Welcome to the fourth installment of the Energy Conservation Series! This week’s focus is going to be stuff we can do while moving so it doesn’t take us out for weeks.
If you haven’t checked out the original post, you can do that here. It has definitions, explanations, and some other tips/tricks.
A little background
So as I hoped in the last post, I am in my new apartment! It is a good feeling, but I still have some unpacking to do. Over the past week, I have made quite a big dent and have high hopes that things will be completed by the end of this week.
Tips and Tricks
The tips from last week still apply, so if you haven’t seen those you can do so here.
Here’s a few more tips to help you move without taking yourself out for weeks.
Organization is key
When you’re moving, everything is chaotic. Your stuff is all over the place and your living quarters are a maze (and not the fun kind). It is overwhelming to say the least and I am no exception to the mess.
One thing I wish I could have done is have everything go into the room it belongs. Like all the boxes labeled kitchen in the kitchen, bathroom in the bathroom, etc. but that was not what happened despite my plan to do so. Everything just got piled where it could and the vehicles emptied as fast as possible.
I, with the help of a few friends, moved things around to the proper rooms and made it possible to walk around. After that, I could take my time and put things away. Not going to lie though, I had a Christmas Tree in my shower for about a week if that tells you anything.
Learn from my challenges, try to slow the moving party down a bit and put things in the area it belongs. If you used the moving crew I mentioned in the last post, this is likely something they would have done for you.
Plan things out
This tip goes along with the previous one. It’s likely you had a walkthrough before moving into your new place. Try to make a mental floor plan, take measurements, etc. to figure out where things will fit best for your style, functionality, and needs.
For example, I knew my desk was not going in my bedroom even though it would fit decently. I have a fairly strict sleep hygiene thing going on so my insomniac self will actually sleep at night, so the desk had to go in the living room. It would only really work in one corner so we piled the desk pieces there.
Break things down
But try to steer clear of emotional and mental breakdowns if you can. If you need to lose your shit and/or cry though, go for it. No shame, shade, or judgement. 100% almost cried a time or two.
- Split large tasks into smaller ones
- Split your stuff into piles of keep, throw, and donate. It makes it easier to tackle them one at a time.
- Don’t drive all over to take care of stuff, lump the trips together (i.e.-donation and recycling in the next town over? Do it when you’re going that way instead of making a special trip). This may not always be possible, but it’s worth consideration. It’ll save gas, energy, and time.
Use your support system
Putting together the IKEA furniture is as frustrating as taking it apart. Thankfully, my friends came over and helped me put together the bed frame and desk. It took us less than half the time it would have taken me to do it solo.
Also, having a couple friends who asked what was on the list and just went after it was super helpful. For example, one of them came over and started moving things around to a place where it’d make sense for the time being and created a walkway. Taking away the visual clutter relieved so much anxiety.
Rest and Relax
There is going to be a TON of stuff to do, but remember to grant yourself some grace and go at a pace that fits where you are each day. You aren’t going to do you or anyone else any favors by overworking and pushing yourself too hard. Even if all you’re able to do is unpack one or two boxes per day, it’s a move in the right direction.
Take care of Yo-self
Take your meds, do your stretches, fuel your body, and remember–hydrate or diedrate.
It’s no secret that I forget to stretch before doing activities and this is no exception. I did forget and I paid for it with tight/sore muscles and increased pain. My body needed some adjusting before the move and definitely does after. I did work within my limits overall and didn’t lift things I shouldn’t, but with chronic pain comes chronic pain. However, I had minimal issues with my breathing, so that’s a win.
Have you been using any of the tips from last week or have any other tips or tricks you use, post them below and help out the community!
And as always…Be safe out there! Seeyalaterbye <3
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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