7 Ways To Save Your Relationships (and Things) During A Move
Ah, the heartwarming sight of my neighbors on the move! It's been three days of stuffing their SUV and pick-up truck with an assortment of furniture, boxes, and random bags of belongings, all under the relentless Texas sun. But hey, they're still smiling!
Watching them reminds me of a profound statement my husband made during a particularly lengthy neighborhood power outage, "Moving is a four-letter word." He has been a seasoned participant in this game, thanks to his dad’s nomadic genes and serial-mover lifestyle.
With summer being the most popular season for changing addresses, I thought I'd share some wisdom from my own tumultuous dance with the moving trucks. So, here are seven tips to keep your sanity (and marriage) intact during a move.
1. Brace Yourself for the Rollercoaster 😳
Packing is an endless loop, and unpacking can feel like a never-ending marathon. Family heirlooms may shatter, favorite items go MIA, pets freak out, and at some point, everyone wonders, "Is all this really worth it?"
2. Channel Your Inner Wedding Planner
Treat your kitchen like the VIP it is. Pack it last, unpack it first. Unless you can convince your better half to dine out for weeks. Then, reverse the order.
Lists are your new best friends. Number and color-code every box. Trust me, all boxes start looking alike after a while, making unpacking feel like a sadistic guessing game.
Assign colors to each room in your new place. If the master bath is violet, every box from the old master bath gets a violet label. If someone's helping you unpack, they'll know exactly where each box goes. If not, let the garage be your temporary storage.
Each box gets a number, too, for two reasons. One, to locate specific items (like the cat's dinner), and two, to prioritize unpacking. Box #1 should contain essentials, not a Dak Prescott poster (sorry, Dak).
3. Embrace the "More is More" Mantra
Stock up on boxes, tape, scissors, and labels. The last thing you need is to run out of supplies at midnight when only Seven Eleven is open (and no, they don't sell boxes).
4. Treat Yourself
Wardrobe boxes may seem like a luxury, but they are lifesavers. Keeping clothes on hangers is a major stress-reliever. Stash shoes and bags at the bottom, and voila, your fashion essentials are sorted!
5. Cleaning is Key
Keep all your cleaning supplies accessible. Even the cleanest new place could need a little TLC.
6. Think Ahead
Plan your packing with an eye on importance and security. Losing a box of books is one thing, but misplacing crucial documents or valuable items? That's a nightmare you don't want. Some things should never go on the truck.
Always keep essentials handy on moving day. From toilet paper to medical necessities, ensure easy access to the basics.
7. Make Room for Personal Touches
Give each family member a tote to fill with their most cherished items, then when you arrive, they can place those items in their room first giving everyone a way to feel instantly at home in your new abode.
Remember, moving is a journey filled with laughter, tears, surprise discoveries, and memorable moments. Embrace the chaos with a dash of humor and loads of patience. After all, it's not just about relocating to a new house, but creating a fresh canvas for memories in what will become your new home.