Moving - The Next New Thing

Several of my last few posts have been about the newness of 2010. That being said, it is only fitting that my next "new" big thing for this new decade is a move. I was actually pretty content in my current home - had just started the whole nesting thing. But you never know what fate has in store and it often deals some interesting and unexpected hands. Ergo, we are moving. Moving to bigger and better, moving to be able to fill my house with more family and laughter, moving for a much needed change. As Martha Stewart would say, "it's a good thing."

Of course what that comes the not so fine art of moving.  Packing and wrapping and throwing things away.  What to take, what to donate, what to simply get rid of.  It's such a daunting task.  Personally, I am looking at it as a cleansing - out with the old, outdated or unused and in with the fresh, the new and the absolutely can't live without.  Still, packing your belongings is never fun and can be very stressful.  So, in the spirit of making things less complicated and celebrating my next new thing, I have a bit of advice for any of you that find yourself in the midst of boxes and bubble wrap.

1. Do not use newspaper.  Home improvement stores have paper wrap just like the stuff used in stores when you buy breakables.  Use that instead.  That way your stuff is protected but you don't have ink all over your hands or your things on the other end.
2. Label your boxes; invest in a Sharpie.  Mark your boxes by room, their contents and even their weight.  If something is really heavy and/or fragile, note it on the box so you or your helpers (you know they'll be lined up!) won't break anything.  Also, if the box clearly states a room, it alleviates confusion on the other end - imagine hearing, "Mom? Where does this go?" all moving day long!
3. Do a little at a time.  You always have a few weeks before the big move.  Pack a couple of boxes every day and it will be less overwhelming.  It will also give you time to let things go.  Trust me - even a small condo can turn into a huge (and emotional job) if you leave it all to the last few days before the movers show up.
4. Get rid of stuff.  Whether you donate it, sell it (gotta love Craig's List) or throw it away, you know you have accumulated lots of stuff you simply don't want or don't need.  Be strict with yourself.  If you haven't used it in a while or it really has served its purpose - get it out of the house!  Do not move it with you to take up valuable space in your new abode.

Remember, moving is really supposed to be a happy thing.  You get to decorate a new space, re-purpose things and maybe even have a little gathering to celebrate your new diggs.  It's not always fun to pack up and move, but it can be a great experience to have new walls and a new place to call home.


image courtesy of www.boxshop.ca