OCU 19: Moving

Moving is overwhelming—packing every single thing feels like climbing a mountain. But instead of trying to conquer it all in one frantic weekend, think of it like reading a long book: tackle it in small chunks. Spend just 20 minutes or focus on one drawer at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be done without the stress meltdown.

Use the trusty Reduce, Arrange, Maintain method: pare down what you really need, pack thoughtfully so unpacking makes sense, and keep everything organized throughout the process. Start early if you can—out-of-season clothes and toys your kids have outgrown are perfect first steps. And don’t forget to pack those “open me first” boxes with essentials like snacks, toiletries, and scissors—because you’ll definitely want easy access on day one at the new place!

Pro tip: label everything clearly and put boxes in their new rooms right away. Future you will thank present you for the sanity-saving system!