Unpacking How to Stay Healthy During a Move

Two weeks ago was my final day at Western Kentucky University and boy it was a memorable one: my marketing team filmed the In My Feelings Challenge, I taught one of the best classes of my life, and said “see you later” to the people who have become my family.

The very next day I woke up at 6am, packed up my apartment, and cleaned it like Martha Stewart because your girl needs that security deposit back. After 6 hours of intense labor and multiple trips to and from my car the in 95 degree hot Kentucky weather-it was done. The apartment was spotless, my utilities transferred, and the car packed like tetris. Just a year ago, I was moving into my cute studio apartment and one year later I was moving out. However, all for good reason! I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to be reunited with my fiance after enduring long distance for a year. I said my final goodbyes, downloaded podcasts, and after dropping off my spectrum modem I was on the road.

Everything went smoothly and it inspired me to share some tips with you on how to stay healthy during your move. I am not perfect so I really wish I would have done some of these. Ha! Hindsight is 20/20.
Before the move

• Plan ahead: try to do as much packing as you can before. I was literally packing things the day of. Those jackets that you don’t need right now because it’s hot as the desert?? Box and label them up!

Pro Tip: Pack a bag of things that you’ll need the night of. Trust me you’ll be thankful you did. The night I arrived I was looking through boxes for my toothbrush and shower items.

• Sleep: Try to get 7-9 hours a night the week before the move. Due to the the anxiety of moving and last minute things I was averaging 4-6 hours a night-not good for my beauty rest.

During the move

• Hydrate and eat real food. You’re sweating, you’re moving, you’re cleaning. Take frequent breaks to properly hydrate yourself and eat real food. If that means meal prepping 2 days before then do it! It’ll save you time and money.

• Pack meals or snacks. Depending on how far your drive is, be prepared and bring goodies with you!

While driving

• Exercise in the car. If you’re co-pilot, roll those ankles, do kegels, or stretch. If you’re driving shrug your shoulders, lift your knees and brace your abs when using cruise control.
• Pit stops. Stop to use the restroom and take a little walk to move those legs and get some air. They are called rest stops for a reason…...REST
• Exercise your mind. If you’ve got a long drive ahead of you be sure to download podcasts or queue up your favorite songs so you can jam out! Some of my favorite podcasts to listen to are Stuff You Should Know, The Model Health Show, and Crime Junkies.

After the move

• Practice self care: relax, things can wait to be put away, watch a show, sleep, put on a face mask, draw a bath, you do you boo. This was especially hard for me because I can’t stand clutter, but I gave myself a week to put everything away to get settled into our new home.

Whether you’re moving because you didn’t like your old place, got a new job, or going to college, etc- I hope these tips help you stay well while you unpack.

Alicia Everette

A millennial wellness enthusiast trying to figure out life. Coupon Queen. Experimental Chef. Personal Trainer. Aspiring Health Coach.