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My family and I have been looking forward to moving for years. This summer, that dream is finally becoming a reality. But as exciting as that sounds, let’s be real. Moving in the middle of summer is intense. Add living with Multiple Sclerosis into the mix, and you have a whole new level of stress.

The heat. The humidity. The energy it takes just to pack one box. Today I’m sharing exactly how I’m getting through this summer move while managing MS and how you can apply these same strategies to any big project in your life.

The Invisible Challenge of MS

There was a time when I would have taken this move in stride. No problem. Now that I’m living with MS, even thinking about the process felt overwhelming. Moving is never easy, but with MS, it’s not just about muscle fatigue. It’s about protecting your health while still getting the job done.

This isn’t just about moving houses. It’s about how to face big responsibilities when your energy feels limited and your health is on the line.

So, how do you do it?

Here’s what’s working for me.

Step 1: Delegate What You Can

The first thing I had to accept was that I can’t do this alone.

I knew I couldn’t load a truck or carry furniture. That meant hiring movers. It also meant reaching out to family early for help with childcare on move day. These weren’t luxuries, they were non-negotiables.

Think about your non-negotiables. What tasks drain you most? Which ones can you let go of or get help with?

Delegating is not weakness. It’s wisdom.

Step 2: Start Early and Pack in Short Bursts

After delegating the big tasks, my next move was to start packing as early as possible. I began right after our offer was accepted. That gave me weeks instead of days, which created a buffer for days when I didn’t feel well.

Stress from the move even triggered some migraines for me. That’s why it was so important to pace myself. I committed to packing for just 30 minutes to an hour at a time. This approach helped me:

• Prevent overwhelm
• Maintain my energy
• Avoid the heat

I also made a point to pack in the early morning when my energy is higher and the temperature is cooler. Everyone’s body is different. Pay attention to when you feel your best and schedule tasks during that window.

Step 3: Purge as Much as Possible

Decluttering is your best friend during a move. It saves time, energy, and stress. Not just now, but in the future too. My approach was simple: ask myself if each item is worth the space and energy it takes to pack, move, and unpack.

The benefits of purging:

• Less to manage means less physical and mental fatigue.
• Simplified living in your new home makes space for clarity and peace.
• Emotional relief from letting go of things that no longer serve you.

If it doesn’t add value to your life, it doesn’t need to come with you.

Step 4: Prioritize Rest (Yes, Even During a Move)

This is the hardest part for me. But I’ve learned that rest is not a reward. It’s part of the process. Especially when you live with a chronic condition like MS, you cannot afford to ignore your body’s need to recharge.

Now, I remind myself that rest fuels productivity. When I rest in the afternoon, I’m better able to handle the rest of the day without crashing.

Apply These Lessons to Any Overwhelming Project

You may not be moving this summer, but maybe you’re dealing with another big responsibility. It could be motherhood, a new job, a health goal, or even just figuring out how to start the Wahls Protocol.

Whatever it is, I hope these principles support you:

• Delegate what you can
• Start early and work in short bursts
• Purge what’s unnecessary
• Prioritize rest as a key to productivity

These are the strategies helping me survive a summer move with MS. And they are the same strategies that can support you through whatever big project or transition you’re facing.

Want More Encouragement Like This? Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast: 🎧 Managing a Summer Move with MS: My Strategies and Listen now to My MS Podcast