I’m in the process of moving from one apartment in LA to another, and even though there’s only a 20 minute difference between the two places, there are 20 million things that I will think of during the moving process. Just as I wrote that, I remembered that I need to check to see if my apartment is rent controlled. I just checked. Luckily, it is!

I feel like moving is stressful and I’ve barely even started. Yes, I’ve found a place and signed a lease, but will my current couch fit in the new place? Will I like my landlord? Do I need to like my landlord, or can we just casually co-exist? There’s a lot to consider.

The important thing to remember while you’re in the process of moving (Or when you’re in any other stressful situation) is to breathe, go with the flow and find time to relax. Sounds like Let It Go Yoga, right? You can use some of the techniques that you’ve learned on the mat while you’re moving, and maybe even get a yoga practice in when you didn’t think you had time! Here’s are some yoga techniques that I am planning on incorporating during my move:

1. Balance your “Personal Integrity Checklist” while packing up.
Part of a successful yoga practice is to clean up all areas of your life. So moving is a good time to keep what you want to keep and clear out the things that no longer bring you joy. Clean up and organize the stuff that you do want into boxes for the move, and get rid of the piles of things that you haven’t used in years. This will help you feel at ease with the move and getting rid of the clutter will allow room for new opportunities.

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!

2. Use your breathing techniques while carrying heavy furniture.
There’s a lot to be done on moving day, but just remember to take each moment one breath at a time. When you use your diaphragmatic breath, you will feel more calm and able to take your time moving each piece of furniture out of your apartment. Remember though, to activate your core by holding your stomach in when picking up something heavy. You can always take a break from hauling furniture halfway up the stairs and start back up when you feel more relaxed – Just remember to tell the person holding the other end of the couch.

3. Use your empty apartment to host a yoga class.
Once you’ve completed all the heavy lifting (Or recruited some friends to do the heavy lifting), reward yourself and your friends with a relaxing  Let It Go Yoga class in your empty apartment. You can lie down, and just let it go. It will be a great way to positively part with your old space and rejuvenate yourself from a long moving process.

4. Meditate in your new residence.
The best way to get a feel for the new space is to take some time alone and meditate. Find as many spots as you can in the new space to focus inward. This will be easy at first when you don’t have everything set up yet and your internet provider hasn’t connected the wifi. Even after everything is in order, make sure to check in with yourself as much as you can to stay calm and centered.

5. Visualize your new, fancy, clean, organized, stylish and unpacked home.

Time to get creative! Make a vision board for what you want your new space to look like. If there’s a nook that you don’t know what to do with yet, make it a zen zone. All you need is enough space for a yoga mat and maybe a candle or two. Remind yourself to be grateful for all the supportive people that helped you move and let this gratitude take you into the next chapter of your life!

Happy moving!

Contributed by Emily Parsons, Certified Let It Go Yoga teacher, Actress, Writer and Comedian in Los Angeles, California.

Want to know more about Let It Go Yoga? Start here with our Diaphragmatic Breathing Video!