Just two months ago, the idea of selling my home, decluttering the kitchen, and starting anew felt like a blissful dream. But throw in two kids with a mountain of toys, an exhausted husband, and a mother-in-law who competes in packing Olympics? Suddenly, it’s more like a scene from a horror movie. Here are ten hard-earned lessons from my moving experience:
- Labeling boxes with washable markers seems smart—until it rains on moving day, and your meticulous descriptions vanish.
- Keep a close watch on your husband. When he says he’s “shredding important documents” in the basement, it probably means he’s cracked open a cold one, catching a nap, or zoning out to ESPN.
- Utilize bulk pick-up services. While they won’t be able to take away any pesky relatives, they will help you dispose of oversized furniture. Just make sure to schedule them at least 24 hours before the sale closes.
- Get ready for a showdown with your mother-in-law. Remember, you’ve taken her son away. The last thing she wants is for you to pack for him. Don’t be surprised when her “30-second triple-tape-it” skills seem a bit too practiced!
- Talk to your kids about the move. “Honey, please stop crying. I’m not giving away your American Girl dolls; they’re just going to a new home. Crying will only make me want to throw them out!”
- Have a list of synonyms for “useless” prepared. Your husband and kids might not take you seriously after the hundredth time you call them out on it.
- Avoid giving your son anything sharp after you’ve sealed the boxes. It’s only a matter of seconds before he turns into Edward Scissorhands, wreaking havoc on your carefully packed items.
- Ensure that the last items to go are your TVs and tablets. Otherwise, you’ll end up thinking outside the box and inventing games to entertain your family.
- Get the kids involved in packing. Not because it’ll speed things up, but because you can’t handle their constant pleas of, “Can I help? Can I help?”
- Pray! Pray that your move is smooth and that the stress doesn’t take a toll on your sanity.
Good luck with your move; I’m cheering for you!
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In summary, moving with kids, a husband, and a competitive mother-in-law may feel overwhelming, but with patience, humor, and a little planning, it can become a more manageable task.