Aloha, friends, and happy Wednesday!
Yep. I titled it right. We took a moving vacation. What is a moving vacation, you may ask. We have one month to pack up and move from our home of 25 years in Maryland to a cozy new home in Florida. Yay for Florida. However, it’s a lot to purge, give away, and pack up in a month. So, what did my hubby and I decide to do? We took an eleven-day 32nd-anniversary vacation to Maui in the middle of it. Yep. We now have only two weeks to move. One week before we arrived in Maui and one week after. Pray for me!
Why would we do this with such a short time to move? I asked myself that numerous times until we arrived here and saw this.
We haven’t been to Maui in years. The last time we were here, our girls were teens. Since then, they’ve both graduated college. One is finishing up her doctorate, and our younger daughter is on her Master’s degree. Both are married, and my oldest and her hubby have two adorable grandsons. It’s amazing all that has happened between the two trips. Such a big life change in the blink of an eye.
Now, back to why we decided to vacay in the middle of a crazy move. We had four reasons. One—we’re pretty crazy as a family, so it’s par for the course. Two—we had a gracious friend who invited us to stay in his guest house, so it was a fabulous opportunity to come.
Three—when we sat down and thought about it—all the stress related to a fast move, the emotions of leaving the home we raised our girls in, where so many memories are held, and the physical strain of loading what feels like eight-thousand boxes—we decided we both could use a getaway. Four—it’s Maui.
We spent our first day hiking in Maui, where I saw this. Hmmm. Is it a secret trail if it’s marketed ‘secret trail’?
But my hubby said only I would go on a hike and find caution tape on a secret trail. Sounds like there’s a mystery to be solved ☺
We went to the beach and saw these big guys. I’ve never seen bigger sea turtles.
We had yummy meals with great views and hit the first of what will be many coffee shops.
And I spend each morning here on the porch with my coffee and this view.
I can honestly say my stress went from an 8 out of 10 to a 1. There’s just something about Hawaii…about being in God’s creation, that settles my soul. Do I want to think about what craziness awaits me when we get home? Not even a little bit. That craziness can wait, but when I return, I’ll be more rested and relaxed and ready to tackle what we’ve dubbed in our house Mission Move. We figure if Ethan Hunt can pull off dismantling a bomb, we can handle a move.
Question for you:
Since I have such a short time to move, I’d LOVE any moving tips you have.
Thanks so much for spending a little of your day with me.
Blessings,
Dani
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Oh wow, Dani! That’s a lot! But I do think the Maui break was just what you needed. I’m so glad you got the chance to go.
As for moving tips (since Ken and I made a similar move five years ago, it’s pretty fresh in my mind):
• Ask a liquor store for wine and whiskey boxes. They are super sturdy and have dividers that are perfect for packing glasses and fragile home decor items. It might raise the neighbors’ eyebrows to see tons of whiskey boxes being loaded onto the moving truck, but it’s worth the scandal. 😉
• Instead of packing all your linens in one box, use towels, sheets, and blankets to cushion fragile items. Then, as you open those boxes, you can fold the linens and stack them neatly in your new linen closet
• Set aside one big box for items you aren’t sure you will use, but aren’t ready to part with yet. Label it “GARAGE SALE” and unpack it last. That way, you’ll be all settled before you make decisions about those items, and not only will it be easier to decide, but you can put things right back into the “GARAGE SALE” box if you don’t need them. Then, either have a garage sale (great way to get to know your neighbors) or have Goodwill pick up the box from your porch.
• Once you’re moved, take daily walks and drives all around your neighborhood. There’s something about becoming familiar with the lay of the land that helps you quickly feel safe and at home in your new place.
That’s all I have for now. May your new home and new state be a wonderful blessing in your life!
Wow, Dani, that’s a lot in a short amount of time! But something about it feels right. And like the perfect timing. Give yourself grace in this move. And really take the time to “lighten the load.” That’s what Joe and I are doing this time. We aren’t shoving unopened boxes into closets or onto shelves. We’re truly purging, wanting to save our kids a ton of trouble down the line. It’s part of our gift to them when that time comes. And it feels so good to let loose of things we’ve had for years. Bless someone else with it! Even write little notes in the bottom. Or Scripture references before you give it away. Like a note in a bottle. 😉 Praying for you both!
Oh wow, Tammy. I love adding little notes and Scripture references. That’s a lovely suggestion. Thanks so much for sharing.
Hi Deb,
Thanks for the amazing list of suggestions. The last one about the garage sale box is fabulous because there are things I’m not sure about but not quite ready to part with. Great suggestion!
Hi Deb,
I left a response but I’m not seeing it so sorry if this is a duplicate. Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestions. The last one about the garage sale is amazing! There are things I’m not sure I want to part with yet but they probably need to go. Garage sale box sounds perfect. Thank you.
Number every box. Then on a sheet of paper or on your computer or phone make a list of what’s inside each box. I think there are apps for this but I’m a paper/pencil gal. Made many moves & I did this each time. So helpful. Growing up my father was a pastor. During his yearly church conference he would find out on a Friday if he was being moved to a new church. We had to move the following Thursday. Yep, less than a week to pack up & move. It was crazy but we did it. You can do this! Hope you like Florida as much as my husband & I do. It’s hot but there’s no snow in January 😀
Hi Anita,
Wow. A week! And you did it. That’s great encouragement. And, I love numbering the boxes. Oh, fun, you’re in Florida. What part? We’ll be on the west coast outside of Tampa a bit. My daughter, her hubby and grandkids live there and they love it. We fell in love with visiting so often. No snow is a great thing for me and my health.
St Augustine is where we have retired. Praying all goes well with your move & that you love the Tampa area. Moving is an adventure for sure. Take it one day at a time, roll with the little bumps you have & look for those small unexpected blessings God will put in your path.
Sounds like a great opportunity. I have never been to Hawaii but would go in an instant. The advice above is great. When we moved we did not have such a time constraint, but we did have a shed on the property, and we were able to store things in it. It is a good time to pare down and get rid of things you won’t use anymore. We only moved across town, but there was still a lot to pack up. Good luck with your move. And welcome to Florida, my home state 🙂
Thank you so much, Jocelyn. How fun you live in Florida too. I’m finding so many who do. What region do you live in? We’re on the west coast outside of Tampa a bit.
Hire it done.
LOL! Great idea.
You were wise to take this trip! The move will get done whether in a shorter or longer time frame, so good for you for grabbing this vacation with both hands and enjoying every minute.
The last time I moved I had them put all the boxes of things that weren’t immediately necessary for daily life in the garage. That way I wasn’t looking at boxes (which represent unfinished work) when I was trying to rest inside the house. When we had time and energy we’d bring a few boxes in and unpack them. At our own pace, we eventually unpacked everything this way. 😊
OHHHH, that’s very good advice! I hope I remember that when I next move.
Thanks, friend. We’re having the best time. Hiking, swimming, visiting small towns. Such a relaxing trip filled with joy.
That’s a great suggestions. I’ll do just that. Thanks so much for the suggestion.
I have no moving tips as we’ve been in this house 25 years as well, but I loved your pics. The Secret Trail pic was perfect. Perhaps a new series set in Hawaii?
I’d LOVE a new series set here. Research trips would be amazing. LOL! Love the idea though.
Sounds like y’all did just the right thing! After all, things take the time we allow them, right? You’ll get the moving part done because you have to.
I hate moving, so I have no tips other than the fact that moving to a new city at this stage of life means it takes intentionality to make new friends.
That is good advice. Thankfully my bestie lives in Florida and two very dear friends, but I’m sure it’s still a big adjustment.
My moving tip is always just pack it all, sort it later. There is always more time on the other end to sort through things and make decisions. And if something ends up packed away for months and you don’t miss it, then it’s an easy decision to get rid of it.
I think your reasoning for going to Hawaii amidst a move is completely sound. 😊 So glad you are taking a moment to breathe, relax, and enjoy your anniversary. Enjoy! Breathe in the sweet Hawaiian air, and my best tip for doing anything work-related is to turn the music up really loud and sing your heart out while you pack. If it works for Julie Andrews, it works for me. 😜
Happy Anniversary!
It’s been 22 years since I’ve moved. Plastic bins are great for seasonal items which will be stored, if you’re not already using them. They’re also somewhat waterproof and insect-proof, too.
Purge as much as much down to your clothes closets. Before you leave Maryland, change your address with everyone and the Post office. I also would research this (my vote.gov)you are planning to vote , research if there any deadlines to register to vote (especially important if you are voting in November). If you are past date to register to vote, you can always ask for absentee ballot before you leave Maryland for the 2024 elections. The day before you arrive place a grocery delivery order and know of a place you can order dinner for the first night you arrive. Once you have time to breathe after moving set aside a day to drive around and get acclimated to visit the DMV(early in the morning)the public library to get a library card, register to vote, etc.