Overcoming the challenges of moving

Marriage is a challenge without the havoc of a move thrown into the mix, but somehow many people manage to move every year without getting a divorce. No matter how many times you’ve moved together it can add an unusual amount of tension to paradise because moving adds stress, chaos, and lots of work to our already busy everyday lives. Moving poses unique challenges to us as individuals and as couples, but it can be a learning and growing process for everyone involved if we are open to the possibility of it being a positive experience. The following general advice is how you can make moving with a spouseless of a painful experience. We make no promises that there won’t be the occasional tiff or tears, but going in with some of this knowledge may help ward off some of the bad feelings.

Be Supportive
Sometimes when we move one spouse is thrilled while the other is hesitant to leave. Whether you are cheering or mourning the move, make sure to be understanding of the excitement or hesitation of your spouse.

Be Clear About Expectations
Make sure that you both understand how little or how much you expect each other to contribute to the move. Once you agree on the amount of work stick to this plan. Important note: do not bring up comparisons on contributions to the move in
fights.

Plan the Move Together
Do you want movers? Storage? Green moving boxes or cardboard? Do you really want your mother-in-law to come over and help or you rather do it yourself? There are lots of logistics that need to be planned, and it is better if you do this part together. Spend time discussing exactly how you want to approach different aspects of the move, so that no one feels
like they are left out of the planning process.

Communicate
I know couples get sick of hearing they need to communicate, but I’ll set it again anyways, take time to communicate about the move. This suggestion sums up the first three, so when in doubt spend time talking about all the different aspects of the move.