The following article is for those in fear of cardboard boxes, packing, lifting heavy things, moving furniture and the god-awful thought of organization.
Whether it's your first day of college and you've brought every change of clothing you've ever owned or your big move into a luxurious condo a couple blocks from a strip mall and a Whole Foods store, the word "move-in day" might be a discouraging word. While some people might be afraid of clowns, spiders and heights, Stephen King could easily write a book about an animated UHAUL truck and send you into a fit of panic.
Why are we afraid of the almighty Move-In Day? Is it the fear of losing or damaging a precious item of yours? Being crushed by cardboard boxes and luggage? The promise of procrastination for packing at around 10 pm the night before?
If you've ever had thoughts of paranoia or uneasiness at the thought of Move-In Day, check this list for a breather. Gather a small army. Put on some fresh armor. Let's face this Move-In Day with unyielding power.
1. Moving may seem like you need a small army. Truth is you might.
While it might be cool if you magically turned into the Flash and could clean and pack within a good ten minutes, I promise you this - once you realize your lack of super speed you'll probably wish for that small army. Believe me, my freshman year of college, I waved off a couple of girls about to help me move out the hall - it comes high in the ranks as one of worst decisions I've ever made. The back and forth is what gets you. Combat this with a small army. My small army consists of my mom and my dad. No shame. No scares.
2. If you can, plan before.
Preface: I have an intensely good track record for not doing this. But hopefully you shake your fist at the computer screen at my name and find a way to not follow my example and listen. PLANNING IS GOOD.
If you have one, snag a floor plan and dream up what's going to go where. Talk to move in trucks if you need one. The whole point of this article is not only conquering fear, but making things easier.
3. Organize by colors.
This comes second by planning for a reason. Being able to color code makes the unpacking incredibly easier. Pack things in groups and claim colors for different rooms (or areas in your one room - don't worry residence hall kids, I got you)
Unpacking SUCKS. And this makes it easier, and prettier. Rainbows are nice.
4. Put insanely heavy things in rolling luggage.
5. Trash bag your hanging clothing!
6. Pack a first day box
This is an incredibly important tip. Includes a change of clothes, your daily medicines, toothbrush, essentials. Basically it's a overnight bag, and you'll thank me later.
7. Grab a Sharpie and label!
What's better than color coded things? Even more definite clues as to what might be in your cardboard box or old supermarket reusable bag!
8. Use towels and pillows to protect precious items.
Use them for more than sleeping on/drying off with! Bonus: Your stuff isn't broken!
9. Don't lift with your back.
You'll save on chiropractor bills.
10. Have a sense of humor.
Moving day is the easiest time to lose your cool. Your cool is something you would love to keep. Relax! Remind yourself that everything will be okay. It will eventually get done.
11. CELEBRATE
Whether this is with an entire house warming party or a small glass of wine to yourself. CELEBRATE! You did it, you unstoppable rascal.
All in all, move in day can be pretty stressful. Remember the important things - like your safety and to tip your movers. Have a blast. Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't forget the family heirlooms and your favorite pair of shoes.
You'll move mountains. Or an entire china collection seamlessly.
Never doubted you.
Signed,
An Amateur Packing Specialist
