Moving Tips: Survive Moving into a New Place part 1

M O V I N G... the word causes me to become light-headed and full of angst. As the wife of an Air Force sergeant, we moved often. As a result, moving became a part of my lifestyle. After not too many years, I felt the stirrings within me to find a new place to live, another town, another state. Later, events occurred that caused my daughter, grandson, and me to move often. However, the whole packing up and actual moving of stuff caused me to think I should sell, give away, or abandon all of my material possessions except those I could cram into my car.

Now that I have been settled and lived in an area for a number of years, hearing the word did cause me to question whether I really wanted to do this.The thought of removing all of my pictures from the walls, removing each tiny bone china minature from its shelf, carefully wrapping it, and then tackling all else that remained....made me want to pack what I could stuff into my car, walk out of the door, lock it, and never look back.

That, however, is NOT what I have done.

Have you ever seen the movie Overboard? If so, do you remember the part where Goldie's character is sitting in the house uttering only....buhbuhbuhbuhbuhbuh? Her eyes were sort of glazed over and she seemed unaware of the world around her.

I have had that same feeling over the last few weeks. I admit it!! Hopefully, I can share with you how to survive a move and at the same time remind myself how to do it.

The good news is...you can survive. One important thing to remember is to keep your sense of humor. Be willing to laugh when you pack your skillet too soon and you forgot to write the word 'skillet' on the box!!

This move for me has been far different from other moves as I have known for six weeks that I was going to move. I was buying a new house and had to find the right one, the one my budget could afford, so it has been an ongoing process. The good part about this has been I have had so much time to organize, sort through, get rid of, stash into yard sale pile, and finally pack items.

The downside is that I packed some things too early.

Not counting toothbrush, comb, brush, personal grooming aids, meds,clothes, decide what essentials you MUST have readily accessible till the last minute.

Leave them unpacked.

My essentials are: my toaster overn, microwave, craft table, and my laptop. That is pretty much the bare minimum of essentials so I have had to purchase a few things that I packed. Small things. Inconsequential things but things I needed enough to purchase.

My mantra for this move has been: if it is broken, ripped or torn, has not been worn or used in a year, has been collecting dust for years, or is still in the box it was in when purchased, it is not coming with me on this move.

Before you begin packing, do the following...get boxes or plastic containers and...

Make piles ...

• Yard sale
• Give away to family/friends
• Give to Salvation Army or Goodwill/or your church
• Throw away
• Keep...these of course are what you will be packing.

You may choose to do this alone unless you have a bit of a hoarder hiding inside you. If however you feel comfortable with having help and know you can trust the judgment of your helpers, it will make this task go quicker.

A word of caution...on the day of the yard sale, avoid 'shopping' for things that are put out that you suddenly decide you cannot live without. Remember, they wound up in the yard sale because they were in the 'never been seen, used, or wanted pile.'

You have settled on what is making this move with you. Now, if you are able to find boxes from local stores that are sturdy and the size to meet your needs, visit those stores and ask for them. Many stores keep boxes outside but some do so only temporarily until they can be shuttled off to recyclying. Always ask before rummanging through their carefully stacked boxes. Some stores just throw boxes out back, not too many these days but a few. Those are up for grabs usually. If in doubt, ask.

You can purchase boxes in various sizes from UHaul and some of the big box stores. They are reasonably priced and sturdy. I do use some of those as I am able to pack towels, blankets, and curtains together. It helps when I am ready to unpack as they are in a box together and it eliminates endless hunting for 'the' box. I also find them helpful for odds and ends like baskets that I do not want to be smashed or crushed.

Something to remember when packing is that you do not want the boxes so heavy that Hercules can't lift them. You and your family may be the ones packing the truck or other vehicle to transport your goods and no one wants a hernia as a result of the move.

If a professional is moving your things then you can watch. But do watch. I suggest that if you have really precious irreplacable items that you be sure they are wrapped carefully and packed carefully. The other option is you take them with you rather than have them go on the truck.

I have moved so much that I used to say I was going to quit teaching and begin work for Bekins!!

After a box is filled, tape it closed, and label it at that moment. You can make fancy labels or you can use a broad tip marker to write on each box. Just be sure to label as the box is taped. No matter how good your memory is if the boxes are shuffled around, you will forget what is inside especially if the boxes are all identical.

This simple step saves endless searching for whatever you are in need of after the move.

As was mentioned above, you will have among your belongings some things that are too precious to risk being broken.

• Pack those first because packing them can be tedious
• . Wrap each item in bubble wrap or thick paper to cushion any blow to the box.
• After I have wrapped each item, I put them in a container and put the container in a box. Before setting in the box,
• I put several towels or a blanket at the bottom of it, again, to cushion against any unexpected blows to the box.
• It is worth the time. Even if you are moving 5 miles away, it is till worth the time. Once your precious things are broken, it is too late to second guess what you should have done. It is too late to say 'I shoulda', coulda', woulda' done whatever....'

Moving time can be stressful for your pet. My Honeybee Kitty noticed when the boxes came in and she was not comfortable with them in her space until the last week or so. I have petted her more and reassured her that all is well in her world.

Keep in mind that changes in their world does affect your pet. Reassure and comfort so that your pet, too, can survive the move.

After I have begun serious packing, I set aside two rooms where the boxes can be placed until the actual moving day arrives. It is very helpful as you have room to navigate through the rest of your home.

Look at what you have done as you collapse at the end of each day of packing.

"Look how much we have done.' I admit, now that it is almost moving day, I am having a little angst. Everything is almost ready but...I still have loose ends to tie up I have to remember to take my own advice...

Hopefully this will help you with your next move. If I have to repeat one thing it is ...Keep your sense of humor. there will be confusion and things may be in disarray but it is only temporary.

Happy moving..you can can survive the move.

copyright pstraubie48 ^TM 2011-2012