Moving. It's something I have done often since I left home 7 years ago. It's never intentional. I am actually very much a homebody, like to be settled, and have a very consistent routine. However, I have been on a bit of a roundabout path that has led me to many different homes!
So here I am, 7 years gone from my childhood home, on my 10th home. My latest move was an opportunity that I am so thankful for. Not only was it a move from the city back to a house on a dirt road, where I can't see any neighbors out my window, but it was a move that brought me closer to work, the horses I ride, my friends, and the ranch I volunteer at. It is a move that will save me a significant amount of money each month, and a move that I am praying God will use for His good.
My flight arrived back in Mesa at 11:30pm Friday night, by 6:00am Saturday, I was packing boxes, loading clothes, and preparing to move. By 7:00pm Saturday, my friend and I had enough of my stuff moved into my new casita for me to spend the night there. By Sunday morning, we were watching church and making French toast. In the right situation, moving can be done quickly, and good help makes it all the more efficient!
My new casita is beautiful, it is a charming, 1 bedroom apartment in the hills on the outskirts of Scottsdale. The kitchen and living are one large room, while the bedroom is spacious enough to double as an office and workout room!
You can check out the pictures below to see how quickly this little apartment turned into a home! Continue reading for tips on how to make your next move a breeze!
Tips for Moving:
Have a plan! Whether you like to pack room by room, essentials to nonessentials, outdoor last, indoor last, whatever your favorite approach to packing, plan accordingly and stick to it! Planning ahead a bit in this case will smooth out your move and make it go much, much smoother.
Don't be afraid to ask for help! Buy your friends a pizza, some beer, or cookies, whatever they like, and make packing a party! This might seem like one of those things we can't ask for help with, but honestly, most people don't mind, and the extra sets of hands will ease your stress. You don't have to do it all alone. Divide and conquer! You could be getting two rooms done at once ya know!
Buy all the boxes ahead of time! Trust me, the last thing you want is to get in the rhythm of packing, and all of a sudden have to quit what you're doing to run to town for more supplies. Buy plenty of boxes and tape ahead of time and keep your receipt. If you have extra you can always take them back later, just don't wreck the groove once you get going!
Hire movers! Does your house have stairs or an obscene amount of heavy boxes? Then hire the movers, unless of course you have an entire football team as a resource, then put them to work ;) But honestly, you can generally hire two movers for $150/hour. With everything packed, they have moved all of my stuff, including, a grill, tack, barn supplies, and enough furniture to fill a two bedroom house, into a truck in 45 minutes! Those guys are efficient and so worth it.
Breathe. Almost always packing will take longer than you think, especially as you get to the end and it is all of the little knick knacks. Remember to breathe. Take a break, drink some water, keep eating (and try to stay as healthy as you can on the snacks. It really does help), and enjoy the process. I am sure you have wonderful memories at the place you are leaving and you are going to create equally as great memories at your new place!
Remember, life is a gift, our homes our a gift, whether you're in a multilevel mansion, or a quaint tiny home, God has gifted it to you. Will you answer His call to use it as a place to bless others?
Next time you are on the move, never skimp on the tape, laugh it off, whatever it is, and enjoy! You are embarking on a grand adventure!
xo,
Sara
P.S. If you know me personally and we live close, don't hesitate to ask me to help! I am always up for packing boxes, especially if they aren't mine!
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