I am pleased to provide a lesson in leaving… a.k.a. random things I’ve learned from my many moves.
Invest In A Wagon
I was approximately 8 months into living on the 3rd floor of an apartment before I jumped on the wagon-wagon. I may have been late to the party, but I have never looked back.
Spoiler: carrying groceries, bags, plants, etc. across the parking lot, into the building, and up 3 floors is not particularly enjoyable. As someone who now resides on the fourth floor of an apartment complex, on the opposite side of the parking lot… my wagon is fundamental. Not only does it aid in my regular purchases and adventures, but it was transcendent on my move-in day.
I don’t believe in taking more than one trip, and you shouldn’t settle for numerous either. Even if you don’t live in an apartment, I still recommend a wagon if you take several weekend trips, buy in bulk, or are as stubborn as I am.
Pack A Week Bag
This is a lesson I learn…. every time I move because I never think to do it until it’s too late. In my latest move, I had the intention of packing a week bag, I was off to a strong start, but as always, I ended up throwing my essentials in various boxes. I will say however, that nothing motivates me to unpack quicker than when I’m jamming out, my phone is at 2%, and there is no charger in sight.
In a perfect world, I’d have a bag with my toiletries, a week of loungewear, chargers, your laptop, headphones, a speaker, vitamins, two pairs of shoes, a decent outfit in case I want to face the public before unpacking, and other essentials I don’t want to immediately search for.
This has yet to happen, but I’m not losing hope.
Dogs Are Non-Negotiable
If you don’t already have a dog – what are you even doing?
Kidding, kind of.
Dogs make moving better in every way possible, except that their leash, harness, potty bag, food, and bowls all need to be included in your week bag.
There is so much for us to learn from dogs in the way they acclimate to their surroundings. Struggling to adjust? They’re not – lean on them! Make a little nest with your blankets, follow their lead.
But, it turns out that the only way to learn a new area and make friends is to leave your home – who knew?! And having a dog literally forces you to go outside and explore. Hungover? Too bad. Bad hair day? Doesn’t matter. Doggos need their daily steps and sniffs.
I am especially grateful for a dog that demands attention from everyone within a quarter-mile radius because it makes the perfect ice-breaker.
Pack With Your Heart
Are you a just the essentials minimalist mover or a no way am I leaving that water bottle I’ve had since I had since I was seven maximalist mover?
I’ve found that ridding myself of major furnishings before moving tees me up for a fresh new start on my moves. I also lean more toward the minimalist mover. When it comes down to the “stuff”, the inconvenient, hard-to-pack, non-essential stuff, that is where the heart comes in. You can find a new couch wherever you’re moving, but you won’t be able to find the growler you got at your favorite college brewery. The things that you acquire are the things that add character to your space. While it’s easy to focus on the big ticket items when forced to cut back, don’t forget the “things” that are truly priceless.
If you’re holding onto big items because you’re stressed about refurnishing your new spot; remember: People are always moving. Utilize resources like Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, estate sales, and…. wait for it… the street or trash. I don’t know about you, but there have been several moves where I am so over the process of moving that I have left items that are in mint condition next to the dumpster in hopes that someone finds them before trash day.
Movers Are Totally Worth It
Depending on the move, of course.
If you’re like most people, hiring movers to move you across the country is likely out of budget. But if you’re just moving across town, you will never regret hiring movers. Moving is the WORST. It’s exhausting uprooting your entire living situation. Even if it’s totally worth it, it doesn’t discount the effort involved.
Having grown up in an agricultural area, it was the norm for people to drive pickups and own trailers. It is not the norm elsewhere. At a certain age, it becomes too hectic to gather a group of people with their collective vehicles to move you anyway. Equipment aside, your time is also worth something and sometimes it’s just easier to pay for people to do it for you.
It’s All Worth It
Moving sucks. We know this.
I know that people move for several reasons, good and bad. But with every new address is a new perspective and an opportunity to reinvent your space. Once the dust settles and all the boxes have been broken down, you almost forget how unpleasant it was getting to that point.
Shut Up Madi 
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