In Part 1 of this blog series we shared several ways to help you emotionally prepare for moving day. Relocating, whether across town or across the country, is a very stressful life event. We seldom realize that we need to prepare our heart and mind just as much as we need to properly pack all the boxes and get everything organized.

Below we share 3 additional tips to emotionally prepare for moving:

1. Plan to be flexible.

Planning and preparation are keys to success on moving day but neither is as valuable as flexibility when things veer off course. Being able to go with the flow and adjust to problems that may arise throughout the day is a great way to keep the stress of the day from getting the best of you.  Remember, there is always a solution no matter what the problem; you just have to find it!

2. Hydrate and fuel up.

It sounds obvious but during the rush of moving day with all its intensity it is easy to forget simple things like drinking enough water or staying properly fueled.  Go out the night before while you get gas in your vehicle and pick up water and ice to keep with you throughout the move. Plan out what you will do for lunch and when you will stop for lunch. You do not have to stick exactly to the plan but having a rough idea will help alleviate some of the pressures of moving day. If you wanted to make things really easy. you could order sandwiches in advance and schedule delivery so lunch comes to you and you don’t have to think about it.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Realize that there are people that care about you and can relate to the stresses you’re going through. Reach out to close friends, neighbors, or church friends to help get you through the relocation. Most have probably been through a transition sometime in their life and can understand the stress you feel. If you have pets or small children and are moving locally, ask a friend to watch them for the duration of the move. Or if you need extra hands for last minute packing or organizing, call a friend or relative to assist you for a couple of hours.

Remember these tips to help you emotionally prepare for whatever may arise on moving day. The more mentally prepared you are, the happier you will be as you embark on the adventure of settling into your new home and life.

This 2 part blog series is courtesy of Neil Gunsalus III, Operations Manager of the Great Day movers in Topeka and Lawrence, Kansas.