Moving is the adult equal of middle school—everyone is super excited about the prospect, but it is only the folks with sensible expectations who end up having a good time. Sure, it is a new abode, a new beginning, and the prospect of a awesome new life--but once that last empty moving truck pulls away and you are standing there amidst your boxes, you have still got to do the real work.
Managing your move with realistic expectations is essential to beginning that new life on the right foot--and that means not only accepting the fact that a new home will not magically suck up the fifteen pounds you want to lose, but that moving is emotionally exhausting even in good circumstances and you and your family should set aside the time and space to accept that.
One of the crazy things about a local move--new abode, neighborhoods, schools--is that can be harder on the kids than a long-distance relocation. A new house in another state removes the constant requests to go see their friends in the old neighborhood, and it may be easier to welcome a new life and new friends when your old ones are in a different time zone.
But back to the topic. There are three Ps when it comes to managing your move to or in Oklahoma City--Purge, Pack, and Pay. What you don't purge must be packed, and the more you pack, the more you'll pay. Expectation—I will sort through old stuff and only hang on to what I love. Reality--you love a lot more than you believe you do. Regardless if you take care of your own packing or hire professionals, you've got to select what is worth the time and money to move with you.
Purge
Purging is one of those odd words you do not hear very often, at least in a positive implication. But really, letting go of the old baggage is one of the best ways that you can allow your new home to bestow your expectations of greatness. There are lots and lots of guidelines and suggestions to help you figure out the best ways to go through your old stuff, from down-to-earth--"if you haven't used/worn it in a year get rid of it"; to a little off-the-wall--"toss all your negative energy out with the old towels". At its basic level, purging is basically picking through all the cabinets, closets and drawers and making three piles: keep, get rid of, donate. Or you might have four piles if you have got some next-to-new items that you do not use anymore, and consign those things.
The hardest thing about purging is keeping up the neutrality it requires to be ruthless about tossing items. If you stored all those pre-school art projects, how can you throw them away and be a great parent? Here is a tip—appoint a friend to help you pick through items and talk you through why you're saving things that are really best thrown away. Having someone ask you out loud why you want to save the 1980s jelly shoes does put things in focus and you'll have a pain-free time growing the throw away pile if you've got someone to support your decisions.
If your significant other is the one with the accumulator tendencies, here is a strategy for assisting a reluctant significant other say good-bye their treasures. Think small, and begin with the kitchen junk drawers, try to limit handling of old matchbooks and old crayons to one time only and progressively get to more important items, like collections (for example, choose two or three porcelain bunnies and donate or consign the rest).
Catch up us next time as we go over managing your move topics: Pack and Pay, in Part 2 of this blog series.
