Moving While HSP: Tips for Sensitive, Introverted Women

Moving stinks. (Yes, I basically said this about dating too…I still stand by my thoughts on dating as an introvert!) But, seriously. It’s a LOT of work. It’s something you want to do (probably) and know will be for the best in the long run (hopefully), but gosh…it’s so overwhelming. There are so many details to manage. So many forms to sign. People to call. Schedules to coordinate. Cleaning to do…oh, the cleaning. It’s endless. Just when you think you’re done, you see that random spot in the corner of that one room that you swore you would get to later but didn’t, and…UGH. It’s all too much. 

Moving is hard. Let it be that way. Don’t fight it.

You know I’m all about radically embracing your introversion. The world is NOT going to change for us HSP, introvert types. It’s not going to magically get easier. Better. Less chaotic. So, quit waiting for that to happen. You can also go ahead and stop rejecting your introversion in order to fit into the chaos. That’s never going to work either! That’s going to feel like you’re in an amusement park just holding onto the ride. So, let it be hard. Let it suck.

Make small adjustments to your activities (see below) and big adjustments to your expectations. It’s not going to last forever. This is one of those “sprint” times, where. we move through the mess however we need to. We do it our way, and then give ourselves the space and grace to rest and recharge as needed. That may sound crazy, but as an introvert coach, I know that even just hearing that can help some of you let go of the “should” and “could” messages we are constantly bombarded with. So, without further ado…let’s get into those moving tips!

7 Smart Tips for Moving as a Sensitive, Introverted Woman

1. Pack stuff in which the organization matters to you most then for the rest, embrace the chaos. Label boxes by room and just put things in.
2. LABELS. Labels can help you track what boxes are what and where they should go in your new place. Plus, less stress.
3. Start early. As soon as you know you are moving, start to get rid of what you don’t need and pack what you don’t use but want to keep. Use the extra time to take your time but don’t let it drag on for too long.
4. Work when you’re not stressed as it can lead to burnout and overwhelming feelings. Are you better in the morning? Set aside an hour first thing in the morning. Better over lunch? Give yourself a break during the day to pack. Night owl? Turn on the lamps (low light, of course) and get focused until you’re ready for bed.
5. Use this opportunity to go through your things to get rid of what doesn’t spark joy or you just don’t have use for. Yes, Marie Kondo this move if you need to! It’s worth it to not have to unpack it later…or, feel bad that you spent the time moving it in the first place.
6. Take this time to grieve and/or rejoice in this transition in your life. Yes, you are excited about the move. But, it’s still a big deal! Let the feelings wash over you, however, they need to. Give yourself that space.
7. Enlist help from people whom you trust and who understand you. Also, think about who doesn’t overwhelm you. We all have those people. Get them. Not your “I’m SO excited! Let’s do all the things!” friend. Let that one help you celebrate when things are moved in and unpacked.