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Yall know that Farmer’s Insurance commercial jingle: “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two”. Yea, I feel them on that, but with “done” a thing or two. I cannot stress to you how much we HATE moving. We have moved a total of 3 (going on 4) times in less than 2 years WITH KIDS under the age of 5. Our 4th move will be in a couple of weeks …..Yea, this better be our LAST move or this mama will be checking herself into a psych ward, ha!
Since we are in the process of packing things up, I figured I’d share a few tips and tricks on how to make packing a tad bit easier especially when there are kids running around.
Before we pack, we….
Before we actually do all the packing, let’s first try to not stress. Easier said than done. When COVID-19 hit, it turned our lives upside down like most peoples. We moved for jobs and with the pandemic, only one of us was working while the other stayed home with kids (no schools open). So we are a TAD stressed because we moved up here 4 months ago ONLY to move back home for our old jobs. Either way, we look upon this time as a “vacation”. Time we NEEDED to spend together as a family, time we needed to remind ourselves that life is too short, and time to say “It’s ALL in God’s timing”.
Ideally people start thinking to pack things up 3-6 months prior to their actual move date. This will give you some time to create a packing schedule around the kid’s routine. For us, we are usually packing around nap time and bed time. This still gave us ample quality family time. Moving is already stressful as is, the kids don’t need to feel burdened or scared by it.
Then the purging begins. Rule of (my) thumb, if you have not used it in 1 month, you probably never will; toss it or donate it. Last thing you want to do is pack something up you will not use and it taking up valuable space.
After purging, pack things up you don’t use on a regular basis. I find that it helps to work in sections. Started off with kids toys, then kitchen, and ect. This way, it won’t be so overwhelming. We still let the kids have some of their toys, we just packed up the ones they haven’t played with in a minute. Plus, when we get to our destination, we will unpack all the toys and it will feel like Christmas in July (mom hack).
Moving and Packing Hacks
- Space Saver bags are your best friend and they are oh so satisfying to watch. I like the Ziploc brand because the valve had a lid closure. It’s one less thing to worry about misplacing; everything is attached. I put big comforters, pillows, blankets, and clothes into our bags, suck out the air and viola: you have TONS more space. P.S. You’ll get use out of them in your linen closet too 😉
- Cut handles into your boxes. Nothing says struggling like trying to lift up a box of heavy dishes. Cut triangle holes into the side of the boxes for easy lifting and carrying.
- We have learned that things tend to break no matter how much you pad them. So save those Amazon Prime package protectors and use these dish protectors in between. Since the boys have TONS of blankets for their blanket forts, add extra padding with blankets and towels.
- Buy the big thing of saran w
rap. Trust me on this yall. Nothing is easier than wrapping and putting it away! I also use it on my floral steams to keep them looking new when they’re out of season .
- This may sound like a given, but use an assistive device: a dolly. As an ortho specialist, I cannot tell you how many people come in with acute onset back pain from moving. Trust me, your back will thank you.
- I know you’ve seen this hack, now use it because it really works! Use big black trash bags for clothes. Instead of taking clothes off hangers and having to awkwardly pack those hangers, just bag em.
- Grab 9-10 hanger bunch, secure them with rubber band
- Tear a small hole in the middle bottom of trash bag
- loop the hangers through the hole
- Tuck any loose or hanging clothes on the bottom and tie the bottom
- Prepare a 1st day box. These are items that you will need on your first day at the new house plus a bag of toiletries for the family:
- paper towels
- handsoap
- disinfecting wipes
- toilet paper
Whelp! That is basically packing into a nutshell. Things will not go according to plan and that’s the beauty of it. Take these next steps as your leap of faith as God has led you this way. It may not make sense to you at the moment, but HIS plans are MUCH bigger.
Good luck on your move and follow us on Pinterest and the blog on our journey!
