Now that I am at minus three days into my move and still in NY, in case you’re wondering, I have a few tips for those of you moving.

First, BE FLEXIBLE

I had a timeline all planned out. I knew my son was getting married on May 7th. I wanted to put my stuff in my car and be on the way to NC on May 9th. If the 8th had not been Mother’s Day and I had not seen all six kids on Mother’s Day since the oldest was a senior in high school so 13 years, I would have left on Sunday. Then, came the obstacles. The first, and most major, was MetLife. I realized that my decision to stay in NY until this was totally dealt with turned out to be a smart move. I have had a few bumps but I am packed and ready to load a car.

Second, SAME SIZE BOXES

Part of my packing the car up is that I didn’t buy boxes. I took whatever people had to give and used those. Consequently, I am going to have an issue packing the car in the most efficient manner. If the boxes were all the same size, the packing would be easier.

Third, UTILIZE WHAT YOU HAVE

I had, about two years back, taken to packing all my race/running items in a reusable grocery bag when I traveled to races. These bags have come in handy now I am out of boxes. I’m not totally out but promised my daughter I would leave her a couple. I packed all my running gear in one. I packed kitchen items in one. I am packing my Tupperware containers in one.

Fourth, VACUUM BAGS

I bought mine at the dollar store but, none the less, my closet of clothing is taking up a sixth of the space it did when it was not all vacuumed up. These may only be usable one time but they are worth the investment. I can either put the bags in a container or I can slide them into spaces a box will not fit.

All of this said, the biggest thing you can do to pack up your home to move is to get rid of things. I will post about decluttering as I packed a bit later.

Have you ever moved? What challenges did you face? Would these tips have made it easier?