Moving home can be stressful at the best of times, but factor in chronic illness and it can add even more. I collated a list of things that have helped me the last couple of times we moved, and as we prepare to do so again. I’m writing from the perspective of someone with M.E., fibromyalgia and also long-haul covid/post viral fatigue caused by covid.
Please bear in mind some of the tips will depend on your health and capabilities, whether you have people you can call on to help out, and your budget. I’ve written this post with chronic illness in mind but it can apply to others too. The tips won’t apply to everyone. Some things may be restricted or not possible due to the pandemic measures currently in place in your area/country.
- Get rid of as much as you can before you move – If you have the time let go of as much stuff as you can that you don’t want anymore. Donate, sell, recycle or dispose of it. That way there’s less to have to move and find room for in the new place. If you’re going into storage it might mean you don’t have to pay out for as big a unit.
- Start packing in advance – if you know you need to ration your energy, or you can only do so much at a time, start packing well before the move date. It makes things less stressful, and if you have days when you can’t do anything you should still be able to rest and make the deadline. Start with items you won’t need for the next few weeks and work your way to the essentials, which should be packed last.
- Ask for help with packing – call on family or friends. If you can afford it maybe consider paying the removal men to pack for you. It helps to lessen your load and leave you with more time and energy.
- Pack items by category – whether it’s by type or room, packing by category makes things easier when you’re in your new home.
- Create priority boxes – these have not only your essentials but the things you’ll want out in the first few days (like a kettle, favourite ornaments, books or pictures). This way you create a feeling of ‘home’ even while things are still upside down. If you’re putting things in storage make your priority boxes things you want with you during that time period, and also special/sentimental/high value items.
- Keep important documents, medical equipment, tablets and toiletries handy – keep them accessible so you know exactly where they are. It’s one less thing to have to worry about. Keep them with you on the day(s) of moving.
- Create an overnight bag – include medications, pyjamas, fresh underwear, clothes and toiletries for the first few days. Make sure you include any chargers or leads for phones/tablets/laptops, etc.
- Put labels on boxes – this helps you to find what you need easily and relatively quickly. For safety reasons you could number the boxes and have a list of what’s in each that you keep with you. That way you know what boxes to prioritise unpacking, and you can check them off to make sure they’ve all been delivered.
- If possible work out where you want furniture before you move in – this means it can be put into place straight away, and reduces the stress of having to make decisions on the day. It also means you won’t have to use valuable energy or risk hurting yourself moving stuff around later. It also helps to put sticky notes up in case you’re not around to be asked where you want something to go.
- Get help – if you can afford removal services they can really help. Otherwise see if a friend or family member will help you move stuff over. Perhaps consider renting a van, or hiring a “(wo)man with a van” for the larger items.
- Consider moving in phases – if your energy levels fluctuate or drop easily think about moving things over a bit at a time. Move in your essential items, then on another day move others. If the place needs cleaning before you move in take over cleaning supplies and get it done before the main move day.
- Keep to a core team on the main moving day – it’s stressful enough without having others (however well-meaning) around to distract you. If you have family members or friends who aren’t really going to be helping out try to find a polite way of asking them not to be around. Children may need occupying and you might find it less stressful if someone else can take care of them while everything is being moved out and (if possible) into the new place.
- Try to get phone line and internet set up in advance – if you can, try to get your phone line and internet set up before you move in, or at least in the days following. With the way so much is connected to the internet nowadays it can be both annoying and frustrating to not have easy access to them. Also check your mobile phone is topped up if you’re on pay as you go.
- Check everything works – you don’t want to move in and find the bathroom light doesn’t work, the hot tap only dispenses cold, or the boiler is on the fritz. It’s best to know beforehand so you have time to sort it out. It’s less stress and worry when you move in.
- Plan what you’ll be eating for the first couple of days – you don’t want to be wasting time and energy worrying about cooking and what you have to eat when you first move in. Think about it before and make sure you have what you need readily available. If you can afford it consider a takeaway or a ready meal, or prepare something in advance that can be reheated or put in the oven.
- Make a list of all the people and accounts who need to have an updated address – you can tick them off as you go along. Remember to update your bank, your doctor, schools, and any official organisations. Remember to update card or bank details on accounts, and remember to update drivers licenses, memberships, direct debits and insurance.
- Have a spot where you can go to rest, meditate, chill out, or just switch off for a bit – self-care is vital during the stressful time of moving home. Make sure you don’t burn out or overdo things, as much as you can help it. Even a few minutes away from it all can help.
- Be aware of your limits and limitations – don’t try to do it all if you really can’t. Be honest with yourself. You can do more harm than good to your health and wellbeing if you push yourself too far. Ask for help if you need it. Rest when you can. Take time to breathe and centre. Remember to be a friend to your body.
Michelle Thereze, She Holds The Bowl, September 2020
