For many people, moving to a new home is fun and exciting in many ways, but the actual moving part is not something most people enjoy.
Moving day can be stressful for many reasons, including:
Many people don't have the luxury of time to move. Ideally, you'd be able to take time off work to move. But life doesn't stop completely when you're moving, so many of the things you have to do have to fit around your work schedule and other obligations. It's hard to time everything perfectly. Whether you're renting or owning your home, it's nearly impossible to line up the day you move out of one place with the day you move into the next. But even if you do manage to time that part well, it can be difficult to arrange movers and help on certain days. Something is bound to go wrong. No matter how well you plan your move, it's quite possible that it won't go as planned. You'll be tired and in pain. Once the day of moving is over, you'll almost certainly need a good night's sleep, but you might also need to see a chiropractor or masseuse.
So if you're afraid of your next move, that's understandable.
But according to a recent article, some people enjoy moving and even embrace the process. A recent Talker Research survey commissioned by Lemonade Insurance found that about 60% of Gen Z respondents enjoy the moving process, compared to only about 20% of Baby Boomers.
While some of this could be down to age differences, it probably helps that Gen Z appears to be better at planning a move than any other generation surveyed.
So, to make your move more enjoyable, or at least a little less stressful, let's take a look at five things the study uncovered to plan for.
1) Plan to spend more than you anticipated.
Of all generations, Gen Z respondents are more budget-conscious, with 60% saying they intentionally set aside money to move.
But despite all their careful planning, 80% of people surveyed said they went over their moving budget by an average of $1,057.20. That said, 47% of people said they wouldn't mind going over budget if it meant they could avoid problems during the move, even though it took them five months to recover financially from their most recent move.
To stay safe and reduce stress, set aside money for moving expenses and budget more than you expect.
2) Make a plan to update your business
There are so many things to remember and do when moving from home to home that it's easy for something to get lost in the shuffle.
Research shows that the two most overlooked things are:
Forgetting to update your address. Forgetting to have your mail forwarded. Forgetting to renew your homeowners or renters insurance.
Make a list of the companies you do business with and be sure to call them or update their contact information online before the day of your move.
3) Plan your packing in advance
A quarter of people surveyed said the time and effort required to pack was the most stressful part of moving.
48% of those surveyed start packing within two weeks of the actual moving date, while 63% feel that the packing process should ideally begin more than three weeks before the moving date.
Packing away the things you don't need every day as early as possible can help reduce stress, and while you're there, get rid of, donate, or throw away anything you no longer need.
4) Are you planning on making a playlist?
40% of Gen Zers claimed that creating an entertaining playlist was a key element in making moving day more enjoyable.
It might seem like unconventional advice, but taking the time to curate a list of the perfect songs might help you stay positive and motivated even when the day drags on or things don't go as smoothly as you'd like.
5) Plan your recovery time
The survey found that it took an average of three months for people to recover mentally and emotionally after moving, and two months for them to recover physically. Many people believed that the disruption of the move had a negative impact on their daily lives, and they noticed that they slept less, ate more junk food, and felt more depressed for a while after the move.
Don't be surprised if you're still feeling down for a few days or weeks after your move, but knowing up front that your mind and body need a little extra care may be the key to shortening the impact. Make sure you factor in some time to decompress and relax after the move, and try to get back into your normal habits and schedule as soon as possible so you don't still feel disorganized a few months down the line.
summary:
Moving may be fun and exciting, but the actual process is often stressful. It takes time, it's hard to time it perfectly, and it rarely goes according to plan. Plus, it's physically exhausting. But a recent survey by Lemonade Insurance found that nearly 60% of Gen Zers enjoy moving, compared to just 20% of Baby Boomers. Maybe Gen Zers have more fun because they're better able to plan. Here are five tips from the survey to help make moving less stressful:
Budget more than the actual costs of moving. Change your address and update your contact details with all your business. Start packing at least three weeks in advance and use it as an opportunity to declutter. Create an entertaining playlist to keep you motivated and make the day more enjoyable. Plan recovery time after moving day, but try to get back to normal life as soon as possible to avoid prolonged disruptions.
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