move management

5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

Most people prefer comfort and routine. We build our lives around convenience and always strive to find the easy way out of demanding situations. Nonetheless, life often has a way of challenging us with overwhelming tasks, and moving is among the most common ones. While, in most cases, there is no avoiding it, there are ways to make moving less nerve-wracking. Packing your entire life and relocating to an environment where everything is unfamiliar can take a tremendous toll on your emotional well-being. Because of that, it is not something you should take lightly. These 5 ways to make moving less stressful can help you keep your sanity through the process and maybe even find some joy in it.

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Make moving less stressful by planning

The key to tackling any major task is thorough planning. Although this step is often unjustly neglected, its benefits are undeniable. Even if planning is not your forte, know that winging a complex project is seldom a good idea. Putting everything on paper can help you visualize and conquer the most dreadful and headache-inducing issues. Whether you decide to write down some basic steps on a post-it note or do an entire inventory of your home, remember the more organized you are, the smoother the transition will be.

Dedicating each day to packing a different room or doing a few smaller tasks is a smart way to start. Putting together a to-do list will ensure you don't forget anything along the way. Additionally, checking off the tasks you've finished will give you a sense of achievement and a burst of encouragement that will help you power through. Oh, and make sure to gather all the moving supplies before you start doing anything - this alone should dial down the stress significantly.

Get some help

When trying to make moving less stressful, one thing many people decide to do is hire professional help. These days you can find anything from packing assistants to professional organizers and movers. Whether you're too busy to deal with the moving process on your own or preoccupied with kids and pets, hiring professional assistance will surely take an enormous load off your back.

However, since moving is by itself already a bank-breaking experience, it's understandable if you can't or don't want to splurge on added luxuries such as professional movers. Still, don't despair. The next best option is your friends and family! You might have to bribe them with cookies or dinner, but your move is guaranteed to be less stressful and more entertaining. Just make sure not to get distracted by reminiscing about the happy memories you've collected in your old place.

Pack mindfully

One of the biggest reasons why people consider moving stressful is the fact that they have to deal with a lot of things. Just think about it - you have to pack, protect, transport, unpack, sort, clean, it's no wonder you're overwhelmed! There is, however, a simple solution to this predicament. Downsizing your possessions while packing will immensely alleviate your headaches. Going through the trouble of packing things you don't use or need is pointless and potentially expensive.

If you're struggling to find the courage to get rid of some of your belongings, remember that doing so will save you time, energy, and resources. And if that isn't enough, know that your donations will help those in need, and you'll use fewer supplies which will make your move greener, so you can relocate and be kind to the environment at the same time. You'd be surprised how much single-use trash one move can create, so working toward a green relocation is something to be proud of. You might even earn a few bucks if you decide to sell some of your belongings. It's a win-win situation either way!

Keep it clean 

Another way to make moving less stressful is to stay on top of cleaning. Not many things are as frustrating as thinking you've finished all the work, only to realize you have yet to clean the entire house. If you leave cleaning for the last minute, you risk doing more work as days of accumulated dust, dirt, and trash are much harder to deal with, especially when you're already exhausted. Instead, try to clean as you go. If needed, wash things before packing and clean any mess you make right away. Once you're finished with a room, make sure to vacuum, mop, and do anything else necessary. Not only will this speed up the packing process, but your move-in will flow much smoother as well. Remember that a few smaller tasks are always less of a burden than one huge task. Your future self will be thankful!

Be kind to yourself 

Moving is a process you probably want to be over with as soon as possible. It's understandable considering lots of nuisances and hard work you have to deal with while knowing there's a new house waiting to become a home on the other side. However, this is not the time to neglect your health, as this can only make the process longer and more strenuous. No matter how much work there is still to be done, always make time for good sleep, healthy food, and plenty of self-care.
Since cooking is likely not something you will want to do every day, consider meal planning. This will ensure you have access to balanced meals without going through the hassle of thinking about what to eat and how to make it. Reward yourself when you finish stressful tasks by recharging your batteries. Whether it's a walk in the park, a movie with your loved ones, or a delectable dessert you've been craving, these small pleasures will keep the stress at bay and help you keep going.

While there is no guarantee that you will be able to avoid stress entirely, applying these ways to make moving less stressful can't hurt. Pressure and anxiety are a big part of our life, and it's crucial to try to minimize them when possible. Just remember no situation is permanent and that good things are waiting for you once the stress passes.


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Interested in some hands on help purging, packing, and prepping for your move?
We always begin with an extended move management consult.

5 Tips For Moving Plants to Your New Tennessee Home

Transplanting yourself and your family to a new home is hard enough. Add plants to the mix, and it gets a little more challenging. But you don’t need to abandon your plants when it’s time to move. 

Here are five tips to help you move those plants to your new Tennessee home: 

1.  Check State Laws and Regulations

The plants you grew in Colorado or Missouri may not fare well in Tennessee. They may also carry pests that could be harmful to soybeans, cotton, wheat, and Tennessee's other major crops

The Department of Agriculture has a list of regulations covering which plants you may bring into the state. Indoor plants are generally okay, as long as you have repotted them in fresh, sterile soil. 

Some plants could be confiscated if there’s a chance they carry any of the following pests:

  • Brown garden snails

  • Boll weevils

  • Emerald ash borers

  • Fire ants

  • Pine shoot beetles

Banned Plants

Several plants are banned because they’re invasive to Tennessee’s ecosystem and are known to carry harmful pests. Banned plants include:

  • Tropical spiderwort 

  • Autumn olive shrub

  • Thorny olive shrub

  • Bloodgrass

  • Chinese privet shrub

  • Honeysuckle 

  • Purple loosestrife

  • Multiflora rose

  • Tropical soda apple

2.  Prep Your Plants for the Move

Pruning is an excellent way to keep your plants healthy. Remove any dead leaves, weeds, bugs, and other hindrances, so your plants are fully prepped before the move. Don’t drown your plants, but gradually add a little more water than normal, so they’ll retain it during the uprooting process. 

The next step is to pack your heavy pots and transplant your botanicals in plastic containers. You’re already going to be doing some heavy lifting, so why not make it easier on yourself? Replace old soil with fresh, sterile soil and water thoroughly. Gently press around the soil to get rid of possible air pockets. Perform a final watering to ensure the plant doesn't lose any moisture due to evaporation.

 3.  Transport Your Plants With Care

Moving by car? Never put your plants in the trunk. This could prevent them from getting the proper airflow and all that rocking could damage them during the ride. 

Load your plants last so they can be tended to first once you arrive at your new home. Pack tools such as a misting spray for hydration. If you are staying in a hotel, bring your plants inside with you -- leaving them in your vehicle overnight in extreme temperatures could kill them.

Traveling by plane? TSA guidelines allow you to bring plants as a carry-on or a checked item, as long as they fit under the seat or the overhead bin. Your plants will need to go on the conveyor belt and through the X-ray machine.

4. Home Sweet Home

When you arrive at your new home, prioritize your plants and tend to them immediately. Remove any dead appendages. New environments can be stressful, so if you see some wilting that occurred during the move, don’t panic! This is normal and means your plants need some extra TLC during this period of adjustment. 

The fun part comes next: Figure out where you want to place your plants, so your new home reflects your personality

If you are replacing or adding to your plants in your new home, you have plenty of native Tennessee plants to choose from, including wild geraniums and Virginia bluebells. These flowering plants will be easier to care for since they’re used to the climate and growing conditions. 

Settling into your new home often means redecorating or purchasing some new greenery as indoor plants or for your yard. This is a great excuse to visit your local nurseries and expand your gardening family. 

5.  If You Have to Say Goodbye…

Can’t take your beloved plants with you? Gift them to your family, friends, or neighbors. If you’re feeling generous, donate them to your community. Are you in a community of plant lovers? Organizing a plant swap could be a neat way to say goodbye to an old friend and make room for a new one. And don’t worry - there are so many lovely plant shops in Knoxville - you’l find some new plant babies soon!

Plants at 214 Magnolia by Suzy Collins Photography.

Plants at 214 Magnolia by Suzy Collins Photography.

 

Need more help?

We can simplify the moving process.

Call us at Help You Dwell at  (865) 245-9080 or email info@helpyoudwell.com !

Let’s get your extended consult on the calendar.

Thanks to our guest contributor Linda. Linda Zhang has moved across the country six times in the past 20 years. When she isn’t redoing one of the rooms in her own house, she is writing about home decor and other real estate issues.

Preparing for a Move

Preparing for a Move

There are a lot of Knoxvillian’s who are about to move, considering a move, or just moved house. We’ve had the honor to walk alongside many families and individuals through the transition of moving house and we’ve learned a bit along the way. Whether you are buying, selling, or renting, moving is a huge job! Moving your belongings is not a task that we take lightly. We've put together a guide to make your move as seamless as possible.