Moving update (or don't you want to come help me pack?)

I grew up in the Air Force, so moving is not a new thing for me. In fact, I have to say I'm a pretty efficient mover. It only takes about three days to have everything unpacked and put away and pictures on the wall and to be all settled.

The packing up? Well, that takes a bit longer. A lot longer.

We leave three weeks from yesterday. And, oh my, is there a lot to be done. (My to-do list is four pages long.) If I think about it all, I get just a teensy bit overwhelmed. Make that a lot overwhelmed. But then I think, Just do the next thing and it starts to pass.

Since the house we're renting is unfurnished, we're taking more than we planned. But we're still leaving most of the furniture behind. A friend of mine is moving back to Denver the third week in July, so she and three of her daughters will be living in our yellow house for a year.

Closets, cupboards all need to be totally empty. Beds stripped, towels down, family pictures off the walls.

I have to say, it's a good chance to purge.

We're having a garage sale tomorrow and Saturday with a bunch of friends and as I look at stuff I'm putting in the pile, I wonder why I ever bought some of it in the first place. There's nothing like a garage sale plus a move to make you get rid of stuff you don't want or need and to resolve not to bring stuff in the house in the first place!

So I'm packing stuff to go to Phoenix in paper boxes since they're a uniform size and don't get too heavy (Note to self: Stop by Kinkos today to see if they have any more empties) and stuff to stay in the basement here in clear totes.

I went to the Walmart the other night and bought 25 huge clear plastic totes. Seems like a crazy thing to spend money on, but they are water-proof, see-through, and will protect the stuff that stays. And when we move back to Denver in a year, I'll use them to store seasonal decorations and stuff.

Janna's coming this morning for a couple of hours to hang out. We're going to head to the basement and pack up my crafty/sewing stuff. She'll be a great resource to help me decide what to take to Arizona and what to store. I could ask Toben for an opinion, but he's not much help with stuff like fabric and yarn and such :) She'll also be a great person to help me decide what knick-knacky stuff to take, that stuff that makes my home mine.

Okay, I gotta get moving this morning. A very happy Thursday to you all!

Comments

[Holly B.]

Having just been in your shoes, I can confirm that it's much more fun to have a friend help! Happy Garage sale/packing!

[Puva]

Have fun, Joanne! Wish I was there for the garage sale. Then perhaps I could bag some awesome stuff!

[Elizabeth]

I want to come to your Garage Sale! After every move we've made we always say "never again - we will live here FOREVER as long as it means we don't have to move again!"

[Dawn W]

Packing is the worst part of moving - especially knowing that you'll do it again in a year. Wish I could be there to help, too.

Will be praying for you as you pack, sell, and pack.

Blessings!

[Priti]

Dear Friend Joanne,

I hope and pray that God takes care of your move and is with you all through it. I am not good at moving. I get very dull and cranky.

On an aside, I am sure you might not have noticed but I did not get a chance to comment on any of your posts for a long time. But I have read them all; some more than once...was just running short of words. But will try to be regular now.
P.S: You and the girls look amazing in your new hair dos. Think I might take some inspiration and get a new hair cut...something like Audrey :)

[Cheri]

Welcome to Phoenix!! We moved here two years ago in May from the midwest. I don't feel the 115 degrees anymore, but 75 sure does seem cool (sweater weather) hehe.

[Barbie]

I sing..."Just put one foot in front of the other." all day long to myself:). It might help:)

[Aurora]

Hi Joanne - I'm a lurker on your blog...found you as a link on The Preacher's Wife. I love your honesty and transparency - you inspire me! I'm jotting a suggestion on the moving front and securing boxes. I moved a few years ago and was able to get great boxes from the grocery store. Produce boxes - apple and orange boxes primarily -- make GREAT moving boxes. They are sturdy, have tops and don't get too heavy. Make friends with the produce manager and he'll save them for you. Just ask him when they stock the shelves and when you can come by to pick up boxes. Two years after moving, I still have produce boxes storing some of my things that I haven't needed to unpack. Blessings to you and your family as you prepare for the Lord's next adventure!

[julie]

Wow, 3 days to have everything unpacked and settled is incredible! Hope your garage sale is a success! I've often wondered if a move would force us to purge things we've been holding on to... we've been in the same home for almost 13 years!

[misschris]

First of all, love the new do's!! You're going to marvel at the time you save in dry-time. :)

And secondly, I can imagine exactly how long and overwhelming that list is. Take a deep breath and keep plugging ahead. You can do it. If anyone can, I know it's you. Especially with those sweet helpers of yours. Destination, PHX!!

Best of luck, sweetie. xo

[Lisa R-P]

OK -- I cannot comment on having any moving expertise. In the last 13 years since I graduated from college, I have lived in 4 places and was single or just newly married at the time of each move(our current house for the past 10 years). Just the idea of trying to pack and move a family of 4 makes me feel sick. Hang in there you will make it through -- you are a pro at the whole moving thing.

[Stephanie]

You can never have too many clear totes! Good Luck...I hate moving...luckily we have only moved twice in 11 yrs.