I’m jotting down some fresh memories about moving as we drive across the country to begin a new season of our lives.
What others did for us that made our move smoother:
My neighbor-friend came 3 times a week for weeks and packed with me. She kept me on task and she kept me sane with her good humor. The accountability she provided was so necessary and powerful. She kept me pressing on when she was with me and also when I was working alone, knowing she would come and notice what I’d done in her absence. When I weeded out things I knew I would be better off without, she took them away to clear the space visually so I could see what still remained to be sorted.
Another friend offered to feed the crew that loaded the moving truck. What a help! Working men need to be fed and my kitchen was, of course, packed already. She brought everything: sandwiches already made, plastic utensils, plates and cups, condiments, salad, beans, serving dishes. She even made extra for us to take on the trip all wrapped and ready to go.
Other friends rallied to clean my house after it was emptied. I was running low on energy and they swept, vacuumed, mopped, dusted the whole house and washed windows. With the house empty, my emotions were running high- overjoyed that the weight of the work was lifting, and thankful that the changes we’d committed to were becoming reality.

What I wish I had done:
Had containers marked before I started. We will be living in small temporary housing while we build. (OK, yes, an RV trailer.) I wish I had started separating items going to the trailer and items to be stored for the long term at the beginning of packing.
Had lots of strong tape instead of a little cheap clear tape.
Had totes that were all the same size for more efficient use of space when packing the truck and storing.
Wish I had looked at what I had accomplished instead of concentrating on what still needed to be done and feeling pressured. Some pressure is helpful because it keeps pushing me forward. But discouragement is counter-productive.
Wish I had labeled nonclear totes and boxes consistently.

Glad I did:
Sort ruthlessly, getting rid of things I had gotten long use of and was finished enjoying.
Gave things to those who would enjoy them. Yeah, I might have sold some things for more money, but I it made me happy to give or sell cheaply to friends.
Glad I accepted the willing help of friends. Pulling together made the burden lighter.
Glad I was smart enough to find good people for friends! Tip: Before you become close friends with someone, find out how often they move. Dump them if they admit to many moves or you will end up helping them move and then you will miss them!
Glad I admitted when I was exhausted from the unending decisions and took a break doing something I enjoyed like writing or cooking or reading thought provoking material that took my mind somewhere other than moving. I recognized the importance of getting recharged.
Glad I cooked healthy food right up to the day before loading the moving truck. Wise eating fuels you for the long haul.
Glad I had my face care routine down to a few products in small containers there were easy to pack.
Glad I had done a major purge several months before we decided to move. Getting rid of stuff was hard. It meant admitting that I bought things I didn’t use enough to justify what I paid, even if it was thrift-store-cheap. It meant recognizing that I had changed and no longer needed most of the things I had accumulated. It took humility to admit I shouldn’t have bought a lot of those things in the first place. It meant admitting that many of my plans just hadn’t panned out even though I had worked hard. Many items I gave away or sold reminded me that I hadn’t succeeded in some endeavor. This was hard to face but glad I got past it.