Hi Big Sister,
Help! I got married a few months ago and now we’re moving. I didn’t realise this would be so stressful! Any tips, tricks and advice I should keep in mind?
Any advice?
Okay, I have a lot to say on this one! Firstly, you’re amazing. Moving, especially as a newlywed, is a lot. It’s stressful, emotionally and physically draining and extra pressure that no one needs. So if you’re smiling, or at least trying to, give yourself a pat on the back.
Now let’s get into some tips and tricks I picked up along the way. If anyone has anything else to add, help a sister out! Comment your advice below.
1. One box at a time
There’s a paralysing feeling when you know you need to start packing, but everywhere you look, you see things that need to be dealt with and don’t know where to start.
Really, it boils down to kitchen appliances, clothing and accessories, and chachkes (things you can’t leave behind).
The last category is things you can pack straight away. Open up all the drawers and cupboards and dump what you don’t need straight into a bin bag. Another bag should be for donating or giving away if you can, and the rest put into a suitcase. It doesn’t have to be neat; it just has to be there!
The next step is clothing, and separating what you’re going to need before you move and what you can pack away until you get there. Personally, I found this the hardest. A fun tip is to turn your music up, set a timer for 30 minutes, and get going. Again, just dump it into the suitcase. Folding and organising is a separate task. If you can though, you could be organising what’s needed now or later while you hand your husband the things to fold into the suitcase.
Do the same thing with kitchen appliances. Remember to wrap anything breakable in bubble wrap and secure it with strong packing tape. Spread the heavy items between suitcases so nothing is too heavy.
In the two days before the move, pack a suitcase as if you were going away for a regular week or Shabbos. It should hold the last things you’ll need before the move: makeup, favourite outfits, medication, toothbrushes, jewellery and pyjamas.
This is the important suitcase. It’s the first one you’ll open when you arrive, so add your bedding and two towels too.
The last thing you’ll do is go through the apartment, binning what you don’t need and collecting what you do, until it’s empty. I found this part super stressful because everything felt so messy but honestly, you just have to get through it and remember it’s part of it. If everything is messy and things are flying everywhere, and you’re on the verge of tears (if you’re not already), you’re 100% on track. Sending you a hug!
2. Fresh start
Home sweet home, you’ve arrived at your new place.
Unpacking takes time. Getting used to a new country, a new environment and everything else takes even longer. It’s going to be hard. Don’t put yourself down if you feel so behind that there are still suitcases to unpack or if you’re still crying every two minutes. You’re in a new place, you miss your home, and you’re not comfortable in your new bed yet. It’s a lot.
The first thing you’re going to want to do is open your ‘first day suitcase’. Take out your towels, have a shower and change into something comfortable. I promise you’ll feel a million times better. Make the beds straight away so you can go to sleep or have a nap.
You don’t need to unpack anything on your first day. Take it easy and get to know your new surroundings. You have everything you need in that first suitcase.
3. Shop till you drop!
Or not. That first shop knocked me out. I didn’t know what I needed; it just felt like everything. Here’s a list of some essentials, but remember, you’ll be going to the shop a million more times! If I could shout one thing from the rooftops, it would be this: you’re going to spend a lot more than you think on essentials. I was not expecting this!
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Tissues
- Painkillers (if you don’t have any with you, you do not want to be in an unfamiliar place with a splitting headache and no way to stop it!)
- Hand soap
- Washing-up liquid
- Sponges
- Antibacterial cleaner
- Antibacterial wipes (you’re going to want to wipe down any dusty surfaces and this is the easiest way)
- Bin bags
- Hangers (you’re going to need so many hangers)
- Drinks
- Plastic cups
- Plastic plates
- Plastic cutlery
- Two pots if you didn’t bring any with you (you’re going to need supper)
- Snacks
- Rice
- Pasta
- Spoons (for serving, mixing, etc.)
- Laundry detergent
- Schnitzel pieces (or order take out for the first night, or even the next two or three; it’s worth it. Buy the schnitzel now so you don’t have to think about supper tomorrow.)
4. You can do this.
I was not expecting moving to be so hard. Like I said before, it’s physically and emotionally draining and I cried a lot.
Whether you’re drowning in packing, or feeling so lost and out of place in your new home, remember you will get there. It takes everything out of you but one day, I PROMISE! It will feel like home.
Keep treating yourself (or ask your husband to!). Honestly, it’s essential. Little pick me ups will take you far. Take it easy on yourself! You’re doing something really overwhelming and very grown-up even if you feel like you’re a little kid and your mother should be telling you it’s time for bed.
On that note, it’s time for bed. Go to sleep. You’ve got this.
Love,
Your big sister
