I found 7 Ways To Survive The Craziness of Moving While You’re Working From Home

Have you ever heard the phrase “You’ve got more on your plate that you can say grace over”?  That definitely describes working from home while moving!! That’s exactly what’s going on with me behind the scenes right now!!    I read somewhere that ‘it's like trying to juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle’. Okay, maybe it's not that dramatic, but it's definitely a challenge. As someone who is currently doing it, I want to share some of the things I have found online & through experience to try to combat this chaos!

1. Get dressed – even if I’m not leaving the house.

I know, I know. The allure of working in my pajamas is strong, but trust me, it's not the best mindset to be in when you're also trying to pack up your life. Plus, if I have to jump on a video call with anyone except my boss, I don't want to be caught in my oversized t-shirt… My favorite says “Chaos Coordinator “

Trust me, just put on some real clothes, brush your hair, and step into your badassery!

2. Make a to-do list that's longer than your arm.

Juggling a move and work, it's easy to feel like you're drowning in tasks!!  To combat this overwhelming feeling, I make a to-do list of all the things. Seriously, write down everything you need to do – from packing up your kitchen to finishing that project report. Then, prioritize the list and start knocking off tasks. It may seem daunting, but trust me, it's better than feeling like you're forgetting something important. It’s like eating an elephant- one bite at a time! 

3. Embrace the chaos.

Let's face it – moving is chaotic. Boxes everywhere, cluttered rooms, and that feeling of never-ending to-do lists. Instead of fighting it, embrace it. Make a game out of how many boxes you can pack in an hour or see if you can beat your personal record for fastest time to clean out the garage. The more you embrace the chaos, the more fun you'll have. Oh, and freezer meals & the crockpot are my new best friends! 

4. Use your lunch break to pack. I’m exhausted by the end of the day, so not much gets done after supper.

When you're working from home, it's easy to fall into the trap of working through lunch, or forgetting to eat- if you’re me!  Instead, block off lunch time on your calendar and use your lunch break to pack. Set a timer for 30 minutes and see how much you can get done. You'll be surprised at how much progress you can make in a short amount of time.

5. Take advantage of your flexibility.

One of the best things about working from home is the flexibility it provides. Use this to your advantage during your move. Need to take a break to meet the cable guy? No problem. Want to start your workday earlier so you can pack later? Go for it. As long as you're getting your work done, take advantage of the flexibility that comes with remote work.

6. Treat yourself.

Moving is stressful, and working from home can add extra layers of stress. So do something nice for yourself. It could be a fancy coffee or a massage to help with those sore muscles from packing. Whatever it is, take some time to do something that brings you joy. 

7. When I start to really feel pressured I D.E.A.D.- Drop Everything And Dance! 5 minutes or less and my mood is turned around!  This little tactic was taught to me many years ago by my friend Terri.  When her young girls were complaining about doing chores, homework, etc she would turn on some music and everyone there had to drop everything and dance!  It worked miracles on a 7 and 5 year old, and it still works as well for me today. 

Working from home while moving is a challenge (read sucks!), but it's also an opportunity to embrace being flexible. 

And hey, if all else fails, I just remind myself that wine exists for a reason. Not kidding! 

I would love to hear any additional suggestions you may have to help through this craziness!!  

PS Shout out to our clients and friends who have been so patient and understanding!!  We appreciate you more than you will ever know!