Moving...How to Make it Suck Less

I hate...HATE moving. Of course I don't know a single person that enjoys the process of packing every damn thing that they own in to boxes and then carting in a moving truck and then having to unload and unpack at the new place. It purely sucks. But there is hope to make it suck less.

# 1. Music

To me, music is the best thing for motivation to start and finish the packing. So create a play list and get started. I find that 90s early pop is the best.

# 2. Boxes

No moving is complete with out having boxes. I have been luck enough to have worked in a office that receives regular shipments and order a lot of paper. Paper boxes are my favorite to pack with, they are just the right size to pack most items and do not make the box be too heavy to lift. If you do not have a great supply of boxes from your office, ask your local Liquor stores and Grocery stores for boxes. These boxes are sturdy and are a good size.

#3. Clean as you Pack

Currently John and I live in West Texas, and that means tons of dust and dirt. If you are not familiar with the area look up Haboob. Even though I am pretty good at keeping things clean there is still a layer of yuck that gets in to everything. It is nice to clean things as you are putting them in to boxes so that when you unpack you don't have to spend all of your time in your new place cleaning out the dirt from your old place.

#4. Sort and Purge

I find that moving is a great time to get rid of items that no long have uses. Right now I have a massive pile that is going to be donated. When going through your stuff make sure that you only take what you love and use. It sucks to get to your new home and find that you have 3 or 4 boxes of just crap that you will never need and that you have lugged it around. 

# 5. Pack a Open First Box

This is a box with items that you will need first thing when you arrive at your new home. Here is a list of  items that I put in my Open First Box:

• Cleaning wipes
• Set of Sheets
• 2 towels
• Shower curtain and rod
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Paper plates
• Dish soap
• Coffee and Coffee maker
• Mugs

These items will help you not freak out about having to find and open the boxes with these items (not fun when your get to your new home and really have to pee!)

# 6. Load Mattresses and Beds Last

Sometimes you are lucky and do not have to move very far. Other times you move across the country. All I know this that getting in to your new place and having your Mattresses and Beds loaded in the very back of the moving truck can move a very tired person to hysterical tears (yes, it has happened). So for the sake of yourself and everyone moving with you, pack those lasts.

I hope that this helps with your move, it will make mine a bit more sane...I hope.