Set the Stage for Your Move

Corporate relocations most always include help from a relocation company and they will assist you with scheduling the movers, packing, closing, etc. While this is wonderful in terms of managing the physical work, it is your internal landscape that often falls apart – and no one but you can see the boxes piled up in your emotional body.

So how can you better prepare your internal landscape?

I recommend you set the stage for your move.

You may not realize the myriad of emotions you will soon be experiencing, if you aren’t already, especially if this is your first corporate relocation. That’s why the first step in this process is to acknowledge that moving is considered to be one of the top 10 stressors in life. Like any other major life change, it requires planning. Planning WILL help you feel more in control, and less in chaos.

Here are some ideas for how to approach your relocation by laying a good foundation for your move.

Set intentions

Get clear about how you want this move to progress. If it’s difficult to think of what you do want, start with what you don’t want. List your greatest concerns, fears and dreads about the relocation process.

Here is an example of how my client Beth used this process. First, she listed her top concerns:

• I’m afraid I will run around blindly trying to get things done.


• I’m afraid I’ll stay as cranky as I am now – rude to my family and my husband.


• I’m afraid the house won’t sell.


• I’m afraid I will live in constant clutter.


• I’m afraid I will miss my workouts, my vitamins and my massages.


• I’m afraid I will not get enough sleep.


• I’m afraid I will feel displaced, neither here nor there.


• I’m afraid I will lose touch with my friends.

From this list of fears, we created a list of desires:

• I create a manageable “to do” list and move through each step calmly.


• I am easygoing throughout this process and treat my family well.


• The house sells quickly and with ease.


• Our home is organized fairly well.


• My self-care keeps me healthy – I exercise, eat well, take my vitamins and get massages.


• I get enough sleep.


• I remain present and positive – appreciating this home and community while planning for the next.


• My friendships are lifelong and transcend geography.

Beth immediately felt the fear dissipate and was excited by the feeling of empowerment. In fact, she kept this list with her on her iPhone to reference when she was feeling vulnerable.

Be gentle with yourself

Be gentle with yourself as you live in this unknown place. You likely have your feet in two worlds right now – the familiar place you’ve called home for a period of time and the new location to which you are heading. It’s normal to feel lost and a bit unsettled.

Do whatever you can to nurture yourself through this time of the unknown. There is much richness in this space you are in and with conscious awareness and by processing your feelings, you will glide through this time with greater ease.

By setting the stage and your intentions, and by staying gentle with yourself through the process, you can feel more prepared for your upcoming move.