Moving, Death and Divorce Cause Us to Mourn

Death, divorce and moving are the top three stressors in studies that identify what stresses us out in life. If you are not in the throes of a move, this statistic seems a bit odd because why would we consider moving homes to be in the same category as the death of a child or a relationship.

Nonetheless, moving ranks up there with these life-changing events. Perhaps it is watching your entire life being compartmentalized into sterile, homogenous boxes described in the barest of terms in heavy black marker: Kids bedroom toys, dining room art, kitchen drawer, middle bedroom shelves.

Blessings on these burly fellows who can go into a bedroom and wrap crystal picture frames and lingerie with the same off-white paper and professionalism used to wrap up the garage tools.

Go into a move with the plan to meditate everyday. This will remind you that a move is not the same as a death or divorce. Should one of these life events be the catalyst for the move, then meditating will help you separate the important from the not-so-important. On the logical plane, creating a smooth transition for children or comforting each other during a time of loss far outweighs whether all of the flatware is in the same box and labeled.

Not to belittle the stress of a move. Moving is much more than the physical act of packing up your life and transporting it from point A to point B. Moving is a string of goodbyes and farewells to relationships and roots. Everyone knows that despite all of the sincere promises to keep in touch and visit often, we can't keep in touch with every memorable person who flows in and out of our lives. So, moving is a time of mourning the people with whom you have shared your life. This is why moving ranks up there with death and divorce. Moving is a time to say goodbye.

In the words of Dr. Seuss, "Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

So, in addition to recognizing the mourning that you are going through during a move, try these tips to help alleviate the stress.

Start early and do a little bit at a time.

Plan on spending money for some help.

Set your sights on the outcome or goal. The discomfort is temporary. Look to where you are going.

Make a conscious effort to keep an upbeat attitude in yourself and with those in your household.

Use a giant calendar or dry erase board and map out what needs to be completed by when.Enjoy the move.