I was thrilled to share some of my moving tips with Sean Lewis on WGN Weekend Morning News in Chicago. We talked about how to prepare for a move. First, schedule time to declutter and pack. Then, Marie Kondo your entire life. Finally, ask a friend for help. Friends who come through on moving day are the best.
If moving day is coming up for you, here are some ways to prepare for your move:
Schedule time on your calendar to declutter
Mark it on your calendar. Set aside a weekend or a few hours each evening to get started on decluttering and packing. Prepare for your move by starting early. It always takes longer to pack than you think it will take, so schedule 50% more time on your calendar.
Get rid of everything – it’s so much easier that way
Fine, it may not be realistic to get rid of everything, but the more you declutter before a move, the happier you will be. Remember that decluttering for a move is different than decluttering to spark joy. Start with the heavy, bulky items first.
Decluttering for a move is different than decluttering to spark joy.
Use my Toy Store Method to help you declutter with your kids
Since we’ve moved so often, decluttering is a way of life for us. No, I’m not a minimalist. I’m your typical suburban mom with three kids. That means we need to make decluttering fun, so the whole family can get involved. I create a toy store in my house and the kids shop for whatever they want to keep.
Be honest with yourself – is decluttering hard for you?
Some of us love the idea of simplifying our belongings, and we feel giddy when the car is filled with donation bags. For others, decluttering is more difficult and we feel emotionally attached to the items in our home. If decluttering is hard for you, ask a friend who is good at decluttering to help you. She can guide you through the emotional process.
Here are some things I learned from being on set at WGN:
I’m a very good counter
The WGN set is live. I am asked to walk quietly onto the set, so I tiptoe on heels. During a break, we do a sound check for my mic. “Count from 1 to 10.” My voice catches in my throat. “Speak as loudly as you would on camera.” Deep breath. “1, 2, 3”, I say.
The anchor, Sean Lewis, calls over from the other side of the studio, “You’re a very good counter.”
I laugh. Nerves disperse. I’ve got this.
Time to tiptoe before the mic check.
I’m short, even when I’m seated
My feet barely reach the bar, but I don’t think now is the time to mess with a spinning chair.
My feet don’t reach.
The Art of Happy Moving can be enjoyed anywhere
You’ll have to watch the video for the full effect, but I smile when Sean Lewis says The Art of Happy Moving is “a fun book.” Then, I laugh when he describes exactly where you might enjoy my book. I admit that I’ve only envisioned my readers curled up on the couch or sitting on a beach. However, I also appreciate having the full attention of my most engaged readers. Check out the video if you want to hear Sean’s recommendation.
Thank you for chatting about THE ART OF HAPPY MOVING.
Do you have a move coming up? If so, please check out my free resources page and download my moving checklist to help you through the process.
1 comment
Prepare your move much before your moving date like packing, unpacking, and learn some techniques of moving smoothly to a new location.