Packing up

Packing up a home as a married couple is a lot different than moving away from your parent's home to get married. I am finding this out with each passing day. We don't have much of a time line to get everything done. Just two weeks to pack, paint, move and start our new jobs. Phew, I am tired. This has meant a lot of nights of only getting a few hours of sleep. Of making lists, finishing lists and starting new lists. Here are some things I have learned along the way.

1. Lists are so important! There is no way we could get all of this done without some type of organization. From changing the address, turning in your 30 days notices to buying packing tape, lists have been my life saver! Doesn't look like much has changed there for me.... ha!

2. Don't let your marriage become an item on your to-do list! Zach and I took some time out of our busy schedules last night to go fishing and enjoy some time at the movies. I realized while I was getting ready it had been WAY too long since I had gotten dressed up for my husband. And he needs to see me in something other than sweat pants and a messy bun. It was a much needed change of pace and at the end of the night we looked at each other and laughed! How could we have forgotten this part of our relationship? Even in the busiest of times my marriage has to be a priority item, even if that means a few hours on a Saturday night when you do your hair to go to the movies. It MUST happen.

3. Take some time for yourself. That is what today is for me. Even though that is not originally what I had planned it has been wonderful. I have spent a couple hours between church and a family BBQ sitting at Starbucks and just clearing my head by blogging. I already feel so much better. In the midst of big life change like this it is imperative, I feel, to capture your thoughts and emotions. To make sure your expectations are in check and to even take time to realize your expectations. Sometimes you just need an hour out of the house by yourself to do this.

4. Use your resources! Chances are there are people and things in your life that could be used to your advantage- use them! If someone offers to help you LET THEM. We literally would not be able to make this move without the help of our family and the resources of our friends.

5. Think smarter not harder. A friend of mine shared a wonderful packing tip with me that has allowed me to organize boxes and save time in the process. Sometimes in my rush to get things accomplished I end up making more work for myself. Sitting down and taking time to think through what needs to happen and how to make it happen most effectively is the key to success. This will make sure you don't pack all the toilet paper in a random box and find yourself searching for at an inopportune time. :)

6. Lastly, enjoy every minute. This moment right now is happening once. If you blink it will be gone. Savor the moments even in the stress. Laugh and find joy in the mundane and sometimes overwhelming tasks. You don't want to miss it. This moment is fleeting and you may want it back someday.