How To Live Your Life While Moving Without Going Insane

If you’re one of the lucky souls who’s able to move while between jobs, when the kids are at summer camp, and are generally able to put life on hold, you are part of a very exclusive and fortunate club. While preparing for a move is a lot of work for everyone, this post of for the rest of us; this is for the people who have to work 8+ hours a day, and generally manage our lives, while preparing to move. Here’s how to do it:

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Make a To-Do List

Preparing for a move is almost easy when you break it up into small, manageable pieces. Say you have 100 boxes to pack (not uncommon), if you pack five boxes per evening, you’ll be done within 20 days. Involve the spouse and the children, and it will be less. Pack books and knick-knacks first. It’s doubtful you’ll be needing them before the move. Pack off-season clothing next. Pack in-season clothing, the kitchen, and linens last. Here is an excellent moving timeline. We all know how satisfying it is to check items off your to-do list.

Purge

Preparing for a move is the time to clean out, to get rid of what you no longer need. Go through your closet and your drawers. If you haven’t worn something for two years, donate it. If you are waiting to fit into an outfit again, you can store it, or get rid of it. Don’t you want new clothes when you reach your goal? I would advise keeping one item to keep you motivated, though.

Plan Relaxation Time

Even you can’t be all work all the time. Plan some relaxation, whether that means a hike with the dog or a day at the spa. You’ll be even more energized to work afterwards.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

You might be Superwoman or Superman, but that’s on a normal day. Preparing for moving is not normal, at least not for most people. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Leave the kids with the in-laws. Hire a housekeeper. Do takeout or a meal delivery service. Take a day or two (or five) off from work. Or, hire a mover to do all the packing for you.

Make it Fun

No one says moving has to be all work. Crank up the music. Have a dance-off. Make it a competition; whoever can pack the most boxes, wins. Of course, always pick them up and do a quick shake to make sure everything is packed tightly.