Change is necessary and inevitable. Whether change is viewed as exciting or nerve wracking, chances are, it’s right around the corner. One of the most common forms of change is moving – from one house to another, from an apartment to a house, or from a house to a care facility of some sort. This summer was the summer for changing locations. Two of our four children moved and several other family members changed addresses as well. We helped physically move 3 times and were happy to be there to assist as much as our aging bodies allowed. Though the heat was not preferable, we never had rain on a moving day, and we ran with that victory (or more like barely jogged – it was HOT, remember?). 

  I was blessed to stay in one house until almost graduating from college. I made memories with my family, neighbors, local businesses owners, our mail lady, and our librarian. It was extremely emotional to learn that my parents were moving. My immediate reaction was tears and grief. It took a bit for me to find the excitement and positivity in this change. These feelings were honest and legitimate after spending over 20 years in one home. Saying goodbye was difficult. My Mom was thoughtful enough to video tape a tour of the house before she began packing and moving furniture. My sister and I were gifted this vhs tape at our first Christmas after the move. So many emotions were felt as we watched my mom walk through our “old” house as she spoke of the many memories created in each room. She understood our deep love for this structure that protected us from the elements as we grew from infancy to adulthood.  I am happy to say that the new house that my parents moved into has also provided a warm and happy environment and a is a place that my heart has grown to love, too.

In addition to emotional strain, moving is a huge mental strain as well. Sorting through belongings is a daunting task. Knowing that not everything should be brought along, the decisions must then be made to keep, donate or throw away. Some people have more of a struggle when it’s time to discard things, whether it’s clothing, decor or household items. Others attach emotional feelings depending on when the clothing was worn ( a child’s graduation), how the item was received (a wedding gift!) or who gave the framed picture over the fireplace (Grandma, who is no longer with us). The actual act of taking certain items to the donation place is also something that takes time. Take it from someone that has driven around for months with donations to Goodwill in her trunk – please tell me I’m not alone! Deciding what belongings must go is sometimes the easiest part.

Once in the new environment, another round of organizing and sorting begins. Which room should each item be placed? Where should the pictures be hung? How should the dishes and glasses be stored in the kitchen? What about all of the clothing that was moved? Is there enough storage or does a dresser need to be purchased and (ugh) put together in order to create enough space for everything? What about furniture placement, is there even room for all of your furniture from the old house? All of this on top of the fatigue from actually moving an entire house worth of things can be exhausting. And tempers can flare, or tears can flow, or both. The job does not end as soon as all of the things are moved – it’s actually just beginning.

My husband and I both found that after we helped several people move, we were itching to organize and downsize our own things. I came home and immediately cleaned out a few closets and cabinets. He went as far as looking for a new Ranch style home for us – I told him to slow his roll. No way do I want to have to move all of our belongings anytime soon – Lord, have MERCY. Somehow, we both caught the bug and felt like the winds of change were blowing. With our own children launching from the nest at such a rapid rate, we are enjoying the thought of changing some empty rooms around.in our own home. We are considering changing one room into an office and perhaps making one a guest room – it’s fun to even think about the changes. I guess all change isn’t so bad 🙂 All in all, moving like everything else in life can be a hassle or a great opportunity. It’s all about perspective. Looking for the positive – sometimes it’s harder to see the silver lining – keep looking!