Three Moving Tips
On thinking back the last couple years, I moved in both 2018 and 2019 to two different towns. They weren't as challenging as a move out-of-state, but they were places I hadn't lived before and moves I did on my own. They were different than moves for the convent, or moves for college, because those were moving to a community. The two moves I made were to a new home. While it's unlikely I'll move yet again in the year 2020, I have learned never to say never, but I would like to think that I learned something from both moving experiences that hopefully are helpful!
1. Explore.
If you have the opportunity to visit the new place multiple times before the move, try to explore some restaurants, tourist attractions, or drive through neighborhoods to get a feel for what everyday life is like. You could even go to Mass at a church you might end up attending and try to meet some parishioners. In short, picture what it would be like living in that place for the long term. Familiarizing yourself with the new place ahead of time will make the transition smoother.
2. Clean Out.
One thing I learned on both moves was that I had a lot of stuff I didn't need. It is so much easier to move if you go through your stuff before the move. Sort through your clothes closet, organize holiday decor, even clean out your pantry. Anything that makes your move lighter will help in the long run. You might not have enough time if the move is a quick one, but even as you're packing, if you think you won't miss the item, then it's a treasure for someone else by giving it away!
3. Change of Address.
Most people think to change their address for their utilities, their friends, their credit cards. But don't forget places like an Amazon account where you might ship a new item you are really excited about to a house you no longer live in! There's lots of little things that can easily slip your mind when you're moving, so it's helpful to think about your most frequent mailings and change your address a week or two in advance.
No matter how you look at it, moving is one of those top life stressors, so try to round up friends and family for a moving party either at the old place or the new place to help you pack or unpack and make it fun with pizza and milkshakes or whatever makes you happy!