Moving Day Stress! A Few Ideas to Help Make it Easier -

I was thinking over the weekend what I would write about this morning. I am moving and what a better thing to write about. Moving can be a very stressful time and confusing time in your life.
Really your taking everything you own and putting into boxes. The hard part for me is... what if I need that one thing that I put into a box that is on the bottom of the box but not only on the bottom of that box on the bottom of 10 boxes.  Yup! that is what goes through my head. I try to only stack the boxes 2 high, then I have walls and walls of boxes. Its a catch 22.
Here are my thoughts on trying to cut down on the stress of moving and to help keep it organized.
1. rent a truck - it will make life so much easier and save gas and time to consolidate into one truck rather than multiple cars.
2. try to keep all your boxes the same size and shape. Easier to stack in the truck and move.
3. just because it will fit, don't put in the box if it is too heavy. Its okay to only have one or two things in a box. I would rather have 5 lighter boxes than 2 super heavy ones.
4. make sure you have people to help you pack. This way while packing they can help you sort through things that you do not need.
5. great time to make donations to local charities with your items you don't use.
6. label your boxes - living room, bedroom, GLASS!
7. if possible to have access to your new location before moving day, take advantage of it and go clean your new place, have it ready for you and your helpers to feel comfortable using the rest room
8. its hard but try to make it fun
9. keep the boxes stacked in your old place up against the wall, try to keep limited heights so you don't feel "boxed" in. If you can stack in one room and just use that room for all your boxes than that would free up the rest of your home.
10. little at a time, typically you know about 30 days prior to moving. Do not try to pack and move in one day, pack a little every day and it will go smoother for you.
11. Home office? this is my big stress - pack only the things you will not need! then on the morning of the move pack all the rest. Label your boxes and understand it is okay to turn off the computer for a day.
12. When you get frustrated with all the things in your home being in boxes and out of place, take a walk and regroup remember all the positives about the move and get fired up for a great change.

Hope this helps give you some ideas on how to help make the move a little easier, as I sit in my office with 80% in boxes ( might be time for a walk). Its only temporary and it will be worth it in the end.

Once you are into your new home, take time to unpack, relax a little bit and enjoy the accomplishment of a successful move. Don't forget to treat your helpers to dinner and beverages!

Happy Moving.