Moving Chaos: How to Stay on Track When Life’s in Boxes

If you think about it, moving is kind of like hitting the reset button on your whole life. You’re examining everything you own, filtering out what you don’t need, packing up what you’re keeping, and starting fresh somewhere new. It’s exciting, but it’s also… a lot.

Whether you’re moving across town using a friend’s truck or hauling your life across the country, one thing is guaranteed—it costs money, takes tons of planning, and brings a whole lot of stress. Even when you’re excited about your new place, the process itself can feel overwhelming.

I recently moved across states, and let me tell you—it was not fun, even with movers and plenty of help. The last few days of clearing out our home were especially tough. Once the fridge was empty, you can guess what happened next… we ate out. A lot. Grab-and-go meals, drive-thrus, and anything we could get our hands on fast. It was convenient, but not exactly healthy.

So how do you keep yourself from falling completely off track when life looks like a pile of cardboard boxes? Here are a few things that can help:

🥗 Plan ahead (as much as possible)
Before the move gets too crazy, try to prep a few easy, healthy meals that you can grab and heat up. Even something simple like rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked rice, and frozen veggies can save you from the drive-thru.

🧊 Keep a “mini fridge survival kit”
If your fridge is on its last few days, keep a cooler or mini fridge stocked with basics like yogurt, boiled eggs, fruit, protein shakes, or bottled water. It’ll get you through the transition days without feeling like you have to live on burgers and fries.

🥤 Stay hydrated
It sounds simple, but dehydration adds to stress and fatigue. When you’re moving, it’s easy to forget to drink water—especially when you’re running around packing or cleaning. Keep a bottle with you at all times.

🚶 Move your body in other ways
You might not have time for your normal workout, but trust me—you’ll be burning calories lifting boxes, cleaning, and running errands. Try to take a short walk once you’re settled in for the day to stretch your body and clear your mind.

🧘 Give yourself grace
Moving is temporary chaos. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not eating perfectly or missing your normal routines. The goal is just to do your best and get through it without feeling like you’ve completely fallen off the wagon.

Once you’re in your new place and things start to settle down, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can get back to your regular routine. Moving is stressful—but it’s also a fresh start. Let’s do our best to make it a healthy one.