Moving house can be a real pain in the butt, especially for introverts like us. It is not just about packing up our worldly possessions and saying goodbye to our cosy old homes, but also dealing with estate agents, house hunting, and all the other little details that make moving such a nightmare.
Let's start with house hunting. It is like a never-ending treasure hunt, except instead of gold, you are searching for the perfect home. But instead of finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, you are left with blisters on your feet and a whole lot of disappointment. For many of us, the idea of having to view multiple properties can be incredibly daunting. We prefer to take our time, carefully weighing up our options before deciding.
One helpful tip for introverts when house hunting is to create a list of must-haves and deal-breakers before viewing any properties. This can help you to narrow down your search and avoid wasting time on properties that do not meet your needs. Additionally, consider viewing properties during quieter times, such as weekdays or early mornings, to avoid crowds and feel more at ease.
Humour was a great tool for overcoming my anxiety of house hunting. I made a game out of spotting quirky details in each property and imagined what my life would be like if I lived there. This helped me focus on the positive aspects of the moving process and made it a bit more fun.
Oh! And do not even get me started on estate agents. They are like used car salespeople; except they are trying to sell you a house instead of a clunker. They will show you properties that are way over budget or completely unsuitable and act like they are doing you a favour. It is enough to make you want to run screaming in the opposite direction.
In her book, "The Highly Sensitive Person's Guide to Dealing with Realtors and Moving," author and psychotherapist Julie Bjelland suggests setting clear boundaries with estate agents. She advises being honest about your introverted tendencies and requesting communication through email or text rather than phone calls. This can help introverts feel more in control of the situation and reduce the pressure to make snap decisions.
I remember feeling incredibly anxious when I was looking for my first house after moving abroad. The thought of meeting with estate agents and viewing properties filled me with dread. But I realised that if I wanted to find the perfect home, I had to push past my discomfort and put myself out there.
Once you have found your dream home and signed the paperwork, the next step is packing up all your belongings. For introverts, this can be a particularly exhausting process, both physically and emotionally. Packing up all your belongings, saying goodbye to your old home, and then adjusting to a new space can be incredibly draining.
Packing is like a never-ending game of Tetris, except instead of blocks, you are trying to cram your entire life into cardboard boxes. And just when you think you are done, you find another pile of junk hidden away in the depths of your closet.
I kept repeating to myself "If it's not useful or beautiful, it's clutter." So, I channelled my inner Marie Kondo and started decluttering like crazy. Packing can be a good opportunity to declutter. I got rid of clothes I never wore, books I never read, and kitchen gadgets I never used. And do you know what? It felt amazing. As I packed up my belongings, I started to feel more in control of my life.
Another time I remember feeling completely overwhelmed when I had to move house. I had boxes everywhere, and the thought of having to unpack them all in my new home made me want to curl up in a ball and cry. But then I had an epiphany - I did not have to do it alone. I reached out to a few close friends and asked for their help. We made a day of it, blasting music and making jokes while we packed and moved everything to my new place. It was still tiring but having the support of my friends made it so much more bearable. And the best part? We ended the day with pizza and beer, celebrating our hard work.
There are ways to make the moving process a little less painful. First and foremost, take breaks. Moving is a marathon, not a sprint. It is important to pace yourself and not try to do everything at once. Set a schedule that works for you and take breaks when you need them. So, take some time to relax, recharge, and indulge in some self-care. Take a bubble bath, read a book, or even just sit in silence for a few minutes. Your mental health will thank you.
Moving to a new house can be an opportunity to embrace your introverted nature and create a space that feels true to who you are. You can create a quiet reading nook, a cosy meditation space, or a comfortable spot to practice your hobbies.
In conclusion, moving house as an introvert can be a challenging experience, but with the right mindset, preparation, and support, it can be much less stressful. Remember to take breaks, prioritise self-care, set clear boundaries or find humour in the situation and you can tackle the challenge of moving house with grace and ease.
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the thought of moving house or just want some tips on how to make the process less stressful, I am here to help!
I know first-hand how daunting it can be to move to a new place, but with the right mindset and a little bit of coaching, you can tackle it like a professional. Whether you need advice on decluttering, creating a calming space, or just want someone to commiserate with, I am here for you.
So, if you are an introvert who is moving house and could use a little support, shoot me a message! Let's tackle this challenge together with humour, grace, and confidence.