Planning a move is a lot of hard work, and with hard work comes—you guessed it—stress. Fortunately, the Houston long-distance movers at Westheimer Transfer & Storage are here to help you learn how to mitigate that stress, so you can get through your move without a hitch.

Stress manifests itself in many ways, and it can impact many different people (and animals… and plants…) before, during, and after a big move. Today we’re going to take a closer look at how to keep everyone calm as you get yourself and your things from point A to point B.

Let’s dive in!

How to Stop Yourself from Stressing

If you’re reading this article, odds are you already feel a lot of stress weighing down on you. Getting ready to move and then executing said move is no small feat, and the process does take a toll on you.

However, there is good news!

You don’t have to plan your move on your own. One of the best ways to mitigate stress during this highly stressful time is to hire a professional moving company. First things first: assess your needs. Some companies offer limited services while others can take care of every step of the journey.

After you know what you want, do your research. Look for designations and awards, ask friends and family members, and read reviews! Having a team on your side that you can trust will reduce the chances of something going wrong, which means you can have peace of mind from start to finish.

How to Handle Your Kids’ Stress

It’s true that your kids don’t have to plan the move, but it is still happening to them, too. No matter what phase of the move you’re in, remember that communication is key. Your child will most likely be feeling lost and insecure, so allowing them to be heard will be extremely helpful. Here are a few other things you can do:

  • Involve them in the packing/moving process
  • Teach them about their new town/city
  • Focus on open communication that goes both ways
  • Take breaks to do things not involving the move
  • Encourage them to stay in contact with their friends

How to Keep Your Pets Calm

Your pets can sense change the same way your kids do, and it affects them in much the same way. As you begin packing up your house, there are a few things you can do to make your pets feel more at ease. 

First, set up a designated room for all their things—toys, bed, blankets, food, and water. There are going to be people in and out of the house a lot and everything is going to be changing throughout your space, too. By giving your pet their own space, they can hang on to a sense of normalcy.

Once it’s time to go, it’s crucial to make sure your pet is comfortable in the vehicle. Your pets are bound to be less anxious than they are with familiar people, but the journey can still be overwhelming for them. It’s not uncommon for pets to escape and try to run home to get back to a sense of normalcy.

For this reason, it is important to always keep your pet on a leash when making stops and to have updated tags and contact information on their collar. That way, all your bases will be covered if the worst happens.

How to Save Your Plants

Did you know your houseplants can go into shock? Well, now you do. Moving can take a toll on your plants’ health, which is why it’s important to do whatever you can to mitigate any stressors during this chaotic time.

For starters, ditch the ceramic for the car ride. The last thing you need is a pot breaking in the middle of your journey. Instead, use plastic containers that are secure and well-protected. Be sure to water your plants thoroughly before you take off. That way, you won’t have to deal with making a mess all over your car.

The last tip is pretty straightforward: try to keep temperature and lighting as consistent as possible throughout the move. Most plants are resilient and can handle the change, but it won’t be good for their health in the long run. As a general rule of thumb, your plants should not be exposed to temperatures below 35 degrees F or above 100 degrees F.

Ready to Start Planning Your Move?

Like we said at the beginning of this post, finding the right team is the best way to mitigate stress during your move. Here at Westheimer Transfer & Storage, we believe that team is us. Our Houston long-distance movers come to every job with over a century of experience under our belt. 

Plus, we’re a trusted agent for Allied Van Lines, which means we have the skills and resources to make your relocation a breeze. With our crew on your side, you can enjoy unmatched benefits and services, including…

  • Free In-Home Moving Estimates
  • Full and Partial Packing Services
  • Custom Crating for Fragile Items
  • Protective Furniture Padding
  • Premium Self-Packing Materials
  • Efficient Vehicle Shipping
  • Reliable Online Shipment Tracking
  • Secure Storage Options
  • …and a wide range of third part services such as appliance disconnect/reconnect, furniture assembly, and more.

If you’re ready to start planning your move, get in touch with the local experts at Westheimer Transfer & Storage. You can either give us a call to learn more about our moving services or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation today.