Sisyphus Had It Easy!

Written by: Brenda Spagnola-Wilson

Plan your move to make it easier
Since all of us have moved at one time or another, you know what a pain it can be. But believe it or not, there are actually a few things you can do to make it, if not exactly fun, then a less exasperating experience. I just purchased my first home, so I am currently in the process of using the tips you will find here. So I will be able to let you know first hand just how useful (or useless) these ideas are.

When I began researching packing and moving tips, the first place I looked was on the Internet. I literally found hundreds upon hundreds of sites; some good and some not so good. Of the sixty-one (yes, I said 61!) articles I eventually kept, there seemed to be one prevailing piece of advice – plan, plan, plan! Not being much of a planner, I was a little skeptical about the actual need to do this. After all, why would I need to “plan” to pack? But the more I read, the more sense it seemed to make. So, pen and paper in hand, I began planning.

Everyone kept saying that before you even think about packing anything, you will need the supplies to do the job right. This is one lesson I know by heart. I have moved many times and I can tell you that nothing is more frustrating than not having what you need, when you need it. Then you have to stop, go out, try to find a store that has what you need, yada, yada, yada. To say that it is annoying is an understatement. Here is a list of the basic items you will need to pack:

· Boxes – kind of a no brainer, huh? These can be purchased or scavenged. You don’t want or need a lot of big ones, as they will be too heavy to move. I always find that small ones are the ones I need the most of. You need these for books, canned goods, movies, etc. Items that can be very heavy when packed. Be sure to clearly label the contents and which room it goes to. Another idea is to number each box and keep a master list (although I think this just makes more work for you. Besides, if you are like me, you’ll probably lose the list.) · Tape – packing tape is made specifically for boxes and moving. Make sure you have plenty on hand, since you can always return any unused rolls to the store. · Scissors/box cutters – You’ll need these to cut the tape (unless you have gotten the tape that comes on a dispenser). · Trash bags – you don’t really need an explanation here. But be sure to get the heavy duty kind that are less likely to rip or tear. · Markers – you will need these to label your boxes as you get them packed. Many people suggested using a different color for each room. Personally, I think this is unnecessary, but I can see some advantages to it. · Packing materials – newspaper, bubble wrap, peanuts, paper plates, etc. And don’t forget to use your towels, blankets and sheets to pack your more fragile items. (2 birds with one stone!)

Now, on to the actual packing. Fun!

Most of us have at least 30 days to pack up and move. Assuming this to be the case, you will need to make a schedule for one month. (You can adjust it to fit your time frame.) Plan on packing or doing one big chore everyday. First, write down the actual dates you will be able to work on things. Be sure to write the day and the date, like Monday May 5th, to help keep things straight. Then look at your calendar and write down any previous commitments you may have. This will help you to avoid conflicts and over scheduling. For each day that you have available, choose one project to work on (or as much as you realistically think you can get done). Here is an example of my first weeks’ schedule to give you a better idea:

Mon May 5 – hall closet Tue May 6 – computer equipment and games (not in use) Wed May 7 – master bedroom hall shelves Thu May 8 – china cabinet Fri May 9 – linen closets, graduation & party Sat May 10 – pantries, bathrooms, kitchen sink, graduation Sun May11 – bedroom closets

As you can see, I’ve chosen one major project for each day, with more on the weekends when I have more time. In addition to each of these, I am also packing smaller everyday items; knick-knacks, videos, toys, etc. The goal is to have the majority of things packed before the last week of the month. All that should be left are the necessities you will need until the day of the actual move.

Oh, and for those you don’t know (and I know it’s driving you crazy), Sisyphus was the founder of Corinth. According to Greek mythology, he betrayed the Gods and was punished by Hades. He was sentenced for all eternity to push a boulder up a hill – kind of like moving!

Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a moderator and community leader at www.BabyUniversity.com and lives in Texas with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics, with her main focuses being home improvement & decorating, saving money, being a SAHM and general home care. Currently she is the Co-Editor of the At Home with Baby University Newsletter. Feel free to contact her at bspagnola@ev1.net with any comments.

About the Author

Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a SAHM who lives in Texas with her husband and two children. A published freelance writer, her topics most often focus on home improvement & decorating, living a frugal lifestyle, being a SAHM, general home care and day-to-day life. Currently she is a moderator and community leader at www.BabyUniversity.com and the Co-Editor of the At Home with Baby University Newsletter. Feel free to contact her at bspagnola@ev1.net with any comments, questions or suggestions.

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