Whether you are moving into your first college dorm, switching apartments (that happen to be .2 miles away from each other like me) or moving into your first house, everyone dreads the tiresome act of moving. It's easy to lose your sanity and wish you could pack yourself up in a box and magically appear in your new place with all your belongings neatly organized (I'm still waiting on my letter from Hogwarts to learn how). But after nine moves in the last seven years, it's safe to say I've learned a few tricks and tips that help smoothen the process.
The early bird gets the worm.
Although I've never been quite a fan of worms, the expression really is justified here. Not only does starting early on move in day save you from pulling an all-nighter, but gradually starting to pack your things a week or so before the big move is a life saver. I have learned from experience trying to pack everything you own in two days is not a fun or easy task.
Everything does not need to be packed or unpacked in one day.
As I mentioned, the gradual move in and move out is the way to go. Trying to unpack everything, organize everything perfectly and don't forget decorate your new place all in the same day is physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. Give yourself some time to get settled in and then decide how you want things organized or decorated. Who knows maybe you'll find your inner Joanna Gaines and decide to go a whole new direction with decorating your new place. Just be sure to give yourself some time to figure it out without all the added stress.
Pack an overnight bag.
If you are planning on gradually packing and unpacking (which is the preferred method to keep sane) make sure you also pack everything you will need for the next week or two in an overnight bag. Trust me, it's a real life saver in the early mornings before work or class. Instead of scavenging through boxes to find what you need—that of course is in the one box you haven't unpacked yet—you conveniently have all the necessities in your overnight bag.
Out with the old in with the new.
Let's be real, that hot pink sweater in your closet with the white bow on it, the one you had to buy because it was on sale, you're never going to wear it. Its sole purpose is to take up space in your closet. Moving is the perfect time to purge your wardrobe and maybe even make some room for a celebratory shopping day where you can buy something you might actually use.
Label your boxes.
This might seem pretty obvious but once you get in the pack attack mode, you might start to forget this very important task. And the repercussions are brutal. There's nothing more annoying than having to open every single box until you find what you were looking to unpack next. Imagine if there were some combination of words written in Sharpie on the front of the box that told you exactly what was inside? Now that would be magical!
Space-savers are real and they are called vacuum sealed bags.
When moving, the fewer boxes you have and the more space you have in those boxes is key. A friend introduced me to vacuum sealed bags one move and I have not looked back since. Especially when packing away items like your clothes, linens and towels these are a dream come true. They allow you to compress and compact otherwise bulky items that would take up significantly more space without them.
Don't forget to breathe.
Remember, just breathe. You will get through this. Try to remember the last time you moved, you made it through that one didn't you? And if you've never moved before, just know it will get easier from here. Although moving itself is tedious, there's no better feeling than being all settled in at your new place.
Congrats, you made it! Did anyone say housewarming celebration?
