Moving preparations

I have only moved once for the Army (not even from post to post, just from our pre-Army home to our temporary-while-husband-is-in-training home)... but man, there is so much involved! Lots of phone calls to make, things to pack up, travel plans to finalize, and more things to pack up. It truly seems like things appear out of thin air when you are attempting to pack up all your belongings!

So this move: not as stressful since most of our stuff is in storage... but somehow I've accumulated a LOT more "Michigan stuff" than what I originally unpacked when we first moved here in September. I have bought some house things as I found them... and some more clothes, of course... and I suppose we had Christmas and all three of us got some more stuff. Sigh. Also, not as stressful because the Army has arranged the movers and truck.

Still: packing was sure a pain! We are definitely letting the Army pack and move us from here on out. With little hands that want to unpack everything you pack or just want you to hold them, it takes twice as long to finish anything. I kept filling storage tubs and carting them over to the storage unit... and finding more stuff hiding around the house! Thankfully, I know we can use the storage tubs wen we move for our out of season wardrobes, decorations, and things we just won't need for a 6 month stay. So at least we won't have lots of empty containers lying around the house. Of course, at least one tub will remain in the play room for Jack's entertainment!

The Army transportation office has proven to be very helpful and efficient so far. We have not had any issues with scheduling the move so far and it has been pretty headache free as far as the Army side of things go. Fill out some forms, turn them in, make a few phone calls, wait for the movers to arrive and load up your stuff. The movers are currently loading our belongings into the moving truck. Pretty hassle free.

Some definite do's for moving:

*Make a list... maybe a couple lists! You think you will remember everything because it has to get done, but when you've taped up the 15th box that day and you're little one needs some love and attention, you may forget to schedule your car for a tune up (thankfully, I called today and they have a clear day so that won't be a problem. We're driving our car to OK so we want to make sure all is in order). Good lists to have: phone calls to make, things that need address changes, things to take with you during the move- not on the moving truck, if you're packing your own stuff- a schedule for packing to keep you on track. On my packing schedule list I made sure to add "Devos" and "Playtime" each day so I wouldn't get caught up and forget what was really important. I made sure to keep on my devotions schedule and take breaks to play with Jack throughout the day.

*Give yourself breaks. Take a half hour to just sit down. Watch a movie you've been wanting to see one evening. Make some coffee... and then again later in the day! Go for a walk. Go to the store- yes, you will need to pick up some moving supplies, but while you're there browse the office supplies (my happy place) and pick up some sweet indulgences (iced oatmeal cookies for me!).

*Don't let yourself get too stressed out. Accept help. Ask for help. Don't over commit yourself to social gatherings. Get a babysitter if you're trying to pack up on your own. Cry if you need to (been there...).

*Purge purge purge. If you're in the Army you'll most likely be moving several times. Think about what you really want to cart with you each time. Three copies of pictures from college that you printed to frame, scrapbook, and an extra just in case? Maybe only keep one. An old raggedly towel that you never use, even for mess cleanup? Toss. With me, the most difficult things to purge are clothes and books! I've gotten much better about clothes, but books are precious to me. Most of the weight of our belongings comes from books!

*Plan ahead with the items you're bringing with you during travel. I your mind you have more space than you actually do. Set out all the items you want to bring and then go from there. Have enough clothes etc. to last a week or two just in case the moving truck is delayed. Take necessary bedding with you, but don't go overboard. Our packing list: mostly toys to occupy the baby! Since we won't have baby gates or his larger toys, we're bringing most of his small toys with us so he has a wide selection. Also, don't forget snacks for the road and plenty of baby food if you have a little one.

*Keep valuables with you! We have a small safe that keeps our personal documents and valuables (jewelry, bonds, etc) in. It will be going in the car with us for safe keeping. Not that we don't trust the movers, but if something happened to the truck it may be difficult to get the safe right away. You never know when you'll need your birth certificate or SS card or something.

*On that note, keep a copy of your soldier's orders with you and any other moving documents you may need once we arrive at your new post. I bought a compact folder to keep those docs in and use one of the other parts of the folder for our traveling receipts for reimbursement.

Remember to breathe. It will happen. Everything will get done. Now that I don't have anything else to pack up I hardly know what to do with my newfound free time! It's a relief actually. A couple days of rest and relaxation and then we begin our drive! Sigh.