What is it about moving that stinks so, so bad?
Is it that unavoidable nervous feeling?
The cost of buying new appliances?
Nah, those things I can live with.
But physically moving all of your belongings from one house – squeezing them into a car (or two) – and then taking everything back out and unpacking all of it? Torture, I tell you. I know you know what I’m talking about.
I’d be lying if I said my move has been all butterflies and rainbows, but I have learned a thing or two about how to move without hating your life.
5 tips for a smoother move.
1. Make it a team effort. This is kind of a no-brainer. But, instead of going straight for your strongest friends, also make sure to have a good planner/brainstormer on hand. For example, my dad and I took care of all of the lifting and carrying while mom made a list of things to remember, the best way to do such-and-such, etc.
2. Skip the gym. That way, you can view the moving process as a workout, making the pain much more bearable.
3. Order something delicious for lunch/dinner. This will perk your spirits, as well as the people helping you (which, you should definitely pay for them…unless they happen to be your parents ;)).
4. Don’t think you have to do everything in one day. I tend to be that person who can’t relax until a project is completely finished. But, I’ve learned that applying that mindset to moving is setting yourself up for a huge letdown. Moving is a process…so take your time! I actually expect to be shuffling through this mess for at least a few days, and that’s okay.
5. Envision your new life in your new home. I’ve come to terms with the fact that these first few nights…or even weeks…are going to be a tough adjustment. But can I see myself calling the new place home? Absolutely! It’s important to remember that even though change can be scary, it can also be a beautiful, beautiful thing.
What’s your least favorite thing about moving? Your favorite?
How exciting for youu!! I am completely jealous!! =) Cant waiit to see more pictures of it!
additional tip: pack the toilet paper somewhere OBVIOUS. it’ll be the first thing you need and the last thing you don’t want to have trouble finding.
hope all is well! enjoy settling in! just think… you get to make this mess of boxes and packing peanuts YOURS. just give it time.
I hate unpacking. HATE IT. Actually, I think I hate packing more than unpacking. I’m totally like you as I want everything to be put in place NOW!
Have fun settling in!
Kat says
The part I love about moving? The chance to discover all sorts of unused crap that needs to be purged. That sort of decluttering never happens once you’re settled.
The part I hate? The not being settled part. I do take probably too much comfort in knowing that everything is in its place.
I absolutely hate moving. I had to move my brother out of his apartment on my birthday. Luckily I still got a good birthday meal out of it!
So I’m totally jealous of your new apartment. I thrive off the excitement of new things, so have fun with it!
Great tips! I just got done moving AGAIN in college. I swear I have touched all my stuff about a million times since going to school!!
Have fun!!!! You are moving out!!!
Christina says
Every post is a list of something! Try switchin it up, eh?
haha, you’re right. I’m a big list-maker, though, so don’t be surprised if I keep ‘em coming. But thanks for the suggestion, Christina! I’ll have to keep it in mind.
Moves are so stressful! When I had to move from FL to NY for college with only my suitcase and a carry-on, I felt lost. I had to seriously reevaluate all of my belongings and bring only what mattered most. But I survived and am so happy I made the journey.
I’m sure you’ll be thrilled with the move and when you look back you’ll think what a piece of cake
Stephanie @ LoveLaughterLight says
I move every year. I know…CrA-zAy! I enjoy living in different places in different parts of the city. This helps me learn more about Denver, as a whole. Moving also helps me declutter. I am a purger anyways, but it makes me re-examine exactly what I use/need versus what I have. I think I’ve donated more than enough things in my lifetime to furnish an entire house!
It’s time to move again. The part I’m liking least right now is actually finding a suitable place in my price range. And the thing I’ll like least in a couple of weeks is physically moving my stuff.
Purging is a great advantage of moving, for sure!! I got rid of a decent amount of stuff too.
Good luck with your upcoming move!! xoxo
Stephanie @ LoveLaughterLight says
Thank you, Gracie! Best wishes to you, as well.
Bring clothes in sections. I still keep about a third of my wardrobe at my parents’ because 1. I have more room there, 2. unpacking everything in my apartment would have been brutal and 3.) I like having clothes to come home to so it feels like I never left. Unpacking and organizing clothes is the biggest hassle of all!! Glad the move went well and you’re settling in love!
YES - great suggestion. I brought about 75% of my clothes, and I wish I brought even less!! I have way too much stuff to fit in this apartment, oops :X
Hope everything begins to fall into place!
Jessica @ Jessica Balances says
I saw something on your twitter about second guessing, and I just wanted to let you know that you are NOT alone in that. When I moved into my place in September, I was so freaked out and immediately started crying as soon as I was left there alone for the first time… I wanted to move back in with my mom right then and there! But, it gets better, and pretty soon it will feel just like home.
Oh goodness, THANK YOU for this comment!! I felt so lame last night because I was sad when I should’ve been thrilled! I mean, I’m still very excited, but it’s just tough leaving my mom. We’ve been inseparable my entire life, and even though I’ve lived away from home, this time just seems…different. You know?
Thanks again for the encouragement, I needed it!
xoxo G
Jessica @ Jessica Balances says
I totally know what you mean! And it really is different. It’s almost like college wasn’t really moving out… it was just living somewhere else for part of the year but always coming “home” to your fam. Now, you have your OWN home!
So bizarre at first! I made my place feel very girly and comfortable by adding tons of candles, fun decor/accents and breaking in the kitchen (which I KNOW you’ll be doing!). I hope you post pictures when you have it all set up!
Oh man, I have moved more times than I’d like to admit. Considering I sold everything that didn’t fit into my CR-V, I don’t know how many tips I have except “be patient!” It’s the hardest thing to do, like you said, but it will take a bit to get settled and you’ll keep adding your style to your place until it feels like home.
i remember moving from indiana to connecticut and how time consuming it was! i hope your move goes smooth girl!! But yes - yummy food & reminding yourself that it all doesn’t need to be done in one day makes it much much more tolderable.
ps. that panini looks crazy good
I hate moving my stuff, but I actually love unpacking. I moved four times this past year, and I lived alone twice! It was easier for me knowing that all my living situations were temporary though. When I graduate is when I’ll really feel like it’s my apartment.
Erin says
I’ve moved a solid 3 times in the last 6 months (…for work) and as much as I hate it, Im not going to lie, I’m a pretty skilled packer/mover. I (unfortunately) am also one of those people who doesn’t stop till its allll done. I also offer up my moving skilz for pizza, beer, and baked goods!
Have a happy New Year and enjoy your new place!!
I love this! Moving is a scary/strange/hectic time, but I like to think of it as a time to reorganize and do what I want to do now that I’ve seen a bit more of the world, seen new ideas and have new needs. Good luck with everything girl!
Welcome to NY!! Least favorite thing about moving: Literally every single part of it. haha
Wow, what a big step, but an awesome one! I sure will have to remember these if/when I decide to stop commuting and move to Orlando for my new job.
Ugh, I hate moving! I might have to move at the end of the semester, and I’m not looking forward to it! But, you’re right, having a good lunch and dinner definitely helps!
Good luck with the rest of your move and settling in!
The last picture you took looks soo much like the disaster I created when I moved in with my boyfriend! I moved into his apt on a Thursday evening and we were leaving at 6AM the next morning (for a 1.5 weeklong trip to FL!) for his brother’s wedding. Needless to say, I had a messsss to come home to! But all the organizing was so much fun!