Lessons We’ve Learned from Moving

I know this topic can be loaded for some. The pandemic has caused hardships that are forcing people to change their lives in ways they’ve never dreamed. On the other hand, I know some folks will choose to move and it’ll be a very positive situation. Whatever the reason for the move I hope these tips help.

We’ve lived in three different states and have moved 6 times (that’s not counting the two times we moved in with parents). Mill Valley, Los Angeles, Sheman Oaks, Seminole (OK), OKC, Nashville – a long list for a girl who only moved once growing up. Along the way, we’ve gained some insight to make the transition a bit smoother.

Prep for the Move

Moving is emotionally taxing on me, which makes the simple task of putting our belongings into a box feel like a mountain that’s too high to climb. I’ve learned over the years that breaking things down into small steps really helps. One thing Brent encourages is to pack one box a day. Of course, that’s if you have time on your side (once we moved in 3 days). A little progress every day helps the finish line draw near.

Declutter – This is a great time to get rid of stuff, throw it away, give it away, or sell it. The less you have, the less you have to move, right?

Boxes and Packing Material – Facebook Marketplace is a great place to find free or very cheap moving boxes. Grocery stores also will at times give boxes away. Call ahead and check on availability. Trader Joe’s and Wal-Mart have given us boxes in the past.

Planning – The more time I spend thinking through things before I start packing the better the end result. I like to have a notepad and write everything out so it’s clear in my head. If I know we’ll be living with family for two months then I’ll pack separately the clothes for those two months, noting the changing of seasons. Anything needed for work will need to be kept separate since we’ll need access to that right away.

Important Papers Box – I pack a small box with important papers. Such as birth certificates, shot records, current calendar, favorite recipes, etc. This has come in handy. Besides helping us function once we arrive at our destination we’ve found we need these types of documents for school enrollment, emergency medical visits, etc.

Kid’s Pillowcases – A friend told me long ago to set out one of my children’s pillowcases (one per child). When we arrive at our temporary location I can slip on the familiar pillowcase over whatever pillow is available. A small and easy way to give kids the comfort of home.

Where to Start Packing – For packing, we start with items we know we won’t use, like fine china, keepsakes, old books, seasonal decorations, etc.

Childcare – We’ve found it helpful when a friend or family member volunteers to watch our kids so we can pack. Setting up a schedule for someone to watch your kids just one day a week can make a huge difference. It’s amazing what can get done when you’re by yourself.

Kitchen Box Day 1 – Save a kitchen box to pack your go-to kitchen items, things you will need the first day in your new place. Just a few things that will enable you to whip up a simple meal for your family once you’ve landed at your destination. I like to think about kitchen items needed for breakfast and dinner preparation. Such as when we go camping, a small cutting board, a sharp knife, a pot, a skillet, a potholder, a cookie sheet, a cooking spoon, and a spatula, etc.

Important Items Needed Day 1 Box – The last box to go in the truck for us is a box labeled: IMPORTANT ITEMS NEEDED DAY 1. Put in tools you’ll need to put furniture together, those bolts that go to your bed, and anything else you’ll need right away like basic cleaning supplies.

Catch-All Box – I like to have a catch-all box for the random stuff that didn’t make it in the right box. The toy that was in the couch cushion, the vital screw that goes to the desk, the Monoloply token car that has been missing for years, you know what I’m talking about. Now, when those things appear you have a place for them.

Organization of Boxes – The organization of boxes and items is key. I can’t emphasize enough how important labels are for boxes. We label on the top and the side with a chisel tip Sharpie marker. We include the room where the items belong and list a few items in the box. Brent insists we pack boxes all the way full and close them flat so they can be stacked on top of one another. We avoid using huge boxes unless it’s for bulk bedding, something super lightweight. This is our ideal box size, otherwise, it’s too heavy to carry.

More Moving and Packing Tips

Budget – We’ve found we should always budget more than we think for a move. There’s extra packing tape to buy, extra eating out, an extra night in a hotel, diesel fuel is expensive, and of course, late-night gas station splurges.

Packing Material – After we have the boxes we buy clear packing tape and permanent markers. Having a large tape dispenser makes the job that much faster. The gigantic roll of clingy plastic wrap is useful. Seriously, you can wrap almost anything, and the kids love helping by running around in circles. We use all our bath towels and dish towels to protect breakable things such as dishes.

Mattress Protection – We buy mattress bags for all our mattresses. Helps keep them clean and easier to move.

Moving Blankets – These are a great help. They’re also useful for moving furniture on hardwood floors. Just put it underneath and scoot.

Appliance Dolly or Hand Truck – An appliance dolly is key. So helpful for heavy bulky items and also great for moving a stack of boxes.

Stuff Packed in Car – In our car, we pack plants, lampshades, and artwork. The important boxes listed above and any overnight or extended stay bags.

Moving Truck – We like to use Penske moving trucks. They seem to break down less and are easy to load. This is especially helpful for cross-country moves like when we moved from California to Oklahoma.

Hiring Movers – For a lot of years we did everything ourselves with the help of friends and family. This past move we hired movers to help move our things from the storage unit into our home and it was awesome.

Mail – It’s helpful to set up a P.O. Box or address change before you move, if possible. Forward your mail, change your address with any major bills, etc.

Phone Number – We stopped changing our cell phone numbers when we move. Who cares anymore what your area code is, right?

Have Some Fun – Involve your kids in the adventure. If your family is split up between cars and a moving truck use walkie-talkies. Our boys loved this.

Storing All the Stuff

At times, you’ll need to store your stuff. Several times we’ve been able to move straight into our new place but most of the time we’ve had to store our belongings for a bit.

Pods – We’ve never used Pods. Mostly because they’re a higher price point but they do seem so convenient and easier than all the back-and-forth loading and unloading when you have to store your stuff somewhere temporarily.

Storage Unit – We’ve had a fine experience with these. Learn from our mistakes and make sure you get a storage unit big enough for all your stuff! We go for the simple units, no climate-controlled units for us.

Other People’s Houses – It’s so nice when people offer their space to store your stuff, huh? Just be sure you’ll have access because more than likely something will come up that you have to get out of storage.

Once You’ve Landed

You landed. Now what? It’s time to unload, unpack and make a new home. This has been difficult for me especially if we’re doing any kind of updating or remodeling of our home. I want things to be finished before I drag everything out of boxes. The problem is that I feel stressed when my space is disorganized and I feel better if I can have what I need. Sometimes patience is required and the boxes have to wait to be unpacked.

Park – Find a park as soon as possible and let your kids play and maybe even make new friends.

Library – Find a library as soon as possible. More than likely you won’t be able to check out books yet but the kids can browse and read while at the building.

Estate Sale – Go to an estate sale your first weekend in a potential neighborhood. It’s a great way to see the area, go into a home, and talk to some locals.

Church – Go to a new church your first Sunday. It will really help you get a feel of the area. Ask people about the area and their favorite spots, their thoughts on the local schools, etc.

Wall Art – Hang something on a wall as soon as you can. It will make you feel at home. Don’t be afraid to put a hole in that new wall. Just hang something.

Meals – I try to cook something normal for my family as soon as possible but not the first night. My “Kitchen Items Day 1 box” comes in so handy here. Grant has a fun memory of us ordering pizza on our first night in our Nashville home. I don’t remember it at all due to exhaustion. He says we used cardboard boxes as tables, I believe it.

Routine – Try to set up a simple routine as soon as possible. The kids can still make their beds even if they’re sleeping bags. Chores can be cleaning and unpacking boxes.

Take a Walk – We love exploring new areas by taking family walks.

I’d love to hear what you’ve done to make the mountain that is moving easier.

What moving tips would you like to share?

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