Typically, a residential move is an exciting time where you get to explore a new space and make it your own. However, there are some occasions when moving can be more stressful. For example, if you have to relocate quickly, the entire experience can be overwhelming and challenging. Fortunately, we’ll help you navigate the situation to run as smoothly as possible.
Reasons to Relocate Quickly
Before we can discuss how to adjust to a fast-paced move, what matters are the circumstances behind it. Some situations offer other challenges that can detract from the moving process, so it’s imperative to take a comprehensive look at what’s going on.
- Fast Closing – You put your house up for sale, and it sold quicker than expected, and the new owners want a quick closing.
- New Job – You or your spouse might take a new job elsewhere because of other benefits, such as a lower cost of living or better neighborhoods.
- Eviction – This situation is often the most difficult because you might scramble to find new accommodations. Depending on where you live, though, you might have at least 30 or 60 days to move out.
- Retirement – Once you start moving, it’s often time to downsize. Usually, moving to a smaller home can be part of your retirement planning, but sometimes, you might have to move ASAP to avoid significant monthly expenses.
- Family Emergency – This situation can also be challenging, depending on the details. For example, perhaps you have to move in with an ailing parent or grandparent for the foreseeable future.
How to Adjust to a Fast Move
Focus on the Positive Elements
Even if your move is due to unfortunate circumstances, you can take this opportunity to reframe the situation to be more positive. Usually, your outlook on a problem affects how you address it. So, if you’re dwelling on the negative aspects, moving will be much more challenging. However, if you start looking at the upsides, you can handle the stress better. Some potential positive elements can include:
- A chance to simplify your life
- New experiences for you and your family
- An opportunity for a fresh start
Make a Plan
You should develop a timeline, whether you have a few days or a few weeks to move out. The best way to do this is to work backward from your moving date. But, first, write a list of everything you need to do, such as:
- Set up utilities
- Find a moving service
- Pack belongings
- Find a new place to live
Once you’ve written your list, prioritize and rank each action. For example, if you don’t have a new place to move to yet, that should be your first step. From there, you can worry about packing and logistics.
Sell or Donate Belongings
Moving is always an excellent reason to shed clutter from your life, regardless of the situation. During a fast move, you likely won’t be able to sell your belongings for as much as you’d like (if at all). However, you can feel good about donating gently used items to those who may need them more. Overall, the more you shed, the easier it is to figure out logistics.
Enlist Help
Help can come in many forms during a fast or unplanned relocation. Practically speaking, you can get friends or family to help you pack. However, you can also talk to those closest to you about the stress and emotional toll of the move. Trying to handle it all yourself will often make the situation worse – lean on others to reduce your burden.
Move Quickly With the Pros
One surefire way to alleviate moving stress is to hire professional movers. We can take care of packing and heavy lifting so that you can focus on other elements. Contact us today to see what we can do for you.