A couple months after we moved in to our current apartment, we looked at each other and asked "where to next?" We loved our apartment, his job was going well, I was gearing up for school, and we were so happy to be near our family again, yet we already felt restless. We are always on Zillow and Trulia, always thinking of how life would be in a different city, and one of us is always thinking about a doctoral program or a big job transition. We both love change. Perhaps that is why we fit so well together. We have moved every year together except one, and lived in a record four homes one spring/summer. We are becoming less afraid to throw things out or donate them, knowing that we rarely miss our things once they are gone.
Someday, we might settle down. Someday we might hate moving enough to stay put. Or Maybe someday, we will care so little for our belongings, that we will choose to live out of our suitcases, on a boat, in an RV, or in a tiny little studio with a month to month lease.
So this week as the chaos starts brewing, we are finally ready to embrace our vagabond status. I will share with you our super secret moving ritual:
Step 1: Purge. No really, purge. If you wonder if you really need something, the answer is no. Give it away, burn it, toss it, whatever.
Step 2: Meticulously pack, label, and store your belongings, while telling yourself that this move will be different. You will break about 10% of your glassware, It will take you a year to find a few items, and in the end, your organizational system will be thrown out, along with that lovely china you were saving for a special occasion. It's cool. In the first few days, go ahead and indulge your OCD, knowing full well that the night before the move will be a panic.
Step 3: Post half your belongings on craigslist. Especially furniture. I am far to lazy to move any of the big stuff unless I really have to.
Step 4: Stock up on your favorite treats. All that moving works up an appetite, and somehow dowing that bag of starbursts, case of Pepsi Throwback, or box of oreos will make you less cranky. Just do it.
Step 5: Do not pack the TV until the day of! Have your favorite funny movies on while you pack and clean. Pull out the movies that you know by heart and that always make you laugh. For us, it is The Wedding Singer, Zoolander, Arrested Development, and anything with Tina Fey or Will Farrel. While you are at it, keep the ipod dock and your laptops. You gotta stay sane.
Step 6: Bribe your friends and family. No really. They will come because they love you, but if you are a frequent mover, just pay up and get the good pizza!
Step 7: Vow to never move again.
Step 8: A week or two post move, begin planning the next move.
Step 9: Repeat steps 1-8 every 6-12 months.
If you follow these 9 easy steps, you will be well on your way to becoming that crazy vagabond that people just wish would finally settle down. You're welcome!
For your watching pleasure, Here is Johnny Lingo, the 1960's Mormon classic I finally made my husband watch with me last week. Mahana you ugly!
If you are dying to help us move, let me know. We will have good pizza. I promise :)
