Moving House: Wellbeing Tips

We’re first time buyers, and three years later I can still remember the stress involved in buying and moving into our first home. As someone who likes familiarity and calm, it was a tough experience but mainly because I wasn’t looking after myself during the process. I think we’re all guilty of putting ourselves last during stressful times, even when it is as exciting as buying a home for the first time.

We have family members moving into their first home very soon so today’s post features wellbeing tips to keep them  and you sane. To get you started, if you’re on the move too, here’s some practical tips on organising and packing your home for the big move. P.S Stay assured, that it’s completely normal to feel stressed during this time and that it’s worth every single sleepless night.

Value your time When moving day arrives, trust me, you’re going to need all the help you can get. At this stage you will have already had 3 months (or more) not knowing when and if the moving day will happen, and it’s likely you’ll be feeling mentally and physically drained. If there’s one thing I’d recommend spending money on it is a professional removal company, leaving you time on the day to clean your old home, and organise the new. It also gives you peace of mind, and your time is worth those extra pennies. To afford this, we added moving costs to our mortgage loan.

Keep weekends free Managing solicitors, estate agents and brokers can be challenging. You’ll be mainly doing this during their office working hours, during the week, before and during work. Keep your weekend’s free so you can play catch up, laugh with loved ones and sleep as much as you can! If at all possible, book some time off work too.

Communicate If you can’t book time off work, have a chat with work colleagues and let them know you might need to step out of the office to make important phones calls or be flexible with your working day. If they are a good company, they will understand this. Letting everyone know your situation beforehand will relieve any worries you have about work being affected.

Arrange distraction-free activities On those days when you’ve not heard from the solicitor in weeks, take time out. Choose activities where you can focus on one thing at a time and that are free from distractions, including a visit to the cinema, watching a comedy show or going to the theatre.

Eat well I had pretty poor adult life skills during our house move, opting to eat convenience food at any given time (I ate all the Pot Noodles). I’d definitely recommended doing some healthy and hearty batch cooking for the week of the move that you can easily reheat at the end of a long day. Save takeaways for the first night in your new home; it’s practically the law to eat pizza on a cardboard box on the first night, right?

Keep a list of the positives Focus on why you are moving and make a list of the good things that will change. Whether that be an extra room (and perhaps a new member to the family), a garden, or a great location that gives you a better work/life balance. Anytime you’re having a bad day, look at your list for some perspective.

Outdoors Keep your brain and body healthy and go for walks outside, taking time to just walk out any worries you might have. Use it as a chance to have some alone time too if you’re feeling a bit mardy, to avoid any dramas at home.

Listen to podcasts I’ve never prioritised housework having always found better things to do (excuse my slovenly ways). But when you move house, you have no choice but to organise, pack and clean so you may aswell make the most of the time. Listen to new music and your favourite podcasts for quiet and creative distraction.

Pet owners To avoid stress and upset, ensure your pet has a safe and calm area to rest in (and pack their items last) whilst the upheaval is happening. Pets pick up on their human’s emotions so it’s a good idea for them to have their quiet space untouched.

Organise the chaos Living amongst cardboard boxes can be very stressful and chaotic. Air out the rooms before and after work by opening the windows and in the evening I’d recommend keeping things like candles and blankets out of storage. Use them in the evenings in the run up to the move, to help your environment feel more like a home. These items can be put into the ‘first night box’, along with the kettle and takeaway menu, for your new home.

Do you have any moving house wellbeing tips?

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