Two months ago, the prospect of selling my house, decluttering the kitchen, giving away my children’s belongings, and starting anew felt exhilarating—a true dream come true. However, when you factor in two kids with countless toys, a weary husband, and a competitive mother-in-law, the scenario shifts from blissful to chaotic. Here are ten lessons I learned through this challenging experience.
- Labeling boxes with washable markers seems clever until rain on moving day washes away all descriptions.
- Keep a close watch on your husband. When he says he’s “shredding important documents” in the basement, it often translates to enjoying a beer, watching sports, or napping.
- Utilize bulk pick-up services for disposing of oversized items. Unfortunately, these services do not extend to annoying family members. Schedule them at least 24 hours prior to the sale deadline for maximum efficiency.
- Prepare for a confrontation with your mother-in-law. Remember, you’ve taken her son away. She’s unlikely to let you pack for him without a fight, and her impressive packing skills are likely the result of rigorous practice since you announced the move date.
- Have an open conversation with your children about the transition. “Sweetie, please stop crying. I’m not getting rid of your American Girl dolls; they’re just being relocated. If you don’t stop, I might just throw them out!”
- Memorize various synonyms for “useless.” Your kids and husband might become desensitized to your repeated frustrations after you’ve labeled their items with the same term for the hundredth time.
- Avoid giving your son anything sharp, like keys, once your belongings are packed. It’s only a matter of moments before he goes full Edward Scissorhands on the boxes.
- Ensure that the last items to go are TVs and tablets. Otherwise, you’ll be forced to come up with creative games to entertain your family.
- Include your kids in the packing process. Not because it will expedite the task, but to spare yourself from their incessant inquiries of “Can I help? Can I help? Can I help?”
- Pray for a smooth transition. Hope for minimal stress as you navigate this life-altering event.
Best of luck with your move. I’m cheering for you!
For more insights on family transitions, check out this article on moving. If you’re interested in understanding more about the home insemination process, Make a Mom offers a comprehensive overview. For detailed information on fertility treatments, UCSF is an excellent resource.
In summary, moving with children, a partner, and a competitive mother-in-law can be a daunting task. By utilizing these strategies and maintaining open lines of communication, you’ll find a way to navigate this challenging yet rewarding life chapter.