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The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every industry in one way or another. The moving industry is no different. As if moving homes wasn’t stressful enough already, the pandemic caused countless shut-downs, labor shortages, and other problems that affected moving companies and clients alike.

Fortunately, T-N-T Moving Systems has managed to keep its pre-pandemic staff along the way while helping many residents in the Carolinas (and beyond) move homes with minimal stress. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how the pandemic has changed the moving industry, the various symptoms of moving stress, and how to handle your stress during your big relocation.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted the Moving Industry

The moving industry has undergone challenges and changes since early 2020 and for many, that has translated into higher stress and higher rates. T-N-T Moving Systems has been able to manage the pressures and keep their cost down.   Fortunately for their clients, they pass that savings along.

Labor Shortages

The most significant change that the pandemic brought to the moving industry was a labor shortage. With so many people out of work or working from home, fewer people were available to do the physically demanding work of loading and unloading heavy furniture. This led to longer wait times for customers and a lot of stress for movers.  T-N-T Moving Systems was able to keep its employees by maintaining excellent working conditions, pay, and benefits. 

Unfortunately, many moving companies are still recovering from this pandemic-wrought challenge. Those that have stayed open and are recruiting new staff have to train their new employees, which is disrupting workflows and customer satisfaction rates. It’s not hard to see how that adds stress!

Delays & Schedule Changes

While movers were undoubtedly feeling the brunt of the labor shortages, clients were also being impacted in many ways. One of the most common issues was that moves that were scheduled far in advance were delayed or canceled altogether. This was frustrating for customers who already took time off from work or made other arrangements in preparation for their move.

T-N-T Moving Systems maintained their schedules and met their commitments so that the pandemic-related changes did not impact their customers.

Fuel & Labor

Other less fortunate companies had to raise their prices due to fuel prices and labor costs.  Fortunately, T-N-T Moving Systems did not put undue stress or financial burden on to our staff or customers.  Solid financial planning and diversification of services allowed us to maintain our work.

All of these impacts — delays, labor shortages, and price hikes — have made the moving process more stressful than ever. And that’s not even considering all of the other changes that the pandemic forced on people’s daily routines!

The T-N-T Difference

At T-N-T Moving Systems, we have been fortunate to maintain the same staff as we had pre-pandemic. This helps keep things consistent for our clients, who have come to rely on our high level of service and professionalism. Additionally, we have not had to raise our prices significantly despite the increase in demand, which has helped us stay competitive in today’s market.

If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable moving company, T-N-T Moving Systems is your best bet. We are experienced in moving both residential and commercial clients, and we always go the extra mile to ensure that your move goes smoothly. Contact us today for a free quote!

Why Is Moving So Stressful?

If you’re in the process of moving, you’re likely feeling at least a little bit stressed. After all, there’s a lot to think about when you’re packing up your life and starting over somewhere new. Let’s discuss some of the common causes of moving-related stress and how to deal with them:

New Environments

One of the most stressful things about moving is adjusting to a new environment. Whether you’re moving to a new city or just a new neighborhood, everything is going to be different. You may not know where the best places to eat are, where the grocery store is, or how to get around town. This can be especially difficult if you have to move for work and don’t have any family or friends in your new location.

However, there are some things you can do to ease the transition into your new surroundings. For example, try to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings before you move by looking up maps online and reading about your new community in local news outlets. Additionally, once you’ve moved, make an effort to socialize by joining local clubs or groups that interest you.

The Physical Toll

Another cause of stress during a move is the physical labor involved. Packing up all of your belongings can be exhausting even if you hire professional movers. They do the heavy lifting but most people are still left with sorting out their possessions and cleaning.

 

To make the physical aspect of moving less stressful, give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. Start packing up non-essentials well before your move date so you’re not rushed on moving day. And if possible, recruit friends or family members to help you with the heavy lifting.

The Costs

Finally, one of the most common sources of stress during a move is the financial cost involved. Between hiring professional movers, renting a storage unit, and buying boxes and packing supplies, moving can be quite costly. If money is tight, there are a few things you can do to cut down on expenses.

For example, see if any friends or family members have unwanted furniture or appliances that they would be willing to give or sell to you at a discount. Additionally, scour yard sales and second-hand stores for inexpensive boxes and packing supplies. By getting creative and thinking outside the box (no pun intended), you can save quite a bit of money on your move.

Moving is stressful for many reasons — both emotionally and physically — but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By being prepared and taking some proactive measures, you can make your transition into your new home as smooth as possible. And once everything is said and done and you’re settled into your new place, the stress will (hopefully) have been worth it!

10 Tips For A Stress-Free Move

1. Start packing early.

If you’re in the process of moving, one of the best things you can do to minimize stress is to start packing early. By packing up your non-essential belongings well before your move date, you’ll avoid having to rush and feel overwhelmed on moving day. You’ll also make the process faster for your movers, saving time and money.

2. Get organized.

Create a list of all the items you need to pack and take inventory of your belongings. This will help you stay on track and prevent you from forgetting anything important.

3. Pack one room at a time.

Don’t try to do everything at once. Focus on packing one room at a time to make the process more manageable and save your sanity. Another strategy is to only pack similar items together, which will make unpacking your home much easier.

4. Minimize! Donate or sell unwanted items.

Before you start packing, go through your belongings and get rid of anything you don’t need or want. This will lighten your load and save you money in the long run.

Find local charities in your area to donate your unwanted clothes or household items; some organizations will pick them up from your home. You could also earn some extra cash by selling gently-used items online, which you could put toward your moving budget!

5. Utilize storage.

If you have items that you want to keep but don’t need right away, consider renting a storage unit. Besides decluttering your home, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your belongings are safely stored away.

Take time to research the different storage facilities in your area to compare rates. Be sure to get a climate-controlled space if you have temperature/humidity-sensitive items.

6. Hire professional movers.

Unless you have a lot of experience moving heavy furniture, it’s worth hiring professional movers. They will handle the heavy lifting for you and ensure your belongings are properly packed and protected. They’ll also get your items from A to B efficiently, so you can focus on the other aspects of your move and life!

7. Pack essential items separately.

Pack a separate bag with all the items you will need during the first few days in your new home (e.g., toiletries, clothes, bedding, etc.). This will make it easier to find what you need when you first arrive at your new place.

8. Change your address.

Don’t forget to change your address! You can do this online or by visiting your local post office. You can set up a mail forwarding service if you want USPS to hold your mail for longer than 30 days.

9. Update your utilities.

Make sure that your utilities are transferred or established at your new address before you move in. The last thing you want is to arrive at your new, empty home with no power or water. If possible, start the process of setting up your utilities at least three weeks before moving day.

10. Practice self-care along the way.

You’ll probably be busier than ever during your move, but it’s essential to care for your mental and physical health in the process. Here are a few self-care strategies for managing your stress.

Making time for yourself: This may mean taking some time each day for yourself, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes. During this time, you can do something calming, like reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.

Healthy and balanced meals: When stressed, it’s easy to turn to unhealthy foods as a form of comfort. But eating those foods can actually lead to more stress and make it harder for us to manage our feelings. Try to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and avoid sugary or processed foods.

Regular exercise: Exercise is an excellent way to release stress and tension from the body. It can also improve our moods and help us feel more energized. Try to get in at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Connecting with loved ones: Spending time with friends and family can help us feel supported and loved during stressful times. Laughter is also a great way to reduce stress levels!

Everyone experiences moving stress differently. Some people find the process exciting and relatively stress-free, while others find it to be an extremely stressful experience. It’s important to remember that there is no one right way to feel about a move. What matters most is how you react to stress and how you manage it.