02 May Protecting Your Health While Moving: Tips for a Safe Transition
Moving to a new home is often a time of excitement and fresh beginnings. However, the physical and mental demands of relocating can take a toll on your health if not handled carefully. Whether you’re moving across the city or to another state, prioritizing your well-being is essential. This guide will help you protect your health before, during, and after your move, so you can start your new chapter feeling strong and stress-free.
- Plan Ahead to Minimize Stress
One of the biggest health hazards during a move isn’t physical—it’s mental. The stress of organizing, packing, and coordinating can lead to anxiety, poor sleep, and even depression. Combat this by starting early. Create a checklist of tasks and spread them out over several weeks. Hiring professionals for moving and storage in San Diego, or wherever you’re relocating, can alleviate much of the logistical burden and free up your time for self-care.
- Lift Smart to Avoid Injuries
Improper lifting is a leading cause of injuries during a move. Always bend at the knees—not the waist—when picking up heavy items. Keep the object close to your body and avoid twisting motions. It’s best to use lifting straps or a dolly for particularly heavy or bulky objects. If you’re unsure whether you can lift something safely, don’t risk it—ask for help.
Wearing proper footwear with good grip and closed toes is another small but important step to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Gloves can also protect your hands from cuts, splinters, and friction burns.
- Hydrate and Eat Properly
It’s easy to neglect meals and hydration when you’re focused on packing or supervising movers. But staying nourished and hydrated is key to maintaining energy levels and avoiding fatigue. Pack a small cooler with water bottles and healthy snacks like fruit, trail mix, or granola bars. If your kitchen is already packed, plan easy meals or know in advance where to get takeout that won’t leave you feeling sluggish.
- Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is often compromised during a move, especially if you’re trying to do everything yourself. But cutting back on rest impairs your judgment, weakens your immune system, and slows physical recovery. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night leading up to and following your move. Even a 20-minute nap can be beneficial if you’re running low on energy during the day.
- Protect Your Mental Health
Relocating can stir up unexpected emotions, especially if you’re leaving behind friends, family, or a familiar neighborhood. Acknowledge these feelings instead of suppressing them. Talk to someone about your experience, whether it’s a friend or a mental health professional. Make time to unwind with a favorite book, music, or light exercise like walking or yoga.
- Manage Environmental Hazards
Moving often means encountering dust, mold, or strong cleaning chemicals. Wear a mask when cleaning out dusty storage spaces or using heavy-duty cleaners, especially if you have respiratory issues or allergies. Open windows to keep air circulating and take breaks to avoid overexposure.
- Care for Children and Pets
Children and pets are especially sensitive to the upheaval of a move. Keep their routines as consistent as possible, and prepare a “first day” bag with essentials like snacks, toys, medications, and comfort items. This will help reduce their stress—and yours.
By taking these practical steps, you can protect both your physical and mental health throughout the moving process. A successful move isn’t just about getting your belongings from one place to another—it’s about arriving with your well-being intact. Whether you’re handling the process on your own or relying on professionals, remember that your health should always be a top priority.
More information:
- Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-the-questions/201703/ten-simple-tips-manage-the-stress-moving
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Last Updated on May 2, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD
