Planning a move? If so, you’re in good company—nearly 26 million Americans will relocate this summer, often prompted by a school break, a wedding or the prospect of fair weather (or at least no ice and snow).
That doesn’t change the reality that moving is one of life’s biggest stressors. Along with the emotional turmoil of saying goodbye to friends, we are disrupting our routines and dealing with countless logistical details. However, you needn’t lose sleep over changing households. Instead, seize the opportunity to sleep better. Moving is an ideal time to rethink what you are sleeping on and make sure it is helping you get those much-needed zzzzzs.
Here are five ways to make this part of your transition go smoothly:
- If you are taking mattresses with you, encase them in plastic to protect them during transport. Most truck rental companies like U-Haul keep protectors in stock for all mattress sizes.
- Starting fresh? If your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s probably time to replace it. Dispose of your old mattress properly. Find tips from the Better Sleep Council here.
- When mattress shopping, wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can easily slip off and don’t be shy—lie down for a solid 5–10 minutes. Compare notes if you’re shopping with your partner.
- If you’re buying a bed online, do your research. Carefully check the company’s return and shipping policies. Test their customer service response before you buy to ensure they will respond if there is a problem.
- Indoor air quality in your new home matters. Rest easy by purchasing a mattress that contains certified foam, which meets strict standards for content, emissions and durability.
Here’s a tip for moving day: As soon as your bed is unloaded, get it set up and ready with fresh sheets. When the movers pull away and you’re exhausted, you’ll be ready for a restful first night in your new home. The rest of the unpacking can wait until tomorrow.
