Checklist for Reducing Moving Anxiety

Moving can be overwhelming, but breaking the process into manageable steps can make it easier. Here’s a quick guide to help you stay organized and reduce stress during your move:

• Plan Early: Start 8 weeks ahead. Notify your landlord, book movers, and create a timeline.
• Declutter: Sort items into keep, donate, and discard categories to save time and costs.
• Budget: Account for moving costs like movers, packing supplies, and insurance. Add a 10–15% buffer for unexpected expenses.
• Pack Strategically: Label boxes by room, gather essentials for moving day, and secure fragile items.
• Stay Calm: Take breaks, focus on the positives of your new home, and ask for help when needed.

How to Reduce the Stress of Moving

Before Moving: Planning Steps

Getting organized early can make the moving process less stressful. Here’s a practical guide to help you prepare before the big day.

Set Up Your Moving Schedule

Start planning at least 8 weeks ahead. Use a digital calendar or an app to stay on track with these key milestones:

• 8 weeks out: Notify your landlord or employer about your move.
• 6 weeks out: Book movers and start sorting through your belongings.
• 4 weeks out: Begin packing items you don’t use daily.
• 2 weeks out: Pack room by room for better organization.
• 1 week out: Finalize utilities and update your address.

Once your schedule is in place, focus on decluttering to make packing easier.

Sort and Remove Unused Items

Decluttering can save time and reduce moving costs. Use the “one-year rule”: if you haven’t used something in the past year, it might be time to let it go. Divide your items into three groups:

• Keep: Things you use often or hold sentimental value.
• Donate: Items in good condition that others can use.
• Discard: Broken, expired, or unusable items.

Start small - like with a closet - to avoid feeling overwhelmed. If you have valuable items you no longer need, selling them through local marketplaces can help offset moving expenses.

Choose and Book Movers

Hiring reliable movers can make all the difference. Platforms like MOD24 can help you find licensed movers with clear pricing. Their membership perks include:

• $49 off your move
• One month of free storage
• $200 off cross-country moves
• Access to premium customer support

Book your movers at least 6 weeks in advance, especially if you’re moving during the busy season (May through September).

Plan Your Moving Costs

Moving comes with various expenses. Here’s a breakdown of common costs:

Expense Category	Typical Cost Range	Notes
Local Move (2-3 bedroom)	$800-$2,000	For moves within 50 miles
Long Distance Move	$2,500-$7,500	Costs depend on distance
Packing Supplies	$200-$500	Includes boxes, tape, bubble wrap
Insurance	$100-$300	For extra item protection
Storage (if needed)	$100-$300/month	Climate-controlled options

Add a 10-15% buffer for unexpected costs. Moving insurance is a good idea for valuable items, and keep receipts for possible tax deductions if your move is job-related.

Other potential costs to consider:

• Utility setup fees
• Professional cleaning services
• New furniture or appliances
• Travel expenses during the move
• Tips for movers (typically $20-$40 per mover for a full day)

Planning ahead helps you avoid surprises and ensures a smoother moving experience.

Packing Tips to Reduce Stress

Make your move less overwhelming by staying organized during the packing process. Packing efficiently not only keeps stress levels in check but also helps safeguard your belongings.

Gather Your Packing Supplies

Start by collecting the basics: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers. These will help keep your items secure, especially the fragile ones. You can often find free, sturdy boxes at local stores, which is a great way to cut costs. Once you have everything, label each box clearly to make unpacking much easier.

Label Boxes Clearly

Proper labeling can save you a lot of hassle. Write the destination room and a brief description of the contents on each box. This approach not only helps you locate items quickly but also ensures fragile belongings are handled with care. Plus, it makes unpacking far less chaotic.

sbb-itb-290b89d

Handling Moving Day Stress

Moving day can be tough, but there are simple ways to stay calm and focused. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as handling the physical tasks.

Take Breaks and Relax

Schedule short breaks every couple of hours. Try a 4-4-4 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. A quick 15-minute walk or some light stretching can also help ease tension. You can even use apps like Calm to squeeze in a few minutes of guided relaxation.

Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Don’t go through moving day alone. Reach out to family or friends for emotional support. Set up a group chat to share updates or vent if things get overwhelming.

If you can, invite a friend to help out on moving day. Whether they pitch in with tasks or just chat with you, having someone familiar around can make a big difference in keeping your stress in check.

Focus on the Positives

Make a list of the perks of your new home or location. Include specific details like:

• Shorter commute
• Highly rated schools
• Access to great amenities
• Opportunities for career growth
• Nearby parks or outdoor spaces

When you feel stressed, pull out this list and remind yourself why the move is worth it. Thinking about practical benefits like a bigger kitchen or lower bills can help you stay grounded during the chaos.

Moving Day Tasks

After all the planning, packing, and stress management, moving day is about staying focused and organized. A solid plan can help everything run smoothly and keep stress levels in check.

Pack Moving Day Essentials

Prepare a clearly marked box or bag with items you'll need immediately. This kit should include:

Category	Items to Include
Personal Care	Medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, phone charger
Documents	IDs, moving paperwork, insurance details, new home documents
Basic Tools	Multi-tool, scissors, box cutter, packing tape, markers
Refreshments	Water bottles, protein bars, instant coffee, disposable cups
Cleaning	Paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, trash bags
First Aid	Band-aids, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes

Keep this box with you in your personal vehicle - NOT in the moving truck. This ensures quick access for you and any helpers.

Confirm Details with the Moving Company

If you're using a service like MOD24 or another moving company, touch base with your moving coordinator about 30 minutes before their arrival. Confirm the following:

• Arrival window
• Pickup and delivery addresses
• Special instructions for fragile or valuable items
• Payment method and any outstanding balance
• Contact numbers for the moving crew

Keep all moving-related paperwork handy, with digital backups just in case.

Do a Final Sweep of the Old Home

Before leaving, walk through every part of your old home to ensure nothing gets left behind. Start at the farthest corner of the house and work your way out. Check these areas carefully:

• Inside kitchen cabinets, drawers, and appliances
• Bathroom cabinets and under-sink storage
• Closets, including high shelves and corners
• Garage rafters and other storage areas
• Outdoor sheds or storage spaces
• Attics and basements

Take photos of each empty room for your records. As you finish each room, turn off utilities, lock windows, and secure doors. This ensures everything is properly shut down and ready for the new occupants.

Steps After Moving In

Follow an Unpacking Plan

Start with the essentials: focus on unpacking the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom first. Before diving into all your boxes, take measurements and plan where your furniture will go. This saves time and avoids unnecessary rearranging later. Once your space is set up, work on establishing daily routines to feel at home faster.

Set Daily Schedules

Here are some ideas to create a routine:

• Stick to consistent wake-up and bedtime hours.
• Set regular times for meals.
• Dedicate specific blocks of time to unpacking, with breaks in between.
• Add short bursts of physical activity to help manage stress.

A steady schedule can make your new home feel more familiar and manageable.

Learn Your New Area

Start by locating essential services:

• Doctors and pharmacies
• Grocery stores
• Gas stations
• Banks
• The post office

Next, explore your community:

• Parks and recreational spots
• Local restaurants
• Community centers
• Public transit stops
• Emergency services

Familiarizing yourself with these places can make your new neighborhood feel more welcoming and reduce stress.

Find Help If Needed

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support:

• Join local groups on platforms like Nextdoor or Facebook to connect with others nearby.
• Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
• Ask for recommendations for local mental health professionals if needed.
• Consider hiring professional unpacking services to ease the workload.

Taking advantage of available resources can make the transition smoother and help you feel more at ease.

Wrapping It Up

Tackle the stress of moving by breaking the process into smaller, organized steps. A clear timeline and structured approach can make the entire experience feel much more manageable.

One helpful tip: consider using platforms like MOD24 to find trustworthy movers quickly. It saves time and effort by skipping the tedious vetting process, giving you peace of mind with reliable options.