If you suffer from anxiety, the thought of change may send you into a panic. Unfortunately, that can make packing for a move downright unbearable. According to one source, moving is one of the top ten most stressful life experiences. So, if you're going to be moving, you need to find a way to keep the anxiety and stress under control. Here are three tips that will help you avoid stress and keep your anxiety level in check while you're trying to pack for your move.

Validate Your Anxiety

It's easy to dismiss the emotions you're experiencing, especially when you're trying to stay on schedule. You might find yourself denying your own anxiety related to the move. If you're experiencing anxiety, don't brush it off with thoughts like "it's not that bad" or "there's nothing to be anxious about." Instead, allow yourself to validate your feelings of anxiety. Write down your feelings and work through each one. It's important to remember that every major event in your life requires a transition. If you allow yourself to work through the stages of transition, you'll have an easier time dealing with the changes that are taking place in your life. The three stages of transition include:

• Letting go of the old – packing and saying your good-byes
• Dealing with the in-between – that time between moving out of the old and moving into the new
• Saying hello to a new beginning – you've unpacked and are setting down new roots

Schedule Rest Periods

Exhaustion can cause stress. If you're overdoing it with the packing, you could work yourself into exhaustion and fatigue, which can make your stress and anxiety worse. To help prevent that from happening, be sure to schedule rest periods while you're packing. Set a timer that will remind you when it's time to take a break. Sit down and relax or take a short nap before you get back to work. This will help keep the stress and anxiety under control.

Don't Do It Alone

If the thought of moving has you feeling out of control, you should consider getting help with the process. A professional moving company will come out and take care of all the packing and moving for you. It's also a good idea to have friends and family come help with the tidying up that will come along after everything is packed and ready to go.

Anxiety can make it difficult to cope with change. If your anxiety is keeping you from packing for your move, use the tips provided here to help you survive the transition.

For a residential moving company, contact a business such as Christos & Christos Moving and Storage.