Top 10 Moving Tips for Your Next Move

I want to share a few thoughts about leaving your friends and family when moving to a new location. It's difficult for most of us to move to a new place, especially when we have no choice in the matter.  I know because it happened several times a year for me.  In the 60s and 70s, parents didn't consult with their children when accepting transfers or job changes.  They did what was best for the family, and sometimes that was making a change or move.

My parents impressed upon me that I would be a great pen pal – writing to friends to keep up with them.  I was also told that my little sister was watching and looks up to me. Therefore, be strong and positive. But what my parents didn't know was I put on the happy face they wanted, but at night, I would bury my face in my pillow and cry myself to sleep.  Eventually, I would fall asleep, and the new day brought about a new outlook.

Today, parents sit down with their children to help them understand why they are moving and explain that it doesn't mean they won't ever see their friends again.  Technology has assisted with keeping in contact – we all have cell phones and can chat or text with family and friends at a moment's notice.  Facetime, Zoom, and Skype also assist in keeping communications open.

Before you begin any of the physical aspects of your move, whether local or to another state, you might want to check out the websites I found:

• https://www.moving.com/tips/36-moving-hacks-faster-easier-less-stressful-move
• https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-moving-hacks
• https://kerb.com/moving-hacks

The 10 top tips for assisting in your move are:

1. Determine your budget;
2. Research the moving company before hiring;
3. Clean our closets and niches before packing;
4. Donate items to local churches or charities;
5. Discard combustible items – household cleaners and garage items;
6. Color code or number boxes according to their final resting place;
7. For insurance purposes (loss or damage) - take pictures of each box or tote;
8. Assemble a moving bag with medications, electronic chargers, essential documents, along with toiletries and clothes to carry with you;
9. Consider logistics of trip:
   • how long is the travel,
   • do we need reservations at a hotel,
   • if using your car (do maintenance before starting the journey), and
10. Finally, listening to music can help with the daunting task of unpacking.

Upon arriving at your new home, consider the following:

1.  The first thing to do is assemble the beds, locate the bedding and make up the beds for the night.  When you discover the bedding, you're probably going to come across the bathroom towels.  That way, when you are exhausted, you can take a shower and plop into bed.
2. The second task should be getting your kitchen in order so that you can visit the local grocery store and stock up on food and drinks.
3. When emptying the boxes, break them down and stack them in the garage.  If you have a neighborhood Facebook page or NextDoor Neighborhood page, you can often list the boxes for free, and someone will usually come to pick them up immediately.
4. Just because I've moved 52 times doesn't mean I'm an expert by any means, but it does mean I've learned a few tricks of the trade. For transition purposes, getting involved in activities, whether with the school, church, or neighborhood, it's a sure way to meet and make friends quickly. Best of luck with your next move.

In writing this blog, I'm thinking of my friend, Kim, and her family as they are moving to Nashville, Tennessee.  Kim, best wishes for a safe and blessed move.  Please keep in touch with all of us.

All my best,

Julie