Tuesday, August 5, 2014

How to Move: Packing & Deciding What to Keep

Moving is listed as one of the three most stressful life events; the other two being death and divorce. After recently moving my brother after graduation, I thought to myself, this is a perfect time to write about how to move and get rid of everything and make sure no-one else stresses that big move. Rule number one, Make sure you have plenty of boxes, packing tape and bubble wrap. Clean everything before you box it up. Now it’s time to get rid of everything, well not literally everything! If you start packing a month ahead of time. Nothing ever goes perfectly smooth when moving and something always breaks. If you use your prep time wisely, you may just get out alive!

Start boxing and sorting through all your stuff. Don't get stuck looking at it reminiscing on every little moment. Start with basics like pictures and what I like to call, your treasures. Make sure that you tape the bottom of the boxes really good. This is no time to spare the tape. Don't get boxes that are the biggest ones and think everything will fit in one box. Think logical, heavy boxes have more chance of busting open and busting our cherished valuables. Even if you have movers it's still just paper boxes no matter how heavy duty they are.

Next it’s time to play love it or not! If it is a maybe it's time to give it away. There are so many charity's that will pick up your good and (don't forget donations mean tax deductions, haha!) if you don't just want to give it away think of a family or friend in need. Or just someone you know will love it! Kept repeating to yourself “It’s materialistic and I don't need it" my favorite is, "I can start all over redecorating!" Whatever works for you to allow yourself to let go!
 
Start going through your closet and give yourself the 6 month test. If you haven't worn it in the last 6 months it's time to let it go. I always give myself 3 options; yes, no and maybe. The maybe pile you can go back through and after you went through your whole wardrobe, the maybe pile will look more like a NO pile. A lot of people get attached to positions and I know it's hard to let go of that designer dress you got on sale and haven't warn yet but know one day you will; let it go and make more room in your life for new.  I'm sure you have heard that before but it feels good to have less and have a reason to go shopping for to more again.

Some people have movers pack up and move you, I think if you personally make a small effort to pack yourself or prepare to pack yourself, you will let go of that ugly top you keep holding on to because it's your favorite color but it still doesn't fit right. Now let's talk about fitting right! If it doesn't fit you now, get rid of it! Don't keep clothes "in case" I gain weight back or "in case" I lose the weight. Live in the now! Who knows what tomorrow brings and if you do lose the weight, reward yourself and buy new clothes that fit you properly (refer to my blog about how to pick fashion that is right for you), you earned it.

Now packing preparation is almost done! Remember to pack a small suitcase before you box it all up you need to have the essentials. Also make sure you leave yourself some paper plates, cups and plastic forks, so when you are all boxed up you have something to eat the pizza on.


I can go on and on about packing but after all it is just a blog!  I always wash everything, towels, clothes plates and any treasures. When you are unpacking you will be so happy you did! If you are moving I recommend you get the game Tetris because that is what you will be doing with everything you pack and pack up the truck. If you have movers, you are lucky, but don't let anyone move stuff that you should of just let go of!  

More fashion tips every day on my website www.AprilJoyCreative.com and on these too:



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