As a child, my family moved seven times. As an adult, I’ve moved four times in the less than four years I’ve been married. This makes me somewhat of an expert on moving, I guess.
This last move was an inter-city move. I was arriving before my husband (he had to stay and work a few more days). I also had two little kids in tow. Not a simple situation, but it was actually a fairly smooth transition, and these are some of the reasons why:
1) Starting early. I started packing a couple months before the move. Books that weren’t essential, kitchen gadgets that were rarely used, extra towels, linens, and basically, anything I didn’t use on a weekly basis got packed. I packed them up, sealed them shut and stacked them in the corner. An additional perk to packing early is that I was able to go through my belongings and weed out those things that I really didn’t need to move with me (again). It was an amazing feeling.
2) Accepting that things are going to be hectic and messy. This is just part of moving, as far as I can tell. It’s a limbo state, and those are rarely fun or settling. However, it’s only temporary. That was my mantra. It helped me keep my cool in situations that were potential flare-ups.
3) Enlisting the help of friends and family. I arranged playdates for the kids so I could pack. My mother-in-law helped us pay for a babysitter so that I could pack some more. My father helped me drive to our new home, and my mother came for a little over a week to help me unpack and settle in. I am incredibly grateful for all of their help.
4) Outsourcing the packing. I didn’t mind doing a lot of the packing myself, but with two little kids underfoot, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to do it all before moving day. Also, I wasn’t comfortable packing the fragile things like my china, vases and pictures. We had the movers do those items for us, as well as whatever items remained unpacked on the day of the move. This enabled me to pack without undue stress, knowing that whatever I didn’t get done would still be moved. It was well worth it.
5) Planning ahead. There are certain things which are needed immediately in a new home. Things like sheets, towels, toiletries, pajamas, toys and books for the kids, clean clothes, etc. need to be accessible. I wanted to be able to function right away, so I either had these things in a suitcase or a clearly marked box. We purchased paper plates, cups and utensils to eat off of the first few days, and I wish I would have left out a pot or two to cook with as well. I guess I’ll get that one right in the next move…
About the Author: Rivki Silver blogs at Life in the Married Lane, where she tries to find meaning in doing dishes, among other things.