How to Deal with Moving Stress

Two seniors with moving boxes and dog, smiling

Moving to a new home offers a fresh start, which can be reinvigorating at any age. It gives you a chance to reassess your daily routine and develop healthy new habits. In many cases, it gives you the opportunity to simplify your life and remove things (like clutter and chores) that cause you stress. But of course, the process of moving can also be quite stressful – even if you’re well prepared for the job. Scroll down to review some tips that can ease the transition and help you learn how to deal with moving stress.

How to Deal with Moving Stress

Focus on the end goal.

It’s always easier to accomplish something if you can keep the finish line in your mind’s eye. Think about all the benefits of moving. For example, if you’re moving into an assisted living community, think about all of the activities and events you’ll enjoy, the chores that you can scratch off of your to-do list, and the friends you’ll make. When you’re feeling tired, or you have to confront some new stressor, focus on the end goal to make it through those tough moments.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

It’s incredibly common to underestimate how long it will take to pack up and move your belongings. You probably have a lot more stuff than you think you do! So, as soon as you decide to move, start taking steps to clear out clutter and pack up your home. You can start with the items you rarely use and steadily progress to the things you need on a daily basis.

Enlist help.

Moving should not be a DIY project in your senior years. Whether you hire professionals or ask friends and family for help, don’t expect to make this move on your own. Not only can you unload some of the physical labor of the job, but also you can lower your stress levels by embracing the support offered by other people. Consider hiring a senior move manager, who can ease the transition to assisted living.

Make your new house into a home ASAP.

As soon as you can, take a little time to recreate aspects of your old home that made you feel comfortable and happy. For example, you could put out photographs of loved ones, hang up a painting you adore, spread your quilt onto the bed, or make a cup of tea in your favorite mug. These little steps can help you feel comfy and content in your new home.

Get involved in your new community.

A home is about much more than a living space, especially if your new home is within an assisted living community. Meeting your neighbors and the staff members will give you a sense of security because you’ll know that you can ask them for advice and support. Plus, you might make some new friends in the process!

Rely on your sense of humor.

Things are bound to go wrong – a perfect move is virtually unheard of! But if you try to be patient with the people helping you and laugh off the mishaps and inconveniences, you’ll have a much better time. Try to find humor in frustrating situations. If you can smile and laugh your way through this move, your stress levels won’t be able to skyrocket.

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Although moving may seem daunting, like most things in life, it’s simply a matter of taking small steps in the right direction. Any time you feel overwhelmed, just remember that all you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. Before you know it, you’ll be happily settled in your new home!

Hoping to retire in Nebraska? Look no further than Kinship Pointe. We offer assisted living and independent living communities in four locations: Kearney NorthridgeMcCookSeward, and Wayne. At Kinship Pointe, our delightful staff works every day to help residents pursue their passions and live life to the fullest. To learn for yourself what makes Kinship Pointe so special, schedule a tour or contact us online.

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