Moving can be bittersweet, but can you imagine moving during the holiday season? Please join Author Eric Eckhard as he shares with us tips to keep our spirits bright during a holiday move.
By Guest Author Eric Eckhard
Moving is stressful enough but moving during the holidays can send the stress-o-meter skyrocketing off the charts. Whether your latest move was thrust upon you or you decided that the holiday season was the perfect time to make a fresh start, there are things you can do to keep the stress low and the joy high.
- Begin gathering supplies as soon as possible. If you’re going to be doing all the packing, ask local businesses if you can take extra boxes off their hands. You can generally get the best price on bubble wrap and packing tape online. If you don’t have time for that, check out a home improvement store.
- Use holiday good will to your advantage. Ask friends and family to help organize and pack as you prepare for the big move. The more hands available, the easier the job will be.
- The experts at Military One Source, an organization that helps military families adjust to their many changes, suggest that you keep holiday celebrations in mind, no matter how busy you are with the everyday duties associated with moving. For example, if you’ll be in a hotel or temporary housing over the holidays, look for a place nearby that is planning a holiday celebration. Most cities have special Christmas events. Look online for those in your area.
- If your permanent home won’t be ready or you simply have not found a home to your liking, you can find houses or apartments in your area that offer extended stay options that can feel like home. For example, if you’re moving to the L.A. area, you can find apartments for rent in the Los Angeles area at ForRent.com. Or, skip the stress of wading through boxes over the holidays by moving into a ready-to-live unit.
- Pack your favorite holiday decorations. It doesn’t matter where you are, but who you are with over the holidays. No matter where you’re going to be, keep holiday traditions alive by hanging the stockings, playing holiday music and enjoying special holiday treats.
- Stay upbeat. Children tend to follow the emotional lead of their parents during a move. If you have children, be aware that they will take their cues from you. Even if you are sad about the move, focus on the positive aspects of moving. You’ll learn about a new area, have new things to see and experience a new adventure together.
- Plan ahead. Professional movers book up during the holiday season. While it’s easy to convince yourself that you are one of the few people moving, the holidays represent the most convenient time for many people to be away from work long enough to move.
- The experts at Parents.com recommend that you use this time to create new traditions. Rather than a traditional wreath, find new items to create a wreath. It may be palm fronds, candy wrappers, colorful socks balled up or photos you have taken of your new area. Instead of cooking a large Christmas Day dinner, begin the tradition of going out for Chinese food. The idea is to discover traditions that are strictly your own.
- Carve out time to relax. It is unlikely that you will look back on this time and wish that you watched one more parade or visited one more Santa Land. Moving is stressful enough without asking more of yourself than is wise. Build time in to simply slow down and enjoy the season.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
I was in a car accident when I was a teenager, I had to go through major physical therapy and still have some pain issues. But, I have over come it and it has made me a more health conscious individual.
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
I have a career that I love. I wake up, excited every morning to contribute with my team.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?
Starting my own business and watching it grow. I hope to open my own flagship location within the next 10 years.
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
I get anxiety when projects are not done on time, but it helps to motivate me.
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my life!
