8 Ways to Stay Healthy During a Move

Fitness and nutrition may not be on the top of your list of priorities during a move, but they’ll certainly keep you feeling good during it. Here are some things to keep in mind during the process of your move.

Packing

1. Lift with your legs.
You’re going to be doing a lot of lifting during your move. Be it furniture or heavy possessions, if you don’t hire movers, you’re going to be doing a lot of heavy lifting. Remember your lifting 101: don’t use your back to lift, always use your legs!

2. Wear the proper clothing and footwear.

It’s not a fitness rule, but another safety one. Pack up your sandals and open-toed shoes and opt for your tennis shoes or boots. Take it from me – if and when you drop something, you don’t want it to land on your exposed feet!

3. Don’t lift more than you’re able to.

If you decide to save a few bucks and don’t hire movers, invite some muscle-ridden friends over. Treat them to lunch to entice them to help you lift some of your heavier objects. And remember to rest: you’ve got a lot of work ahead of you, so when you need a break, feel free to take it!

Packing up
Packing Up / Lars Plougman / CC BY 2.0

4. Remember to eat right and drink lots of water.
With the stress of your move, it’s easy to forget simple things like food…and water. Prepare by buying healthy snacks, food and bottled water. The less that needs to be prepared and refrigerated, the better.

Moving

5. Exercise in the car.
That’s right, you can actually do exercise in the car! If you have a long trip ahead of you (like Maine to Florida, for example), your body’s probably not going to feel the love. Try these easy exercises in the car. And don’t forget about cramping up; stay stretched out with these simple moves.

6. Pack healthy snacks.
As I mentioned earlier, prepare by buying healthy snacks. Don’t forget about this for your travel plans. It’s easy to stop at fast food restaurants or pick up a treat at the gas station, but having a car packed full of yummy meals should help dissuade you.

Getting Settled

7. Do your research.
Before you move, find out what gyms are in your area and what fitness activities are available in your area. Knowing the area means you can jump right back into your fitness routine without missing a beat.

8. Locate your new shopping digs.

A lot of areas have farmer’s markets and local farm stands. Check out Local Harvest to find out what’s going on in your community. Your supermarket may also change, so do some scouting and see what store(s) you’re going to be clipping your coupons for.

If you’ve moved, or are about to move, what are your tips for a successful move?

Nicki Hicks is a fitness and nutrition enthusiast with a passion for all things healthy and organic. A web marketing specialist and search geek at flyte new media by day, Nicki works to increase her clients’ search engine visibility. By night, you might find Nicki coaching, practicing yoga, or pretending to be an artist. Nicki regularly contributes to the Guiding Stars blog.