The Truth About Moving

Okay, it is time to get real. Moving is hard. Moving is emotionally and physically draining. I can here everyone at their computers groaning at the thought of packing up and moving all your worldly possessions. Believe me, I am right there with you.

I am about to move for the 7th time in 7 years. Yep, you heard me right. I have moved once a year for the past seven years. Now granted, They have not all been big moves. Some years have just been a move down the street to a new apartment or even up a floor in the same building. But there has also been big moves. Last year was the biggest move for me. I moved across the country. Lets just say that I have done it all.

So, with that being said, I thought I would share some of what I have found helps me survive a move. This way we can all make moving easy and fun (if that is possible...)

Start Packing Early

I am not joking. It will be weird to start taking pictures down off the walls and have a bare house for a while. But in the end you will thank yourself. Starting to pack a month in advance helps you realize what you have and don't have. It gives you time to go get those plastic tubs, the bubble wrap, and the everything that is missing. Then on moving day your day will be less hectic and the transition to the new home will feel organized.

BE RUTHLESS

The more stuff you have, the worse this whole process is going to be. This is coming from the most sentimental person ever. So I understand keeping every little thing. However, being sentimental and keeping things that make you happy or remind you of something, is way different then keeping that shirt you have not worn in 5 years. Clean out the closet, and clean out the kitchen cupboard that has the 100 water bottles. It is time to clean out all of the unnecessary things in your house.

Plastic Tubs Are Your Best Friend

Imagine a world where you stay organized. That would be pretty amazing right? Well using plastic tubs instead of boxes can do that for you. When you use cardboard boxes you will inevitably have to get ride of them somehow. Then you unpack and things spiral downhill from there. By using dedicated tubs for each room of the house you can unpack what you need and have the other things neatly stored away and in a space that wont get all cluttered. Plus, then if you move again, you are already set to go!

Make A List of Places You Need To Change Your Address

Have you ever thought about just how many places your address is linked too? It's a lot. Here is a list of the ones that you need to make sure are updated,

• Make sure to fill out the USPS change of address form
• The address associated with your bank accounts
• The address on your drivers licence
• Your house utility bills (gas company, electric, cable/ internet etc.)
• Any subscriptions you have (magazines, retail, etc.)
• Accounts like Amazon where you have your shipping address saved
• Do you have a pet? Changing the address on their microchip or tags

Save Up Money

If someone has ever told you that you that it does not cost much money to move, that is just simply not the case. There is money flying everywhere. You will be paying your first months rent in the new place and putting down the security deposit. Plus you still have or other place, so you might be paying rent on the other apartment. You wont get your security deposit back on the old apartment for a bit. So don't just count on that. Then there are the moving trucks and the movers themselves (if you go that rout). Plus if you are like me you will want to buy lots of new decorations for the new place. So make sure you know what you are getting into financially.

Be Open To The Change

If we are being honest, one of the hardest parts about moving is all the change that happens while you are trying to conduct all the moving parts around you. So I think one of the best things is to learn, is that good things come from moving and that allowing the change to happen will only enhance the life you are living. Be open to the craziness so you can go explore your new space and find all of your new local go-to spots.

Guys, we are going to make it through moving together! Once we get past the idea of packing up everything and all the hard work there are so many great things about moving too. So look through all the boxes, look through all the days of packing and unpacking, and enjoy your new space. Your fresh start.