How to Safely Move Homes While Dealing with Chronic Pain.
Moving is a trying time for anyone, and chronic pain patients have an added layer of complexity. Whether you are relocating from one apartment to another or from one house to another, moving can be a grueling and painful process. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be as tricky as it seems. With some preparation and planning, chronic pain sufferers can safely move homes. With careful preparation, the day won’t be so daunting. Here are some tips to help you get started on the right track.
Make A Game Plan
You might think this is an obvious tip, but the truth is that many people make the mistake of not having a checklist. To ensure you have everything covered, list everything that needs to be done for the move. This includes cleaning out your current home, packing up your belongings, transporting them to the new location, unpacking, and organizing everything. Make a timeline that provides for all the different tasks for your move to go smoothly.
Hire Professional Help
If you’re unsure of your ability to complete the move safely, options are available to assist with your move. Moving companies are a great option if you don’t have anyone to assist you. If you have friends or family members who can help with the move, ensure they understand the potential pitfalls of relocating when you have chronic pain. Ensure you educate them on lifting, moving, and correctly positioning your items. Their assistance will make a move much more accessible and will help to minimize any potential injuries. Moving companies also offer another advantage; they know how to deal with any potential problems that may arise on moving day, such as an elevator breaking down or stairs too steep for you to climb. They will also have the tools and resources necessary for a safe and efficient move.
Get A Handy Helper
This is another tip that applies to anyone who is relocating, but it is essential for those with chronic pain. You may not be able to do everything, but you can direct other people where your belongings go. As the person in charge of the move, you should decide where everything goes. For example, you can choose where furniture goes in the new home, boxes in your new bedroom or living room, or items in the kitchen or bathroom. If you’re with a partner or friend, make sure they understand how best to assist you and how to position your items. They should also know the best ways to move your belongings so as not to cause unnecessary pain.
Set Up Your Bedroom First
If you have a chronic pain condition that limits your ability to move around, you may consider setting up your bedroom (and maybe the bathroom) first. This allows you to focus on the most critical areas and get them done before your energy runs out. While this may not be feasible for everyone, it’s a good idea to focus on the areas that matter most and finish them as soon as possible.
Don’t Overreach in The Beginning
It’s easy to get excited when relocating to a new home or apartment. You may be eager to unpack everything in one day and get everything just how you like it, but it’s important to pace yourself initially. Take your time, rest as needed, and make sure you’re not overextending yourself. Initially, it was best to focus on the most important things. As time goes on, you’ll feel more comfortable and will be able to expand your scope of what needs to get done. With careful planning, you can safely move homes with chronic pain and settle into your new place without any issues.
Moving is complicated for anyone, but it can be even more challenging if you have a chronic pain condition. By following these tips, you can make the entire process easier on yourself, which helps to avoid injury or unnecessary pain. It may take a little longer than expected, but the results will be worth the wait.
Author Brittany
Published by International Pain Foundation, iPain Blog, Team iPain
