My dad was a minister when I was growing up, and that meant a lot of moving. It definitely was always an adventure, and instilled in me some certain truths.
1. Packing everything up means finding that one thing you lost three years ago.
Even though the process of moving is the worst kind of chore, it’s always a fun surprise when you look behind your dresser and find that bracelet you bought when you were in junior high, or those Nintendo DS games you stored in your desk “just in case” (true story).
2. New houses are the bomb.
New hiding places! More closet space! A cool tree! So much to look at and explore and experience! Eventually the new wears off, but then you finally get to call it your home.
3. Restaurants are the first and most important things to learn about your new town.
In my family, we have a staple Mexican food restaurant right around the corner. Panera Bread is where my mom and I go when we want to pretend to be healthy. That one taco place in the parking lot is actually the greatest place on earth, even though it used to be super sketchy. Food is important, y'all. Restaurants are like gateways to heaven, and every new place brings new bliss.
4. Neighbors are weird.
They will always be weird. There are some good ones here and there, but they're usually just weird. As my mom says, "that's what fences are for". We're harsh, I know.
5. You'll rarely meet the same kind of person twice.
Sometimes you'll immediately hit it off with people and make a million friends, and then sometimes it takes a little longer. You have to let it roll of your back, which brings me to number six.
6. You have to develop thick skin.
Things are gonna happen. Your new school might not be everything you imagined. The neighborhood you move to may not be as nice as the last one. People may not welcome you with open arms. Roll with the punches. I learned all of this over time. After moving so much, I started to toughen up and realize that no matter where we went, I was still the same person. If that meant that my family were my closest friends for a while, that would be ok. They're pretty good people as far as people go. I had to remember that things would always get better, even if it wasn't on my timing.
7. Adventure is out there (yes, I'm quoting "Up").
Every new place is just that- new. I live in a smaller town now, and sometimes it seems like there's nothing to do, so I make it happen. I go off-roading in my friend's Jeep. I hammock at that huge stretch of undeveloped land. I explore the woods outside of town. I creep around the old abandoned part of my school. This place seemed so boring a few years ago, but now I think I'm almost going to miss it when I head off to college. There's something so breathtakingly simple about finding adventure in the little things out here, and I know I'll long for it later.
8. Family is almost as vital as oxygen when you move.
As I write this article, my mom is standing in front of me wrapping up dishes for our move. I've moved with her (and my brother and dad) five times now. As fun and exciting as it may be, sometimes moving can get overwhelming and sad. The only true, physical constant I've had all these years has been my family, and I couldn't have done it without them. After the U-Hauls and movers and boxes and packing peanuts are gone, my family is still right here. We've remained close and have been brought closer through all the changes. I'm going to miss them so much when I head off.
9. Chick-fil-a gives you leftover boxes for free.
Just a little PSA. Moving can get expensive.
