need them. The binder may contain information like your old lease, your new lease, financial paperwork, information about your new job, utility bills, and more. Write a big note on the front of the binder that says, “DO NOT PACK” to avoid losing your binder during the packing process!
Use reminder apps, calendar software, and more to avoid forgetting important appointments. And finally, make a calendar with a timeline of important tasks and their deadlines, so you can avoid forgetting something important. Taking these steps can help you sleep more soundly at night.
2. Get plenty of sleep.
Sleep is important for stress relief! Medical research shows that stress can negatively impact sleep, while lack of sleep can lead to more stress.
- Take naps when you’re feeling drowsy.
- Carve out 8 hours each night for sleeping.
- Maintain a comfortable sleep environment (dark and cool).
If you’re having a hard time sleeping at night, use a white noise machine to drown out sounds on the street. Give yourself extra time for falling asleep.
3. Give yourself enough time to move.
Moving becomes more stressful when you’re trying to fit a lot of activity into a small stretch of time. Give yourself as much time as you can to perform all the things that need to be done before you move. This includes time to declutter and pack, time to find your new apartment or house, and time to clean up your old home before the new tenants or homeowners move in.
Running short on time? Get help from the pros. Work with a professional Atlanta moving company that can pack the boxes for you, load and unload the moving truck, and take the burden off your shoulders.
4. Exercise.
Exercise helps enhance your mood and take your mind off stress. Exercising also makes it easier to sleep at night, which can also help reduce your stress levels. Get as much exercise as you can during the moving process. Take walks, go for a quick run, ride bikes, or go swimming.
Once you arrive in Atlanta, you’ll have access to a variety of facilities and outdoor parks where you can exercise. Start visiting those facilities as soon as you can to get the most out of your new community, and to make your first weeks in Atlanta as stress-free as possible.
5. Practice mindfulness.
Meditation and yoga are excellent stress relief activities. If you’ve never meditated before, this is a good time to start. There are many online resources to help you get your start, or you can find a yoga or meditation center once you move to Atlanta. Practicing mindfulness will help you find relaxation immediately upon performing the meditation, and over time, you should become more relaxed generally.
6. Visit the top spots for R&R in Atlanta.
About 50 million people visit Atlanta every year. As a popular vacation destination in the United States, Atlanta has many centers for rest and relaxation. Visit a spa or a sauna, or visit the Cascade Springs Nature Preserve where you can see a beautiful waterfall and a historic springhouse, covered in moss. Get your dose of nature and fresh air! When you’re done, you’ll feel less stressed and more fulfilled.
7. Spend time with friends.
Nothing is more important than spending time with friends when you’re going through something stressful. Take time to see your friends at the movies, go out for drinks, or just take a walk with someone that you’re very close to. Spending time with friends is especially important if you’ll soon be leaving the area where your friends live. Don’t miss opportunities to be with the people you care about in this important time!
If you’re new to the Atlanta area, there are many things you can do to meet new friends. Join Meetup or a Facebook group for your new neighborhood, or consider joining the Atlanta Social Club.
8. Get help when you need it.
Don’t try to move on your own! Take away the stress by working with an Atlanta moving company. At AC White, we can help you get through your upcoming relocation with less stress. We take the burden of moving off our customers, so they can focus on other tasks. Call today to learn more.
