Maddie’s Tips for Stress-Free Moving

Yesterday, for the third time in 14 months, I packed up all my belongings and moved across town. So, I guess you could say I'm a moving expert by now. 

I HATE moving. Boxing everything up, hangers upon hangers of clothes, shoveling all your stuff from A to B...it's annoying to say the least. However, I've managed to do it three times over the last year. With that being said, I have some tips I'd like to share to make your move a little easier.

1. Invest in a UHAUL or something similar. We didn't book one this time and I regret it. It cost me around $70 last time, but we got everything in one huge trip...so it was worth it. It's a lot easier than making multiple trips.

2. DON'T MOVE IN THE WINTER...if you can help it. It was below freezing all day yesterday and moving in it was terrible. Shoot for spring or summer months. I'd rather sweat my booty off moving than having three layers on while carrying around big boxes, but that's just me.

3. Be smart when you're moving your clothes. I read online somewhere that using trash bags when transporting clothes makes it much easier. You get a big trash bag and put it under sections of clothes at a time, tying it at the top around the hangers. This makes it easier to carry and keeps all the clothes organized.

4. Unpack rooms at a time. It's so easy to get overwhelmed when moving, so try to stay on task. Put boxes designated to that room in the rooms, and the unpack each room one by one.

5. Don't forget about your pets. If your dog is like mine, they get a little timid and anxious in new places. Remember that they're in a unfamiliar area and it might be stressful for them. Give them a little extra lovin'.

6. Throw stuff out before you pack it. I made a Goodwill pile as I was packing things, which saved me from clutter in the new house and made the load lighter. Plus, you're donating to charity while you're at it, so it makes ya feel good.

7. Try not to lose it. It's a stressful time when you're moving. If you can afford a moving company, by all means...DO IT. But, for us common folks, that's not in the picture. So, just remain calm and remember eventually your new house will feel like home. Don't rip off your husband's head, he's just trying to help.