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Staying Organized on Moving Day: 5 Tips for Managing Logistics and Minimizing Stress
After moving enough times, you'll start to see a pattern. The initial excitement is when you gather packing supplies, move cartons, and prepare yourself for days of hard labor. You realize that what you thought was going to be a ten-minute job is going to actually take 30 minutes, and that you're going to have to work for five hours instead of an hour.
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After moving enough times, you'll start to see a pattern. The initial excitement is when you gather packing supplies, move cartons, and prepare yourself for days of hard labor. You realize that what you thought was going to be a ten-minute job is going to actually take 30 minutes, and that you're going to have to work for five hours instead of an hour.
Moving day is finally here, after a sweaty, long day of heavy lifting and the odd last-minute hiccup. After all the work is done, you can relax for a moment before looking at your boxes to see how much more is needed. Then you go online and start browsing for storage facilities near me. Sound familiar?
Well, millions of people face the challenges of moving day, but the important thing is how to approach the situation. Finding a reliable storage facility close to you can save you a lot of headaches and allow you to streamline the moving process so as to not waste much time going back and forth.
And for other tips for managing logistics and minimizing stress on moving day, continue reading below.
Create a Comprehensive Moving Plan
Create a thorough moving plan that addresses every facet of your relocation, including packing, moving, and unpacking. Make sure to divide work into digestible portions and establish due dates to ensure that you don't miss anything.
Declutter your belongings before packing to minimize the number of goods you'll need to move. Sort through your stuff, designating what to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. Packing will go more quickly if you arrange items by category.
Collect all the packing materials you'll need, such as sturdy boxes of different sizes, packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers for labeling. Try to use eco-friendly products whenever you can to reduce waste.
Consider Professional Movers
Most of the people moving choose to hire professional movers to avoid the hassle of packing, lifting, loading, and unloading boxes. Due to high demand, there are more and more moving services across the world. For instance, the moving services industry in Canada reached $1.4 billion in 2023.
You can reduce the stress associated with moving by hiring a professional moving service. Moving companies can help you with heavy lifting, but they can also wrap and transport difficult-to-pack items such as lamps and artwork. This means less work for you and less stress.
Allow Yourself Plenty of Time
Time can be the single greatest source of tension during any move. Although no amount of preparation or planning can make the experience stress-free, giving yourself plenty of lead time will make the whole process simpler. Furthermore, making decisions early will reduce last-minute anxiety, so keep this in mind.
Start Small
If you feel overwhelmed by moving stress or don't know where to begin, take baby steps toward the beginning. Even something as small as packing one kitchen drawer could help alleviate pressure, or gathering all your books into boxes could do the trick. Don't fret over everything having to be packed all at once; instead, focus on accomplishing one thing at a time.
Pack each room separately, beginning with goods you don't use often and working your way up to everyday necessities. Cushion breakable items with blankets or bubble wrap, and name boxes with the room they're going to be in and its contents to make unpacking easier. Choose a moving strategy for getting your stuff to your new house.
You can hire a moving container or use a freight shipping service for long-distance moves, or you can reserve a rental truck well in advance to guarantee it will be available on a moving day.
Stay Organized
Moving can be stressful, so proper organization is paramount to making it less of a headache. That means sorting and labeling boxes to make unpacking simpler as well as keeping any documents you might require such as contracts from movers or lease agreements in one easily accessible place; getting all these out early will save you headaches later.
The Final Say: Achieve a Stress-Free, Organized Moving Day
Stress is a common part of life, and relocating is no exception. Accept the situation for what it is and make proper organization a priority at all times. Make a detailed plan about what you’ll do and everything you’ll need. Make sure you have all the packing supplies you need and a storage space to use before you start piling boxes. Small considerations go a long way.
6 Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Home
Stress is a serious problem for many people. It can cause you to feel anxious and tense, and it can lead to health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure. Stress can also make it difficult for you to focus on what's happening around you, which can make it hard for you to do your job well.
Stress is a serious problem for many people. It can cause you to feel anxious and tense, and it can lead to health problems like heart disease or high blood pressure. Stress can also make it difficult for you to focus on what's happening around you, which can make it hard for you to do your job well.
Managing stress can be done in many different ways: work, family life, and relationships are just some examples. Even if you don't have a lot of events in your life right now, there's always something else coming up that will put added pressure on your shoulders—and that's OK! The key is knowing how to manage it so that it doesn't take over everything else in your life.
The following methods can be used to manage stress:
1. Take a Moment to Breathe
Our body reacts to stress by releasing adrenaline, which can cause us to feel lightheaded and flushed. When we're stressed out, it can be difficult to calm down—especially if you're already anxious or on edge. Taking a moment to breathe deeply and focus on the present will help you regain control over your emotions so that you can move forward with confidence.
2. Do Something You Love
When you're feeling stressed, it's helpful to get your mind off of things you can't control. It's also vital that you find ways to relax your body and mind.
Relaxation can be achieved by doing something you love. Whether it's reading a fascinating book, taking pictures, editing memorable videos, or playing online games—just do what makes you feel happy.
When you're stressed, it often feels like everything is out of control: work, health, relationships... but when you're relaxed and doing something that makes you happy, all of those other worries will fall away and fade into the background.
3. Get Moving
You can't see it and you can't smell it, but your home is one of the most stressful places in your life. In fact, some studies have shown that the average person spends 90% of their time indoors. That's a lot of time spent being stressed out.
So how do you get moving? Well, one of the most effective ways to combat stress is to exercise regularly—something you might already be doing outside of the house. If so, well done! But even if not, there are plenty of ways to get moving right where you are. For example:
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park far away from the store and walk there (or bike) rather than driving.
Play with your kids or pets instead of watching TV.
4. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude is a powerful tool for reducing stress in your home. When you're feeling overwhelmed by everything you need to do, or like you're never going to be able to get it all done, practice gratitude for the things that are already done. Take a moment to acknowledge how much work has been put into making your home into what it is today. Also, acknowledge how grateful you are for being able to live there. You can also try browsing curated videos about gratitude to learn some practical tips for how to implement that concept in your daily life.
5. Try Acupuncture or Massage Therapy
If you're feeling stressed out, these practices can be incredibly helpful. Acupuncture is a form of healing that involves inserting tiny needles into your skin to stimulate points along the body's meridians. Massage therapy is a type of bodywork that focuses on manipulating soft tissues to reduce pain and tension, relax muscles, and improve circulation. Both are helpful ways to relieve stress and anxiety—and they're also very relaxing.
6. Talk to a Loved One
In a world where we are constantly connected, it can be challenging to find time to sit down with someone and just talk. It's critical, though, because when you're feeling stressed out, talking about it can make all the difference.
If your house is too small for everyone to gather in one place at once (or if you're just not comfortable with everyone watching), then try calling a family meeting over the phone or using video chats like Facetime or Skype. Make sure that everyone gets a chance to speak their mind without interruption, and don't forget: no judging allowed.
Ending note
As you can see, there are many ways to reduce stress in the home. Many of these tips are from experts in the field who have dedicated their lives to understanding and solving the problem. The list is long and helpful in reducing household stress. Using some of these methods at least once a day can help those that suffer from this debilitating problem.
It may take some time to find an effective life hack, but hopefully one of these tips may help you find a way to decrease your stress levels.
Adopting Routines to Promote Stress-Free Living Amidst Uncertain Times
Based on your lifestyle choices, relationships, and interests, it’s likely you know yourself as either someone who thrives off regular routine and structure or is the type of person to live in the moment with more spontaneity to your day. The truth of the matter is that during stressful times or challenging situations, everyone, regardless of your personality, can benefit from following a routine and working to replace some unhealthy coping strategies with healthier habits.
Living in these modern times, you must learn to adapt to the constant changing and unpredictability of the world. This can be especially challenging and anxiety-provoking if you do not have the tools to stay organized and focused on positive outcomes. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed or uneasy about what the future holds, take a few moments to review this list to help get your mind refocused in the right direction.
Based on your lifestyle choices, relationships, and interests, it’s likely you know yourself as either someone who thrives off regular routine and structure or is the type of person to live in the moment with more spontaneity to your day. The truth of the matter is that during stressful times or challenging situations, everyone, regardless of your personality, can benefit from following a routine and working to replace some unhealthy coping strategies with healthier habits.
Living in these modern times, you must learn to adapt to the constant changing and unpredictability of the world. This can be especially challenging and anxiety-provoking if you do not have the tools to stay organized and focused on positive outcomes. If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed or uneasy about what the future holds, take a few moments to review this list to help get your mind refocused in the right direction.
1. Focus on Food
As you have probably heard before, what you eat daily directly impacts the way that you feel. If you are constantly waiting until you’re starving to decide what to eat, you might tend to make poorer choices when it comes to food—such as resorting to the drive-through, microwave meals, or available snacks in your cupboard. One way to get on track and feel better both mentally and physically is to prepare a meal schedule for the week. Even if you prep just a few days a week, cooking meals at home can save you money while helping you eat healthier in the process. Pick out a few recipes and make a grocery list so you’ll have all the ingredients you need for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Cooking for one or two people can feel time consuming, so don’t be afraid to make extra for someone else in your life. Check out some delicious make ahead meals that will last in the fridge and will taste just as good reheated. This way you will have a quick and simple meal for the next day or later in the week—freeing up a few hours for something else.
2. Move Your Body
Oftentimes people underestimate the power of daily movement. During times of stress especially, movement and exercise is a great way to release tension, improve concentration and focus, and encourage a positive mood. By dedicating about 20 minutes a day to some type of exercise, such as walking, biking, yoga, a trail run, or even playing in the backyard with your kids, you can reduce your stress levels immensely and support a healthy body in the process.
3. Get Organized
Cleaning and decluttering might not seem like the most entertaining way to spend an afternoon, but when life seems to feel unmanageable, getting your home in order can have positive benefits to your mental health and well-being. You can even make cleaning a fun activity to do with your partner or kids. Set aside a few hours to declutter your home—go through old boxes, make a pile of clothes to donate, and throw out expired food items in the back of your pantry. Try to catch up on laundry or do any maintenance cleaning to the bathrooms or bedroom that you have been trying to get to. Remember that while you can’t always control everything in your life, making your home a relaxing space can help you feel more settled.
4. Strive for Quality Sleep
Another highly underestimated component of health is the amount of quality sleep you’re getting each night. If you are a new parent or work night shifts, your sleep schedule might be a bit off or unpredictable. In that case, it’s even more important that you make your rest a priority and sleep when you do have the time—rather than scroll on social media, binge watch tv, or distract yourself only to diminish your ability to feel your best tomorrow. If you have a more regular schedule, further elevate your sleep by creating a calm, clean and relaxing environment, as this will help promote great quality sleep when you are able to relax.
5. Get Your Finances in Gear
If you do not currently spend time managing your finances or preparing for future investments, now is the time to do so. Financial stress is one of the top reasons couples get divorced—along with the many other arguments and issues that money can cause. Don’t wait until your finances are a mess to organize your accounts and spending habits. It would be in your best interest to adopt a plan now, such as creating a budget you can stick to and track your spending for a few months. This way, you can determine an accurate baseline for your income and expenditures and create a plan that works for your lifestyle. Of course, spending flexibility is nice for things you enjoy, such as, trips, eating out, social events, or self-care. Having a detailed view of your financial situation can put you in a place to enjoy these things knowing you’ll have the financial backing to support it.
6. Prepare for Tomorrow
When you begin to feel a sense of worry or what the future holds, the best thing you can do is take action. Rather than create possible worst-case scenarios in your mind, try to be proactive when it comes to your future health, wealth, and family safety. If you are a young, healthy individual you might not have considered purchasing a life insurance policy just yet. Although commonly overlooked at this stage of life, it’s actually a good time to consider reviewing policy options in order to get the best rate due to the fact that you have a better chance of being in better health standing at a younger age. Consider taking some time to learn about the cost of life insurance and how much protection you would need to support your family and loved ones in the case of your unexpected passing or illness. Life insurance also helps to prevent the burden of mortgages or student loan debts to be passed on to your loved ones as well. It’s never too soon to plan ahead and getting your financial future secure and preparing for any circumstances can help provide you with additional peace of mind.
7. Do Something You Love
When trying to promote your own health and happiness it’s critical to fall back into things you love doing. Although they might seem unimportant or a waste of time, carving out some time to do an activity you are passionate about can relieve stress and take your mind off a worrisome, yet totally uncontrollable situation. If none of that sounds appealing to you, it can be just as beneficial to try something new. You’d be surprised to see what you can find during times of change and uncertainty that might become an important part of your life.
8. Foster Meaningful Relationships
When you are navigating a tough time or a change of lifestyle, the people you surround yourself with can truly make or break the situation. Focus on spending time with people who lift you up, listen to your concerns, and provide positive support. Distance yourself from individuals who are making personal growth difficult or adding additional stress. Don’t be afraid to chat with someone outside your typical circle, as sometimes a new perspective is all the clarity you need to get you through the day. Openly talking about your struggles with another person not only helps you feel better, but you never know who else you can help by opening up.
There is no way to avoid change, stress, or uncertainty during your lifetime—but there are certainly ways to make a challenging situation better. By adopting healthy routines, preparing for the future, and getting your life organized, you can put yourself in the right mindset to build from where you’re at and thrive in the future.
Interview - LEC Massage & Wellness
As one can imagine many of our clients are busy with work and children and therefore they experience a certain amount of stress in their daily lives. As organizers we can help them take back control of their space, but we look to others for other kinds of relief. We spoke with Lourdez Castro, HHC, LMT with LEC Massage & Wellness about other ways to reduce stress.
As one can imagine many of our clients are busy with work and children and therefore they experience a certain amount of stress in their daily lives. As organizers, we can help them take back control of their space, but we look to experts with different backgrounds for other kinds of relief. We spoke with Lourdez Castro, HHC, LMT with LEC Massage & Wellness about other ways to reduce stress.
How did you get started as a massage therapist; what is your background?
My first real experience with massage was back in 2004. I've gotten massage before that but only a few times and it was years in between each until 2004 when I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. The cancer center I went to had an integrated program that offered massage and reflexology. I had a few sessions during treatments and it made a difference for me. I was less stressed about my treatments. When I was diagnosed again in 2007, I took full advantage of the program and had weekly massages during treatments and noticed that I was able to tolerate chemo sessions better and I was more relaxed and less tense. I realized that massage therapy was an organic, natural way to feel better. It wasn't till 3 1/2 years later that I realized I wanted to help people feel better and enrolled in massage school, while still working full time. I graduated and was licensed in 2013. I finally quit my corporate job in 2014 to dedicate my time to massage therapy full time. I started my own private practice in the middle of 2014 not really knowing much about starting a business but I wanted to massage as many people as I can. I eventually started at a new spa, Ciel Eau, in New Canaan in 2015 as a massage therapist. I still have my private business that I am growing (for now it's a mobile business) and future plans to open an office space in the Norwalk/Rowayton area.
What types of massages do you offer and why?
I offer different modalities, such as Swedish Massage (for relaxation), Deep Tissue Massage (relieve muscle tension & pain), Sports Massage (stretching & flexibility), Integrated Massage (specifically designed for you), Chair Massage (Corporate and Individual), Prenatal (relieve tension and relaxation for mom and baby) and Oncology Massage (soothing touch before, during and after cancer treatments). All these modalities help you relax, relieve tension, help reduce pain, and helps bring your body back to balance.
Do you have a location or do you travel?
For now, I travel to my clients within lower Fairfield county. I do plan on opening an office space in the near future.
You must see people with a lot of stress, what is that like?
Most of my clients are people who work in front of a computer and busy parents with kids. That is a lot of stress on a daily basis. Technology has provided us with applications that make our lives easier but it also has provided bad habits that take its toll on our body, such as "tech neck", forward head posture from looking down on our phones all the time, which causes neck and shoulder pain to rounded shoulders and strain on our low backs from our monitors not being at eye level and slouching in our chair in front of our computers and sitting for longer periods of time. New parents also deal with low back pain from picking up the kids the wrong way and carrying heavy car seats and strollers. These are the major stress complaints I see in my clients. I love working on them and relieving most if not all of their stress after a few sessions and educating them on ways to keep the stress away.
What are some things people can do to take care of themselves in between massages?
Being more aware of your posture during the day can help lessen muscle-tension build up. This way you can adjust yourself and align your spine, take a deep breathe and release tension. Stretching your body, especially neck and extremities, helps keep you loose and flexible in between massage sessions. Having a clean healthy diet can regulate your blood sugar, fuel your muscles properly and give you more energy. Exercise helps build muscles and burn fat and keeps you lean. Of course, the best compliment to all this is scheduling regular massage sessions with me.