I'm finding it hard to wrap my head around the fact that everything I own, that I want to keep, I need condense enough to fit into a station wagon and a roof rack.
How does that even work?
I've always moved with a family, and the bigger moves were done once my mom had a few more kids, so we didn't worry too much about having a lot of stuff, so even when I think I've gotten rid of a lot of things, I still have quiet a few extra buckets full of things that I don't really need.
So, to help myself make good decisions, I've made a list (I love lists...) of guidelines for reducing, and packing:
1. Keep the sentimental junk.
- If something is really important to you, and I mean really important, keep it. Hold these things to a high standard though. There's no real reason to keep every birthday card that your great-Aunt Bertha has sent you since you were five, but if you have a picture of your grandparents on their wedding day, keep that.
2. Be honest about your clothes.
- Okay, this is the hardest thing for me. I have so many cute clothes that I have literally never worn. Who knows why! Every time I go to get dressed I just grab something I love wearing and I never want to try anything new. I've been doing this for years and could like fit all the clothes I wear regularly in a small packing box. Even though you thrifted that adorable skirt for $2, 5 years ago, and it's still like new, you know you're not going to wear it tomorrow just because you found it in the bottom of your closet. Again. For the 5th time. Donate it!
- Also, be aware of the weather you're moving into. (Example: I'm moving to Seattle. In the winter. I'm not bringing one square inch of summer clothing with me. It's just not worth it.)
3. Pack tight.
- You'd be surprised how many outfits you can fit in a carry-on sized duffle bag. Roll your clothes, or use any other folding technique that you find most effective. Make every nook and cranny of space count!
4. Bring comfort.
- If there is something non-essential that just make you feel like home, bring it! Especially if you're moving far away from all that is familiar, and your family, make sure you're not going to totally break down and freak out about not having anything with you that can remind you of what you've left behind, in a good way. I know I'll have at least 3 pictures of my parents and younger siblings with me, and I'm going to be living a car for about 3 weeks, so, trust me, you've got room.
And 5. Don't stress!
- There is a 99.9% chance that you're not going to pack perfectly. Even if you bring just enough stuff and it all fits in the space you've been allotted, chances are you forgot something. Like underwear. Or a toothbrush. Don't sweat it! You can always buy one. Or use your finger. Or go commando. Nothing you could forget, other than life saving meds, or maybe a good book, is going to kill you. So stay cheery and have some fun!
You are going on an adventure, after all.
Mermaid
