There are few things in life that will cause you as much stress as moving can. The sheer concept of such a large-scale change is emotionally overwhelming. Not to mention all the challenges awaiting you before and after moving. Now, don’t get us wrong, we are very glad that you decided to make a new beginning. Eventually, you’ll start to reap the benefits of this change, and in the end, it will prove to be a good decision. However, this does not mean you should underestimate the burden of coming to terms with moving long distance. And this is what we’re here to help you with today.
A short guide to coming to terms with moving long distance
As most people do during the relocation, you’re probably going to beat yourself senseless overthinking every detail and decision through. You will constantly question whether you’re doing the right thing, whether you’ll regret moving etc. That’s an example of what we will try to help you avoid. We hope that this easy-going article will make you feel a bit lighter and relaxed. Think of it as stress relief through reading and understanding. So, here are some coping mechanisms to deal with a long distance move.
1. Understand and overcome your fear of moving to a new place
Most people will tell you that moving causes the same amount of stress as would losing your job or suffering from a serious illness. And the worst thing is that they are absolutely right. Routine and knowing one’s surrounding is what keeps us in check. The order of it all is what provides us with inner security and a calm state of mind. And now, all of a sudden, that order turns into complete anarchy due to a life-changing decision. Sounds terrifying, doesn’t it? Well, it might, but only at first. Once you learn how to adjust and correct your point of view, everything will make more sense.
2. Focus on the positives
The important thing to remember is to always focus on the good and not the bad. No matter the reason, you need a positive new environment to help you grow. Another relevant fact is that with new beginnings come meeting new people and new friends, as well as new opportunities in all spheres of life. And finally, you have to look at this as a blank sheet, waiting to be filled with new adventures just around the corner. After all, there’s surely a sound reason you decided to move in the first place.
In scenario A, you may have decided that it makes no sense to keep living in your old home. Whether there aren’t too many opportunities there, or you don’t have many friends, etc. Reasons could be endless why certain environment doesn’t suit you. In that case, you know that now is the right time to move and that moving can only be good for you.
And, scenario B is about the appeal of your destination. While your old city may be nice, you saw something great about the city or the state you’re moving to. Whether it’s better career or educational opportunities, more entertainment, or moving close to your family, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you have a sound reason for relocation, and you should always keep it in mind as your guiding star. That will undoubtedly help you with coming to terms with moving long distance, so make sure to focus on that.
3. Start planning early
If you think that Rome was built in a day, you are sadly mistaken. Moving is a long and tiring process, but if you learn some moving tips and start planning on time, it can go quite smoothly. And this is really something you want since the goal is to reduce stress. So, clear a part of your daily schedule for some important moving steps:
- Secure your new home and everything that goes with it. Whether your move is inspired by personal desire or business necessity, you need to make sure that you find the perfect new home for you. And this includes preparing the obligatory paperwork and resolving any current issues that might be haunting you here.
- Hire a reliable moving company to help you move stress-free. It’s important that you leave your valuables in capable hands. So, take a look at Verified Movers reviews, dial some numbers, and schedule meetings with high-rated movers. The less you need to worry about the moving process, the easier coming to terms with moving long distance will be.
- Start packing early and without rushing. Consider starting the packing process two or three weeks before the actual move. It gives you ample time to pack everything properly and securely, while also reducing the risk of forgetting anything.
4. Try to relieve yourself of existing stress by decluttering your home
Take advantage of the packing process by making it a fun activity for you. Think of decluttering your home as a way to relieve your worries. If you’re planning on selling those extra things, have fun while taking some pictures and organizing a yard sale. Perhaps you’re more in the mood to donate those cluttered items, giving them away to others and letting all the negative energy disappear in the process. Or you might simply want to gift some of those memories to people close to you – seeing them smile because of something you did for them. No matter what path you choose – make it count.
Finally, don’t forget that you need to get rid of the food and alcohol storage, which can be so much fun. You can conduct some culinary experiments if cooking relaxes you or you might simply want to make a farewell party and go all out. This will give you the chance to have some laughs, and make new memories as well as plan on seeing all those friends in the near future.
5. Do your favorite activities to blow off some steam
This works both pre-move and post-move. You surely have some activities that you enjoy, which are the most common ways for you to spend your free time. Our hobbies and interests are helping us deal with day-to-day stress, and they can be especially useful when moving. So, if you’re an extrovert and love hanging out with people, go outside, attend a party with your friends, or pick whichever event you’ll enjoy. Even if you’re not in the mood for going outside, you can have so much fun at home too. Binge-watch your favorite TV show, play some games, and just try to keep your mind off the moving tasks for a while.
Eventually, when you settle down in your new home, you can still rely on your hobbies to shift your focus from the pressure of blending in quickly and from being homesick. Time is really the key to dealing with these kinds of situations because as each day passes by, it only gets better. So, to make those days pass swiftly, do your favorite activities, explore the new city, and you’ll successfully deal with the transition.
6. Spend some time with your loved ones before the move
Relocations are notorious for getting us overwhelmed with dozens of tasks. These tasks, accompanied by the pressure of deadlines, can pull us into the whole process that we actually forget to spend some time with the people we won’t see as often as we used to. If you have family members or friends in the place you’re moving from, which we assume you do, make sure to spend as much time as you can with them before the move. Of course, you can always come back and hang out with them occasionally. But, you have to face the fact that it won’t be as much as you’re used to.
That’s one of the reasons hiring movers is useful. Apart from ensuring the safety of your belongings and doing less work, if you let professionals handle your move, you’ll have more time up your sleeves. That way, you can spend it with all of your loved ones who you won’t be able to see as frequently as you used to once you settle in your new home.
7. Find ways to cope with post-moving depression
Moving often results in stress, and even depression. However, you can prevent this from happening. And, even if it happens, tips from this article should help you deal with stress. It’s important for you to understand that everyone goes through three stages while coming to terms with moving long distance:
- Letting go – packing up everything and saying “goodbye for now” to your friends.
- The in-between – looking back at what you’ve left behind while on your way to your new home.
- A new beginning – setting yourself up for your new residence and setting down roots.
Given that we’re already going through the first two stages and how to best cope with them, let’s focus on the third phase. You’ve arrived at your new apartment, everything is unpacked and in place – now what? Well, to start off, introduce yourself to some of your new neighbors – nothing like new acquaintances to help you fit in. It’ll give you the chance to get some recommendations about the neighborhood, where to go, what to look out for etc.
The next step would be seeking out new adventures – going out for a walk and exploring. Whichever location you choose for your new home, make sure that it has a lot to offer to newcomers. That way, you never know what might be waiting just around the corner. Two important gains from this:
- you’ll most likely make new friends along the way
- you’ll end up establishing some new routines in your life, which will make coming to terms with long distance moving much smoother.
8. See the full potential in front of you when coming to terms with moving long distance
As we go on, we experience constant changes in life. It’s what makes us grow and establish ourselves as persons we will be one day. So, try not to think of this as an ending so much as a new adventure. And the faster you embrace it, the more you’ll be able to take from it. So, put your stress to sleep, go out, and see what happens – simple as that.
Leave the fears and worries behind you, and embrace this change
Yes, we know that this is much easier said than done, especially in the beginning. But, you should guide yourself with this thought because focusing on the positives of your move is arguably the best way for coming to terms with moving long distance. Also, remember that time heals all the wounds. There’s a reason why this is a popular saying. Things will get better over time, no matter how difficult it seems right now. We hope that we helped you and made you feel more relaxed, as that was truly our goal. We believe in you and we have no doubts that you’ll have a great time as soon as you relocate and start meeting and exploring your new place.