I recently read the most stressful life events include the death of a loved one, divorce, major illness or injury, job loss, and moving.
Although I have been lucky enough not to experience the first four of those unfortunate events in my 22 years to date, I recently moved into my first apartment and man, was that an experience.
What is it about moving that makes it so stressful? I mean, realizing the amount of stuff you’ve accumulated in the years at your old place, making sure it gets from Place A to Place B without getting lost or broken, and then trying your best to get all of the aforementioned stuff into Place B without wrecking anything and forfeiting your recently paid damage deposit – okay yeah, I can see how that can be stressful.
Prior to moving into my new apartment, I was living with two roommates at my old place – plus five other friends that boarded with us throughout our lease at various times when they were in-between places or needed somewhere to stay temporarily.
So, with that in mind, I was not only going through my own belongings when preparing for my impending move, but also the long-forgotten remnants of roommates’ past. To no surprise, there were things no one recognized as their own – a whole kitchen floor full of things, to be exact.
In the end, we donated the lone house and kitchen items and unopened, unexpired cupboard contents to a local women’s shelter and food bank. I’m glad that something good came out of all that frustration. It’s something I’ll keep in mind for future moves – if you don’t want it or need it, donate it!
In terms of stress, the new place isn’t exactly butterflies and ponies. First of all, finding a place in the current housing market was tough. It seemed like every unit I was interested in was getting swiped up left and right – and I wasn’t even buying, just renting. Add finding a time for a viewing, seeing something you actually like and getting approved, followed by paperwork, insurance and paying parking and pet fees, the list just keeps going and going.
Now that I’m all moved in at my new apartment, the long list of tasks seems to have shifted toward unpacking, building things, rearranging rooms, buying décor and figuring out how stuff works. It’s starting to feel like home more and more every day, and eventually I know I won’t have a second thought about it. For now, putting some things on the walls to lessen the echo and finding a dining room table might be a good start.
The end result of moving is great. The process – not so much. And I’m sure everyone’s had a similar conversation with themselves and thought, “Wow, I’m never moving again.”
Lauryn Heintz, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @LaurynHeintz
