Moving as a Medical Family?

Hey there, mama! If you’re reading this because you have a move coming up, I have you covered… I have moved, what, 7 times in the last 14 years? I remember the first few times we moved, we ended up with a “shame room” full of boxes that never even got unpacked. Not great. I know it can be stressful, but with these 6 easy steps, you'll be packed up and ready to go in no time. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your favorite tunes, and let's get started!

• Make a Plan

  Create a moving plan and stick to it. This will help you stay organized and on track, and reduce the stress of last-minute rushing around. You may already be a planner, but this is where I start with every move now. I make myself a binder, and organize from there. I’m not ashamed to say that I give myself a packing printable allowance on Etsy! #shopsmall

• Declutter

  Get rid of anything you no longer need or want. This will not only save you time and effort in packing, but it will also help you start fresh in your new home. I used to try to dump things on craigslist, but Facebook marketplace is my goto now. (Pro tip: if you want it gone, now, list it for free.)

• Pack Smart

  Use quality packing materials, label boxes clearly, and pack strategically. This will help ensure your belongings arrive at your new home in one piece and make unpacking a breeze. In addition, the boxes actually stack and line up neatly. The corollary to this is, don’t pack things that are worth $3 in a box that costs $2. Just sayin’.

• Hire Professionals

  Consider hiring professional movers or a moving company to handle the heavy lifting. This will save you time and energy, and reduce the risk of injury or damage to your belongings.

• Consider getting a short-term storage a month or two before

  We got a short-term storage two months before our last move, because we were staging our house to be sold. It was something I wish we had done in prior moves, because it just made the whole packing process easier. As we packed things away, we put the boxes there also. The movers didn’t mind picking up from two locations, and it got big, bulky things out of the way. If this sounds like something that would give you peace of mind, give it a think.

• Take Care of Yourself

  Moving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, so be sure to take care of yourself throughout the process. Stay hydrated, eat well, and take breaks when needed. Get a massage for your tense back. And don't forget to celebrate your accomplishments along the way!

Moving doesn't have to be the worst ever

Like I said, preparing for a move can be easy and not too stressful. Well, you can lower the stress, anyway, if you think ahead. Just remember to make a plan, declutter, pack smart, hire professionals, snag a storage unit, and take care of yourself. Good luck with your move, and definitely call your girl if you need help with the self-care piece.