Hello Stress!

Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope everyone is enjoying his or her day. Okay, so for the last few months, my house has been up for sale. I decided to share some of that experience with you all.

When I first put my South Florida home on the market, I was told it could take up to a year to sell. Since there was no telling just how long the process would take, I didn’t want to pack away too many things. I began chipping away at the task little by little.

Little by little.

Within a few months, I had an offer from some people who lived in New Jersey. I was jumping up and down with glee – until I was told that if I wanted to make the sale, I had to vacate in three weeks.

What? Three weeks? If I had a cat she’d be surprised too!

Now, I’m talking about a large four-bedroom house, filled with all kinds of things accumulated throughout the years. I’m not a hoarder, but it is difficult for me to throw things out. I took a good look around my home and became completely overwhelmed. I didn’t know where to start.

First, I needed boxes. I bought a few at Home Depot, but my mom had a better idea. She got me as many as I wanted for free from a medical establishment that she and my dad attended. I required other supplies that couldn’t be had for free: tape, bubble wrap and shrinkwrap. With all the necessary materials in hand, it was time to start packing – but where to begin?

If you ever need some alone time, just utter these words: “I need help moving.” Family and friends will immediately scatter to the four winds. With this particular project, it seemed I was on my own.

Not Cool!

I thought I knew stress, but it turned out I had only met stress’s annoying younger cousin. Real stress is spelled m-o-v-i-n-g. At one point, I tried to convince myself that I didn’t like the rest of my stuff, just so I wouldn’t have to pack it up.

I don’t really need a bed, and I never really liked that couch it’s too cozy and everybody always wants to sit on it. They just get comfortable and never want to leave.

After two weeks of filling boxes, I was grateful to get a little help from my sister-in-law and my mom. Nevertheless, we hit a wall. What did we know about packing a dining room table and chairs, armoire, Bombay chest or television? I came to the conclusion that I needed professional help. It was time to start getting quotes from movers. Yippee!

Oh yeah! This is going to be fun, NOT!

I called a company that was highly recommended by friends and relatives. Three young guys arrived, fit for the job (if you know what I mean). They were very friendly, charming, and not bad to look at. I was delighted – until the lead man gave me his quote. It turns out moving is also very expensive!

How much?

Fortunately, the story has a happy ending. I got my stuff packed and out of there, and the deal went through.

All’s well that ends well!

Having learned a great deal from this experience and being the kindhearted person that I am, I decided to share some tips with you.

1/ Make friends with people lifting weights in the gym, before you move.

Hi! What big muscles you have. How much do you lift?

2/ Make sure the movers you hire are reputable.

Oops! My bad!

3/ Make sure you tape up your boxes well.

Yikes!

4/ Resist the urge to pop bubble wrap before packing fragile items.

One more. Okay, just one more. Oh hell!

5/ When moving furniture, never be the person walking backwards.

7/ Dolly, good. Hernia, bad.

Ugh! I should have used a dolly!

7/ It’s okay to curse at heavy furniture.

8/ It’s okay not to be completely honest with your labeling (think about it).

9/ Don’t forget to put air holes in the boxes when packing your pets. (I recall a gerbil incident growing up)

Oh…my!

10/ Don’t pack dog and cats in the same box.

Find your own box!

Okay, seriously, if you’re planning on moving any time in the future these tips will surely help you. Good luck and may the force be with you because your friends and family won’t.

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